Writing online is worlds away from writing a traditional book. Some differences. Online writing has to be…
- Quick to comprehend
- Easy to follow
- Short and snappy
Some Web writers seem to think that online writing can be casual, with no regard to correct grammar or spelling. It’s hard to find a Web site that doesn’t have at least one spelling mistake on the first page. Even harder to find one that overlooks elements of a clear style such as…
- Using parallel structure* for lists
- Trimming sentences to no more than 15-25 words
- Placing colons and semi-colons as needed
Keeping paragraphs short
- Keeping columns relatively narrow
- Using short words
- Preferring simple sentence structure
- Reducing the use of flat words such as “is,” “there,” and “but”
- Choosing active rather than passive verbs
- Writing to “you” and not about “me”
And so much more. Pretend that your Web reader is running down the street balancing a computer on one arm. You have to deliver your message between heartbeats. You can do it.
