Writing for the web is different from writing for print. For one thing, your online audience’s attention span is a lot shorter. These readers typically scan articles instead of reading word for word; trying to get as much information in as little time as possible. So how do you make sure your content is compelling enough to keep readers on your page before they are lured elsewhere? Here are three quick tips that you can use for your website, newsletters, blogs, etc. Happy writing!

1. Keep it short and sweet. Try to limit yourself to about 600 words or one or two screens of content, with minimal scrolling. Trim your word count by writing shorter sentences, using abbreviations and varying the format, i.e., Q&As and lists.

2. Break it up. Bullet points, numbered lists, bolding and subheads draw the reader’s eye down the page. Use lists whenever possible. Many times lists are read first and the rest is ignored.

3. Link to other stuff. If you reference something on your own site or even on another’s site, link to it. Don’t make your reader search for information on your site. It doesn’t have to be a “click here” link either. Nowadays, everyone knows what hyperlinked text looks like and what it does.

These tips should get you started. Send your writing tips to amy@idesignssolutions.com.