Writing for websites. Do you copy?

I've been asked to go and find out a bit about the art of web copy writing. It's a crucial part of any successful website. Read on for some interesting information about writing good copy for the web. 

Don't waffle, write snappy copy

Keep your words to a minimum, about half of what you'd write for a regular article.  These days it's hard to their attention for a few minutes so be concise. Paragraphs and sentences should be short yet get the message across. Try not to use too many big word either. Keep it simple. 

Scan a-head

Make pages easy to skim over. Break your info up with crackling headlines ad sub decks. Bulleted lists are useful too. Readers want to find what they want ASAP. This way the can lock in or quickly decide to go elsewhere if you don't have what their looking for. Use pictures to illustrate your point and break up the copy a bit. Remember to keep the info in easy to digest chunks. 

Write! Keep it informal 

A conversational style of writing will connect better with your readers. Relaxed yet informative is the way to go. Use an active voice to make the reader feel involved.  Easily-read copy can also help accessibility too. Screen readers will perform better. Try and throw in s few keywords too if possible.

The sweetest link

Hyperlinks are a great way to offer more information without adding to many words to your own pages. If you feel something needs a bit more explaining, just make a descriptive link. Make sure you you open in in another window of course. You don't want to make it hard for a user to get back to your site. Back linking makes your site more credible and is good for improving SEO. 

 Go on.. make your web copy crackle!