Drafting Effective Web Copy - Words That Sell
There is bound to be a time when every business will have a low ranking. The precise cause may not be known, but a solution is available. With some effort, any website can be transformed back into the traffic generating machine that it once was. With a little knowledge of how search engines function and by using the right keywords, the damage can be repaired.
To keep with the times, businesses need a web copy writer on board that is highly experienced in SEO (Search Engine Optimized) keywords. If you're creative enough, you can take a stab at it yourself. Use caution though, you want the content to be rich in keywords but not overpowering.
Some tips to remember are:
- First, whatever you already know about writing, forget.
- Web copy needs to be written in a conversational style so fragments and sentences ending in prepositions are fine.
- Use a font that isn't an eye sore. Most webmasters use Times New Roman, Arial, or Verdana. Finally, keep content flowing.
Search Engine Optimization Friendly
The rule of thumb when writing SEO web copy is, "less is nearly always more." Since most Internet surfers scan over the content on a website for important points, it makes sense to keep your paragraphs short and direct. Toss out the fancy phrases that make you sound like a snob. Stick to the basic command of the English Language.
Headings:~6 to 8 words
Sentences:~15 to 20 words
Paragraphs:~no less then 3 lines, no more then 5 lines Web page word count: 350 words
The keyword problem seems like an unending vicious cycle that can make you ill at times. What are keywords anyway?
Who uses these keywords and what search engines would it be best for me to use. And on, and on....
Google or Yahoo (search engines) use the text (keyword/ keyword phrase) typed in the search box to locate websites.
For instance, if you're looking for a maid, you would type the words "maid service", "maid", or "housecleaner" in the search engine. The search engine then finds all of the websites associated with that word. Keyword positioning on your web page will determine how fast the search engines locate your site.
Before you begin, carefully create words that are associated with the product or service you sell. Keywords and keyword phrases should be realistic. A true web copy writer can weave the words and phrases into the web page content easily.
You need to make your home page the focal point. Headings should have no fewer than 6 words but not exceed 8. Make sure your keywords appear in the heading but make sense doing so to increase your odds.
Remember, the home page is just a glorified sales letter so you want the copy to flow but get straight to the point. A conversational tone is important here so write just like you were talking with an old friend. Still, be sure that the content has those keywords placed throughout it so that the information still flows.
Common Errors
It takes a lot of time and practice to craft seo friendly web copy. Many writers will start writing seo articles without a clear understanding of the nature of keywords and how they are used by search engines. It is common for beginners to concentrate too much on the keywords and they wind up with unreadable copy that ultimately drives surfers away.
Remember to write about the benefits as opposed to the features of the products or services you sell. People always want to know what is in it for them if they choose to buy from you so focus content on this objective.
Always remember to edit your copy because things like grammatical or spelling errors make you seem unprofessional.
It is a good idea to have someone else look over your work.
Remember, web copy is merely a serious of informative pages.
Each page on your website invites the visitor to go one step further. Ultimately, you hope they will purchase your product or service. But if search engines are not reaching you, you'll never have the opportunity to introduce potential customers to the benefits.
About the author: Nyall Bakk is the chief writer at Advertising WorldWide it's one of the webs most up to date Business sites, while you're there sign up for the free newsletter.
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