Why would a person want to read your website content (or reread it for that matter)?

Did you know that the very structure...the construction...the design of a web page can influence whether you will go on to read it? Now, if you are a Pulitzer prize-winning author, or well-known TV personality, or have a public persona...then your web page construction may not be as important. But you and me...the structure will invite others to read our content...or it will not.

As a consumer of information, what "catches your eye" when you are reading a post?

When you open a magazine up at the hair stylist, or your Doctor's office, or your Dentist's office (ugh), what type of magazine article catches your eye? Is it the latest in-depth review article on Middle Eastern politics or perhaps a lighter article...well spaced...short paragraphed article with good visuals? The truth is, in today's "world of tweets", 140 character "chunks" of print is what people are used to. Let's review a few of the errors that are commonly made when writing content for web posts.

The 5 errors that are often made in creating content.

1) The paragraphs are too long:

There is a reason that Twitter limits text length to 140 characters. The attention span of people is very short-lived. You want to give your copy in "digestible" bites so break up a paragraph if it gets long and tedious. Let your reader "come up for breath" every 140 characters or so.

2) The font is boring or distracting:

It is common for any creator of content to bring their style of construction with them to their posting. If you are like me, with a science background, you like black and white print...lots of it. However, if you were into graphic arts you might have vivid colors and variable size fonts. Neither of those 2 styles is the best when constructing your post. People do best with undistracted, black or gray, medium font text.

3) There are no visuals used:

There is a reason that television is the number one medium for transmitting information...it attracts the senses. We are visual creatures first so...a few well placed, relevant visuals in a post will help capture your reader's attention. The depth and knowledge will come from your print copy but your visuals are the emotional capture that good posting should have.

4) There are no headlines used:

Headlines are useful to help you break up your copy as well as insert short summary lines throughout your post. In some cases, it will be the headlines only that will be read. If your reader just read your headlines would they get enough information to want to come back to your site and learn more? A well written headline would leave the reader wanting to come back for more.

5) Not writing in a conversational way:

I have real trouble in this area because of my medical training. I think in medical terms (and I like to show off too) so that my content is often too wordy and over-worded. Consider your copy as if you were having a conversation with a friend. Would you really be using a "higher english" if you were at Starbuck's with friends? Also, slang could be a distraction here too...don't use it too much.

Remember...content is king!

Writing readable content is your aim. You are not writing your content for you (you already like what you write) but for others. In order that your reader's can learn the amazing things you want to teach them about your niche (so that, just maybe, it will become their niche)they have to read your copy. Once you have a loyal following you will be able to monetize your credibility. In the end you will be financially secure and have a cadre of friends looking to receive your "niche nuggets". Now go ahead and write some posts:) (click here for more articles).