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How to Create Content for your Website

By Alex Woods on November 09, 2011

There are two types of copy. There’s the sort that really stands out, instantly attracting the audience, and there’s the other kind – boring, mundane and average. 

 

When creating your website, you definitely want to avoid the latter. Having good content on your site will benefit you in more ways than one. Aside from the obvious, which is that it looks great on your site, it will also enable visitors to find your website easier through search engine results if you talk coherently on your chosen topic. 

Once they’ve landed on your page, your content should make them want to stay whilst also encouraging them to return. Although it is extremely important to focus on design, it’s equally as important to make sure your copy is up to scratch.

How to create content for your website

If you’re sat there thinking that’s all much easier said than done, then read on for BaseKit’s tried and tested tips…

A heading that stands out

This is an important aspect to consider when writing good copy. The headline is the main component that is going to grab your reader. When they’re scanning down the page, they’ll want to see something that will attract their attention and make them want to read on. The heading could be a bold statement or a question. For example, while you’re reading this, you’ve probably already had a quick scan through the headings to see what catches your eye. So, in the same way, create headlines that you think will entice your audience. Once you’ve drawn them in, they’ll be eager to continue reading.

Keep it simple

You want to make sure that your content is laid out coherently and is able to be processed easily. It’s very off-putting if your visitor is faced with a large chunk of text that they have to work at to digest. Be careful with punctuation. The inappropriate and overuse of capital letters and exclamation marks can make your website look tacky and poorly thought out.

Don’t try and show off with elaborate sentences and unnecessarily long words as it’ll just make your content harder to read and detract from the point you’re trying to make. Keep it concise, simple and to the topic. Use short and simple sentences. This will keep your reader engaged and prevent them from leaving your page.  Use bullet points if needed to make the text easier to follow. Write in a consistent tone and always keep your text flowing and natural.

Talk to your audience

You should write as if you are directly addressing your reader. Everything you write should be aimed at your audience and focused on what you think they want to hear. You’re going to want your reader to act upon reading your content so make it persuasive, interesting and conversational. Start paragraphs with provoking questions and then go on to answer them. Your content should be informative and tell your readers more about yourself or your company. The internet is now the number one source for information so readers will expect your content to be helpful.

While wrapped up in the virtual world, it’s easy to forget that you’re actually dealing with humans and emotions. Use positive words to form encouraging sentences that are going to directly appeal to your reader.

Have you checked it?

Make sure all your content is well proof-read and edited to a high standard. Get someone else to check it over with a fresh pair of eyes to make sure there are no mistakes. Errors will make your content look sloppy and therefore reflect badly on your website and professional status.

Keep it fresh

Keeping your content fresh and updated requires minimum effort and is something that needs to be done regularly. Set reminders to sit down and review your website making any necessary changes along the way. It looks really bad when there is outdated content on your site. For example, a Christmas menu that’s still on your homepage in June.

So, there you have it – all you need to know about creating effective copy for your website. Check out our examples to help you make your perfect website.

 

 

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