Though most web writers are well aware of the need to keep their copy short and succinct, it can sometimes be difficult to determine just how much information is enough, how much is too much, and how much is just right. Depending on your intended audience, combining brief overviews with comprehensive coverage is often the best strategy. The brief overviews come in the form of eye-catching headlines and sub-heads. The meat of the story must remain—but with fewer words than the same story in print.
Cutting Word Count without Cutting Value
While some writers may struggle to meet a designated word count many more find themselves consistently over the recommended word count. So how do you say everything you want to say while keeping your web content brief, crisp and informative? Write what you want to say then check the word count to determine how much editing is necessary. First take a critical look at your adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, pronouns and other descriptors to see what can be eliminated without sacrificing your content. Of course descriptors add color and depth to your writing, but in many cases some of them can be eliminated.
Next take a look at your copy for any redundancies such as using the phrase “past history.” Obviously history is in the past, so getting rid of the word “past” does not detract from the meaning. Also, it can be helpful to read your piece on a printed page rather than on your computer monitor. Many times seeing your words in print will help you see areas where you may have repeated yourself. Read each sentence with an eye toward ensuring it relates directly to your main theme or idea—you may be surprised at how many sentences are superfluous or do not relate.
When You Might Want a Longer Article
There is merit in the idea that in some cases, even on the Internet, a long article is the better choice. Think about who you are writing for when determining the perfect length. If you are writing for those who need a serious solution to a serious issue, then comprehensive coverage may be the better choice. On the other hand, if your goal is only to reach the largest amount of web readers possible, the better choice may be to focus on short content that is optimized for quick scanning. While it’s true that most web readers are in a hurry, many times they are looking for thorough research on a subject, and many times it’s impossible to be thorough and comprehensive in a short article.
Using Hypertext as a Solution to the Longer Article
The web offers you the ability to offer a short and long treatment for the same subject by offering short, simplified overviews with links to more in-depth pages. This approach allows you to give the hurried reader and the in-depth reader exactly what they need, while allowing the hurried reader to return when there is more time to find out more about your subject. Your ultimate goal is to offer your reader a value-filled experience and a solution to their problem or issue. Don’t simply assume that the only way to accomplish this task is through a very short article. Many times a longer article is exactly what your reader needs, or better still, combine the best of both worlds through the use of hypertext. Uppermost in your mind should be your reader’s needs. When you are able to thoroughly meet those needs, whether your article is short or long will be much less of a burning question and merely one piece of the overall formula for reaching web readers.
Tags: Lawyer Website Content
