web writing 101

Web Writing 101

A Presentation for the CARILEC CONFERENCE March 17, 2011 With

Danielle A. Jones

Who the hell am I? Danielle A. Jones, M.A. has helped develop web strategies for regional companies including her own. Included in her 10 years of communications experience are scholarly publications on text messaging, development & execution of a social media strategy attracting over 980,000 views in 30 days and driving content development for various websites including the 1stsocial media integrated web strategy for a local financial company.

What Can I Really Teach U About Web Writing In 20 Minutes?

• It’s not about you! – Writing is about the reader;

• Remind you that your work is dated: Current News/ Info/ Updates MAKE your website tick;

• Start Over: Relook your web strategy!

Web Writing 101

PREFACE• K.I.S.S. YOUR WORDS• Make your site(s) “Googlicious”• 69 your paragraphs! Be a tease• How to make your boss happy

Small can be powerful (especially 4 the web)

If Machiavellian = Evil Then…

freakin’ say evil

Web Writing 101 = LOGIC

Web Writing 101: K.I.S.S. Ur Words

Keep It Simple Silly:• Write for 12 year olds• Explain Jargon (consider links)• Use pictures instead of text

Pictures vs. Text Example

Web Writing 101 with Danielle A. Jones, M.A.

PREFACE• K.I.S.S. YOUR WORDS• 69 your paragraphs! • Make your site(s) “Googlicious”• How to make your boss happy

WEB WRITING 101: 69 Ur Paragraphs

Traditional Writing: Web Writing:

WEB WRITING 101: 69 Your Paragraphs = OK

• Headline• Conclusion: Hot lead • Paragraph 1 (blah)• Paragraph 2 (blah)• Etc. (never read)• Recap (there only 4 boss)

Web Writing 101 with Danielle A. Jones, M.A.

PREFACE• K.I.S.S. YOUR WORDS• 69 your paragraphs! • Make your site(s) “Googlicious”• How to make your boss happy

Powerful Web Writing Facts

• Users are impatient: 1 click and they're gone. Give them a reason to stay in seconds or lose them forever

• Long text = few readers

• Readers won’t believe you & will find counter evidence.

Electricity Isn’t Sexy???

Make Ur Site “Googlicious”

Use Keywords associated with your product/ service/ location

Know what words your visitors use when they think of you (and tag with those too)

Write <300 words

Use headings/ sub headings

What are the Keys to Your Site(s)

• Focus group customers• Ask your staff• Read the paper• Google Adwords…

Google SHOWS You the COMPETITION!

What are the obvious “keyword searches for your companies?”

A Look at the Best in (CARILEC) Class…

Using obvious search of “island” + “electricity:

VINLEC, T&TEC were 1st in Google results MOST were after tourism sites APUA required the word “in” to appear in 1st

five search results

Web Writing 101 with Danielle A. Jones, M.A.

PREFACE• K.I.S.S. YOUR WORDS• 69 your paragraphs! • Make your site(s) “Googlicious”• How to make your boss happy

But Do the Sites Remember to say…

USER Focused Website Test

Is site visually attractive? Do users QUICKLY know where to go to get info? Is it clear why users come to the site? Is it clear what the product being offered is? Is text easy to read?Would I visit this site again?

• Use this to evaluate some sites

Tips to Make Your Site User Focused

• Who is visiting you site?• What do they visit for?• When do they visit & want a information?• Where will they use the information/ are they

from?• Why will they come back?

• A look at a few CARILEC sites….

How to Make Your Boss Happy

• Have a measurement survey created & measure ROI!

• Work the #s – ensure they know # of visits etc

• Social Media: Blogging, Facebook & Twitter can ensure your company has a constant & ACCURATE voice

• Link to everyone in Carilec (& boost your Googlability)

• Learn to manage the site (CMS) without a 3rd party vendor to save costs

Web Writing 101: Did We Cover Everything?

• It’s not about you! – Writing is about the reader; Web User Check List

• Remind you that your work is dated: Current News/ Info/ Updates MAKE your website tick; APUA – Update time!

• Start Over: Relook your web strategy! Social media can improve image & accuracy of web information on your company. Include it!

CARILEC Web Writing 101

SUMMARY• K.I.S.S. YOUR WORDS• Make your site(s) “Googlicious”• 69 your paragraphs! Be a tease• Make your boss happy with measurement

(free resources)

FOLLOW UP?

• DANIJONES98@hotmail.com• Facebook: Danielle A. Jones• Twitter: danijones98• Blog: Communication Questions (

danijones98.wordpress.com )