How to write for the web? (part 1)
It may look, at a first glance, that it doesn’t really matter how you write, you just need to write. I don’t think that’s true, for both humans and the search engines you need to write well. While humans are, for now, better than the engines at spotting what’s a good content and what isn’t, I would put more emphasis on writing well. Thus, the following 10 tips from David OGILVY come in handy:
1. Read the Roman-Raphaelson book on writing. Read it three times.
2. Write the way you talk. Naturally.
3. Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.
4. Never use jargon words like reconceptualize, demassification, attitudinally, judgmentally. They are hallmarks of a pretentious ass.
5. Never write more than two pages on any subject.
6. Check your quotations.
7. Never send a letter or a memo on the day you write it. Read it aloud the next morning—and then edit it.
8. If it is something important, get a colleague to improve it.
9. Before you send your letter or your memo, make sure it is crystal clear what you want the recipient to do.
10. If you want ACTION, don’t write. Go and tell the guy what you want.
(source – 10 Tips on Writing from David Ogilvy – Brain Pickings)
Buy the book: Confessions of an Advertising Man.
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