Writing for the Web
Reading on a computer screen differs from the way people read print publications. Reading a computer screen causes more eye strain than reading something in print. Consequently, many people skim through online writing rather than reading every line.
By breaking up content into small paragraphs with headlines for each and using double spacing you can make it easier for people to read and prevent them from missing anything important to them.
Here are a few additional tips:
1. Use short sentences
2. Use ‘catch’ words and phrases
3. Avoid long, difficult words with many syllables. These are lost on many people, especially those whose first language isn’t English.
4. Get to the point right away
Spelling and Grammar
Readers judge you on many factors. Spelling and grammar is an important one. The more accurate your spelling and grammar is, the more professional you’ll look.
If you only use your SpellCheck feature a few mistakes will usually slip through the cracks. So take the time to proof read your finished product once or twice and look for any spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes. In doing this you’ll often find opportunities for toning up your writing and having it say the same thing in fewer words.
Style
Use a style that’s appropriate for your target audience. A formal, impersonal, grammatical style is suitable for some topics but isn’t very good for relationship building. So use a style that’s appropriate for the particular subject area you’re writing about. If it’s a sober area of real estate then write soberly. If you’re writing about mortgages then a formal, impersonal tone is best. If you’re writing about a new local condo development then a mixture of formality, chattiness and enthusiasm may be best.
Managing a website can be an interesting voyage of self-discovery and progressive learning about the real estate business. Be adventurous. Try out new ideas. Imitate models you find interesting and keep innovating. Also remember to keep abreast of what your readers want and don’t want by looking at their commentary on your articles along with your website stats.
Most sites grow by such trial and error methods. The winners are those who identify successful models and develop them while quickly eliminating any that fail.
An open mind to ideas and suggestions and a willingness to adapt to change are perhaps the best skills you can develop as a webmaster and a real estate professional.
