Website Writing

Website writing, or writing website copy, can seem a daunting task. You may know your product well but when it comes to writing to sell, you draw a blank, get stuck, and don’t know how to proceed.

If you seek employment that you believe will make money and make you debt free, and you think the Internet is the way to go, you must create website copy that grabs interest and makes the viewer wish to purchase your product.

How easily they speak from the page

The simple words they use, everyday conversation

The thoroughness that a few choice words can convey about the product

My son, Dean, (that's him in the picture) sells on the Web. He knows a lot – really a lot – about many, many things and he’s exceptional at what he does.

His business websites are perfect examples of website writing. He’s always writing website copy and has numerous sites. Who better to analyze when learning about writing to sell.

On any of his sites, you come away with an informed view of his topic. He will always add more information, but the first page is a complete starting point, even if he is to enhance the subject later.

To begin analyzing Dean's writing, notice on this site Snowboarding and Gear how he introduces his topic.

He provides a little background information and since he’s talking sports, he talks about the season of such an activity. Then notice that the equipment is defined.

Something else that makes good copy is using some of the jargon appropriate to the topic, that is, without adding strange terminology that all viewers wouldn’t understand.

If it applies, make a list of the descriptive jargon appropriate for your topic and incorporate it into your copy.

Good copy includes:

Introduction

Background

Its everyday use, or specific use

Apply the same scrutiny of the website writing on Rock Climbing. While Dean knows rock climbing is one of the most strenuous sports, he introduces the physical aspect of the sport first.

In varying his information, he includes sections on Team Activity, Individual Styles—and there are some in rock climbing—and what you gain by participating in such activity.

Breaking away from sports, check out his website copy on Landscaping. He has found a great book on landscaping and informs his readers. He writes about the Formal and Informal art of landscaping.

Never be afraid to refer your viewers to good books about your topic. Referrals such as this shows a positive attitude about helping your viewer find what they need.

Humor is definitely allowed in website writing. While reading his Garages site, I had to smile at the introduction, which held my interest and made me smile. Then he goes on to talk about garage door types.

People searching for good garage door information will note that he says more information will be added. If they believe he knows what he’s talking about, they will bookmark the page and return.

When writing website copy, remember to open with information that holds your viewer’s interest. It’s an important function of writing to sell.

It is not always important to show your personality either. Remember that it’s the information, not personality, that a web surfer seeks. If you just happen to throw in a little humor, fine, but make it apropos and definitely light.

On Dean’s Countertops page he specifically addreses bamboo products and how you can build your own countertop. He talks about how they are made and styles available.

Good website writing helps the reader to feel at ease with a product and project.

On his Flow Meters page, he automatically knows that anyone seeking information on Flow Meters knows what they are. He begins this page talking to the person who knows. At the bottom is a complete list of types of Flow Meters.

When you know your audience, the position of the information in your copy should change to take that into consideration. You do not need to introduce a specialized item like Flow Meters to someone who already knows about them. But it is thoughtful that you list the various types and their usages.

This last page we’ll analyze is about Crohns Disease. As I said, my son knows lots about lots.

First, and most importantly, on any health related page you’ll need a...

Disclaimer

…as part of your website copy.

Then notice how the topic is broken up into sections. Where to break any website writing in sections is purely the choice of the person building their site. But notice that each section on this page has a definite purpose and makes it easier to absorb the critical information.

Make your pages orderly and easy to follow. Use short paragraphs, containing meaningful sentences.

Final Notes

If you study Dean’s pages, you will have great examples of informative website writing. If you're thinking about building a website similar to any of these,

Know your topic, do some research

Write brief and to the point

Website writing should never be filled with superfluous verbiage.

Have someone you trust edit your website copy, both before and after you post it.

The verbiage on some sites can be dry and ho-hum. Know your audience and speak to them intelligently, in a business-like manner – but again, a little light humor makes things fun to learn.

Website writing can be a simple task. In writing website copy, try to sound as if you’re in front of one person and speaking to them. Writing to sell is all about building rapport through words and website writing can be your powerful tool.

If you wish to have employment that will make money to help you become debt free, everything you put on your Web site must be the information viewers search for.

NOTE: These are some tips to get you started in website writing. Please notice that we did not get into how to build a website. We probably won’t in the future. What we wish to accomplish here is to educate about the writing aspect of writing website copy and writing to sell.

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