Writing for the Web: A New Age of Writing Skills
How the Web has Changed the English Language
The Internet has not only changed the way we learn, do business and live our lives…it has also changed the way we speak. The Internet has forever altered the English language now that people can say things like:
“I myspaced you about the concert last night.”
“I am going to blog about my trip south.”
“I can IM you my cell phone number before the meeting”
“If you need to sign up for the class just visit my web site address and get the registration form.”
Not only has the way we talk been affected but the way we write has also evolved. Writing for the web is a specific skill that needs to be developed and crafted, the same way academic writing, grant writing or technical writing are learned and practiced skills.
Writing for the Web: A Powerful Tool
It is amazing to consider that in just the last 10 years the power of the World Wide Web has brought great transformation to every industry. Most affected by the Internet have been the marketing, communications, sales, advertising and PR professions. We have been given this exceptional tool to help us
–reach our target markets
–communicate clearly and conveniently with our best customers
–provide simple and effective customer service practices
–make buying and selling easier than ever.
The key is: do we know how to use it? A tool is only valuable if we know the best, most efficient way to use it. A web site and the Internet are valuable to your business and worth the investment if you know how to employ them correctly. Writing for the web is becoming an increasingly important skill to have in almost any industry. Whether you are a small business owner, marketing professional, freelance writer, PR staff member or e-commerce store learning to write for the web will help you increase your bottom line online!
The Technology of Words
Search engines are an important part of website success. In order to achieve the results you want with an online presence, catering to the search engines and their demands is essential. Search engines are based on technology that even I don’t understand, but what we all know is that the technology search engines use is rooted in the power of words. I call this the technology of words. Here are the facts:
1. The Internet is full of text and content and the search engines judge this content as credible, visible and valuable or not.
2. This judgment affects your ranking and ranking affects the amount of attention you can get online.
3. Understanding how to write for the web, correctly use keyword terms and research the keywords and phrases popular with your target markets can make the difference between success and failure online.
In order to execute a feasible web site promotion and marketing plan or to achieve higher rankings with Google, Yahoo and MSN you must know how to write for the web and choose the keyword terms that will generate a qualified and large enough response. Once you begin with keyword writing as a cornerstone you will be able to add the rest of the necessary building blocks to solidify a strong web site marketing foundation. A strong foundation will lead to long term success.
For more information about keyword writing feel free to peruse our blog or consider attending our organic search marketing class in Raleigh on May 17th. Click here to find out more! I hoe to see you there!
Sarah Benoit
