Understanding Online Content
We will get to the guidelines soon, but first, I need to introduce you to the world of online content. Unless you have been living in a cave, you have read content online, and probably a lot of it.
What you may not have noticed are the differences between a blog post and an article for The Washington Post. By understanding online content you realize that you do not have to be a journalist to write it.
Purpose of Online Content
The purpose of online content is to convey information. People want answers to their questions, they need help with their problems, and they are seeking useful advice.
If you want to become a notable online writer, you must deliver what the readers want – help and information.
If you are a skilled writer with the ability to use clever turns of phrases, kudos to you. However, the determining factor when a reader chooses one content source over another is how well the writer communicates and the usefulness of the content.
Most readers are “skimmers.” When they are looking for tips or information online, they skim-read articles until they find what they are looking for. They don’t settle into reading as they would with a book or magazine.
Readers Are Looking for Answers
In fact, not everyone who reads online content is a “reader.” There are many who read very little; and rarely, if ever, read an entire book. They use the Internet to find solutions to their problems and answers to their questions.
Understanding online content should help you realize that you do not have to be the next Ernest Hemingway to produce valuable content for your online readers.
Let go of your fear and beginning writing today!
Next time we will discuss: Guidelines for Writing High-Quality Online Content.
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