5 Differences Between Writing for Web and Writing for Print

Writing for print is different than writing for the web.

There is a huge difference between writing for the web and writing for printed articles. The sooner web writers figure this out, the better. Readers, their reasons for reading and what they read are very different online than they are in printed materials.

If you want to write for the web, you have to first forget ideas that were drilled into you about writing for print. The online reader is a different breed. They aren't ruled by proper grammar, sentence structure and flourishes of  descriptive writing or back story.

The key to being a successful writer online is to know what your target audience wants and give it to them. Check out the list of 5 differences below. You might have an "Aha" moment.

#5 -- Online Readers are actually "Online Scanners"

Rarely do they read word for word like a book or newspaper might be read. Accept this and embrace it in your writing by changing the style or format of your text on the page.

#4  -- Get to the point

While magazines and books can afford a flowery version, searchers online want to quickly verify your article or webpage has the information they are interested in.

#3  -- Use relevant images

This not only helps break up the text but a picture about your topic reinforces the idea the searcher is in the right place for information they seek.

#2  --  Make a promise...

with your title or headline and follow through in the body of the article or post. Trying to trick searchers will only hurt your credibility in the end.

#1 --  Use conversational writing whenever possible

The web is filled with people of different education levels and from different backgrounds. English composition writing takes time to read and write. Write like you are talking to a friend and everyone will understand the gist of your post or article.

Now, try an exercise. Pull up an article or post you've written. Check your writing against the differences listed. Rewrite the article (or parts of it) if necessary and re-publish it. See if your comments and/or traffic changes for the better...