How to Write Website Content

How to Write Website Content That Engages Your Readers

Your website is one of the most important tools you have for promoting your business. The content on your website needs to be well-written, engaging, and informative. It is the foundation upon which the website is built and it should be given careful consideration from the start. Visual Realm has been writing content for clients since 2005.

Content Writing Can Be a Struggle

Over the years we’ve noticed one of the biggest struggles for Clients building a new web site is determining the content. There is a fine line between wanting to say it all and saying nothing at all. Most clients would attribute this struggle to “Not being marketers” and not knowing how or where to start when taking on the often overwhelming task of writing content to fill up a web site.

The truth is content writing is time-consuming and for many, not an enjoyable task. Over the years I estimate over 90% of missed deadlines come from content writer’s block.

The good news is, you don’t have to be a “Marketing Executive” to write content. In this post I will give you some tips and tricks as well as some questions to ask yourself when writing content for your web site. My hope is that this sparks some ideas and makes the task a little easier and more enjoyable when writing for your site.

Static Content Vs Dynamic content

Website content can be broadly divided into two categories: static content and dynamic content.

Static content is the more basic type of content and includes things like contact information, company history, and product descriptions.

Dynamic content, on the other hand, is more interactive and engaging, and can include things like blog posts, video tutorials, and customer testimonials.

While both types of content have their place, it is generally advisable to start with static content and then add dynamic content as the website develops. This will give website visitors a solid foundation to work with and will help to ensure that they keep coming back for more.

Steps For Writing Content

Here are some tips on how to write website content that will capture your readers’ attention and keep them coming back for more. Content writing is an integral part of all aspects of on page and local SEO.

1. Know your audience.

The first step in writing website content is to know who your target audience is. What are their interests? What information do they need from you? Once you know who you’re writing for, you can tailor your content to meet their needs.

2. Keep it simple.

The average attention span of a web user is only a few seconds, so it’s important to make your point quickly and clearly. Use short paragraphs and simple language to get your point across without losing your readers’ attention.

3. Be focused.

When writing website content, it’s important to stay focused on the topic at hand. Don’t try to cram too much information into one page; instead, focus on one thing and cover it thoroughly. Your readers will appreciate the clarity and will be more likely to come back for more information in the future.

4. Use strong headlines.

Your headlines are often the first thing readers will see, so make sure they’re eye-catching and informative. Avoid using generic phrases like “Welcome to our website” or “About Our Company”; instead, use something that will grab readers’ attention and make them want to learn more about what you have to offer. This is a great approach for Facebook marketing too.

5. Use visuals wisely.

Images, videos, and infographics can be a great way to break up text and add visual interest to your website content. However, don’t go overboard; too many visuals can be distracting and take away from the message you’re trying to convey. Use visuals sparingly and make sure they complement the text rather than compete with it for attention.

Visuals are also a great way to break up text and add visual interest! Just make sure not go overboard as too many visuals can be quite distracting!

Start Writing As Soon As You Commission Your New Site

Why wait? Nothing good will come from waiting. You know will eventually need to write it, so start early.

If you start writing content the day you decide to commission a website you will eliminate stress and missed deadlines down the road.

Client Rebutal: I don’t know what pages will be on my site, therefore I can’t write content.

The former part of this statement is true. Before a site map is given or decided upon, most customers aren’t sure how the site will function.

Here is the bottom line, you do know the basic aspects of the site and you definitely know enough to outline your thoughts. Most sites follow the same contextual format. You will probably have a home page (with text) an About Us (with text) and and explanation of your products or services.

This is where you can start. Even if you are unsure of where it will ultimately end up on your site, you know it will be there.

As I said above, the best time to start is when you are considering a new web site. This gives you time to think about your content, outline what you want to say, and revise/add to it. The best way to tackle this task is to give yourself goals. Some clients will write a page a day (maybe in the mornings or evenings when you are uninterrupted) others will do it by the week etc.

Don’t Push Content Writing Off On Someone Else

THIS IS IMPORTANT! If you don’t get anything else from this post, please remember this. The tendency when considering content for a new web site is to push the text off on someone else, or even worse, copy it from the internet (this of course is illegal).

Who better to write about your company than you? Seems legit right?

You are the expert, you understand the ins and outs of the business as well as and most importantly, YOU have the most invested. Think of it this way, who would you want selling your product or service to the biggest client/investor you can imagine? [Your answer Here ] is who should be writing your content.

Tips For Writing Website Content

1. Why are you building this web site?

I know this seems like a silly question, but it’s important to ask yourself. If you can get to the real reason, not just that everyone has one so I need one too excuse, it will help outline the main content of your site.

2. If you could tell a potential customer/investor about your company what would you say?

It’s time to brag! Why should people use you, trust you, why are you the best?

3. If someone walked through the door of your business and asked what do you do, what would you tell them?

If you can’t answer this, find someone who can stat! This is the information that should be on your home page as well as products, services, about etc.

4. What product or service is most important to you?

Usually this is the product that makes you the most money, but some sites are not about making money so we wanted to include you as well in this question. This is the product or service you should highlight in your main breadcrumbs. Whether it’s your home page slider or stuff in your sidebars. This will help get customers to click through to the most important page on your site.

5. What products, services, or information are secondarily important to you?

This information will be highlighted on your side bars or other breadcrumbs on the home page. This will increase the click throughs to other important pages on your site.

By following these tips, you can write website content that engages your readers and keeps them coming back for more. Keep your audience in mind, focus on quality over quantity, use strong headlines, and use visuals wisely, and you’ll be well on your way to creating content that drives results for your business.