Is
Grammar Important in Writing Web
Copy ?
The Facets of
Internet Content Writing
Do you use proper
English grammar when you write copy for the web?
Or, do you use writing the same as when you send
text messages or email?
This piece is all about
website copy
writing grammar and I
hope it will help you in writing presentable
Internet pages. It was
once said that no one ever erected a statue to a
critic which leads into the topic of this web
copywriting topic. There are times when writing can
inspire such strong emotions that you find yourself
becoming critical or overly clever.
While it may sound or look
good to you and a few people who know you, it may
not always have the same kind of reception with the
rest of your audience.
How do You "Sound" When
You Write?
By using a tone of writing
carelessly, you might not get the kind of results
you want. Here are reasons why you should avoid
being clever and critical just to write copy and
how to improve your writing instead:
The Clever and Arrogant
Internet Writer
You've probably come across
writers who try too hard to impress their audience.
You will agree that they often seem condescending
and annoying. The reader's usual reaction is often,
'What, does this writer think I'm dumb?'
By being too clever, you'll
alienate your audience, who won't be too pleased at
being subjected to a write-up that seems to
insinuate that they are ignorant. Instead, speak to
them the way you would to a respected colleague and
don't simply assume that you know
better.
Criticize Everything but
Yourself
There are writing styles and
topics that call for a writer to use a critical
tone. Satire, for example, is very often critical.
However, really great writers still manage to
inject good humor into the writing, which is
actually a sign of genuine talent.
When writing reviews, for
example, you also need to be critical in order to
inform the reader the positive and negative points
of the person, event or product being reviewed.
Being critical could be harsh but if you can phrase
your sentences well, your write-up will be easier
and more fun to read.
Shakespeare Told the Obvious
Story - So Should You in Your Web Page
Copy
No, it's not about iambic
pentameters and rhymes but being able to state the
obvious without doing so.
Instead of confronting the
issue upfront by being clever and critical, find
ways to describe, illustrate, critique or opine.
You can add words, take out a
few, use metaphors and other uses of the language.
The key here is to produce a well-written piece.
Just don't overdo it, though or people will know
you're trying to be clever.
Be a Web Copywriter - Not
a Jerk!
You don't have to be
offensive just so people will know that you have
something to say. Sometimes, writers can't help
using strong language when trying to be critical
about something. Some writers may even use strong
language in the hopes of preventing boredom in
their readers.
However, this type of writing
for the web often backfires since not everyone is
appreciative of language used only in B action
movies and street fights. If you use strong
language out of context, your readers might think
that you are either trying to be clever or being
overly critical.
Increase Your Word
Power
Instead of falling into this
trap, turn to useful references such as a
dictionary or a thesaurus for better alternatives.
You'd be surprised at how well you can write copy
that expresses exactly what you want to say using
well-chosen words. You'll gain more respect for it.
There is a free
book available
which will cover this subject more. You can
download
it here.
Make It Funny Copy Instead
of Critical
Instead of being clever and
critical when writing copy, consider appealing to
your readers' funny side. Some of the best writing
ever produced used humor to express opinions and
ideas even about the most serious of topics. Doing
so will allow you to explore a different aspect of
your subject and to offer your readers a means to
see things in a different light.
Now that you know more about
what to do in web
design writing and
what NOT to do, get started in making your
online presence a joy for readers and keep them
coming back time after time. After all, your main
reason for writing web copy is to get and keep more
visitors, right?
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