Monday, September 12, 2011

Website & Social Media Copy Writing - MUST GET IT RIGHT!

Copy writing for a website, social media post, PPC ad - any online communication - is different than print copy writing. When you think about, even good copy writing for print marketing materials or advertising uses a different style than what is used for business reports, letters, books, manuals, etc. However, it seems like the concept of using a different type of writing for online communications is a difficult concept for many to embrace.

Web copy writing is not an excuse for poor writing but is an effective style that better fits the medium and audience.

Numerous reliable studies have indicated that web users read online content much differently than print copy (requiring a different writing style for an improved user experience) :
  • Web readers jump around the web page scanning for specific bits of information - all within just a few seconds.
  • Print readers typically spend more time with content as they read word-for-word, in a linear fashion. Even if you've written a masterpiece, Web readers are an impatient lot who can be turned off by tons of content. 

And, I haven't even touched on the SEO reasons for correct online copy writing. That will have to be for another day.

Just remember that online copy writing can be very powerful or very destructive. My advice:  hire a professional!

Carole