Avoiding the On-Line Version of Glazed Eyes Syndrome - Writing for the Web - Part II

It's a fact. There is nothing more appealing to us than to know that we matter to others.

When you meet a new person for the first time, do your eyes glaze over and your ears stop hearing them when all they can do is to go on and on about themselves? You want them to hear about you as well – a give and take of conversation. Well, it's exactly the same on-line. If your Home Page isn't focused totally on who your site visitor is, what their concerns and needs are, then they will do the on-line equivalent of the “glazed eyes” which is, to click-off your site and go elsewhere – where they are more appreciated and their concerns heard.

So first up, in order to provide your on-line visitor with an experience that makes them feel heard and appreciated, you need to clearly understand who your visitor is – the whole demographic package. Once you have this crucial piece of information you can use that as the foundation for your writing.

The content of your writing will be totally different if your primary audience is 20 years old, male and going to College verses 45 years old, female and working in a corporate job.

Next time we'll discuss some more about “walking a mile in their shoes” and how that can really make your writing sing.

Sue Elliott
Web Site Content Writer

Writing for Your Website Front Page - It's Not About You

One of the most important things you can do to improve the content of your Front Page is to ask yourself this question. “Does this page address the concerns and needs of my Site visitor?”

If the content of your Front Page is all about your qualifications, experience and education, the answer is “No”.

If the content is all about how great your company is – then the answer is “No”.

If the content is all about how great a consultant you are....well, you get the picture.

You have spent an incredible amount of time, money and energy getting your web site visitors to your site, please don't immediately turn them off with “how great we are” content. This will result in a quick click off. Your visitors have a particular need or problem that they feel your website may address, otherwise they wouldn't be there. There is, of course, a place for how great you and your company are on your website - it just isn't on the Front Page.

Give them what they crave – the answer to what they are seeking.

I'll be blogging on tips for better content writing a couple of times a month. So next time we'll talk some more about giving your site visitors what they crave.