Tags |
|
|
Links |
|
|
Write You - Avoid These 5 Web Site Blunders!
It happens to all of us: the pressing personal problem or concern that takes center stage, leaving little energy or attention for anything else, including work. Examples are a family member’s prolonged illness or death, facing the prospect or reality of divorce. Although most of us are practiced at putting on the “game face” and getting on with work, events of this magnitude may make it difficult or impossible to manage that. Each person is, of cours
BLUNDER #3: Writing too formally.
Online readers expect a personal, upbeat tone. If you write like a bureaucrat, you risk turning off many users. Think ACTI
Engraved business cards appear luxurious and elegant. If you want to convey a sense of your company being head and shoulders above the competition, look into buying some engraved business cards. These cards will surely show your prospective clients that you care about everything–even the smallest details. Compared to your standard glossy card, these engraved business cards will do a great job in setting your business apart from the others. Not many busi
As president of a copywriting firm that writes and edits dozens of online projects a year, I've come across several common blunders that prevent effective communication via the Web. Here are my top five:
BLUNDER #1: Hiding who you are and what you do.
It's sad that many sites make it a challenge to figure out what they're about. Yes, it may be cool to have a giant dancing logo on your home page, but don't forget WHY your visitors are there: to learn what you can DO for them!
Be sure your home page includes a *short overview* that clearly and concisely describes what you have to offer. It's also a good idea to repeat your tagline or a short mission statement on *every page* of your site. Why? People can pop in and land on an inside page via a search engine/directory link that you may not be aware of. Make sure they know who you are right away.
BLUNDER #2: Writing for print.
Reading copy on a computer screen is different than reading printed text. We read online text more slowly, and we tend to scan rather than read because, visually, the words are harder to digest. Help your users find key words and concepts quickly by making your copy "scannable." Instead of intro paragraphs, use subheads. Use shorter sentences, paragraphs, and pages. Use bulleted lists. And use hyperlinks to give readers more info if they want it.
BLUNDER #3: Writing too formally.
Online readers expect a personal, upbeat tone. If you write like a bureaucrat, you risk turning off many users. Think ACTIV
A well-thought-out benefits package understands an employee's needs and also keeps in mind the employer's objectives. In prevailing market conditions, a competitive benefits package can serve as a nice recruitment tool and also act as an effective tool for employee retention.Basic benefit plans for employees include healthcare, retirement, holiday pay and paid vacation time. There are in-depth plans that cover things like flexible spending and da
BLUNDER #1: Hiding who you are and what you do.
It's sad that many sites make it a challenge to figure out what they're about. Yes, it may be cool to have a giant dancing logo on your home page, but don't forget WHY your visitors are there: to learn what you can DO for them!
Be sure your home page includes a *short overview* that clearly and concisely describes what you have to offer. It's also a good idea to repeat your tagline or a short mission statement on *every page* of your site. Why? People can pop in and land on an inside page via a search engine/directory link that you may not be aware of. Make sure they know who you are right away.
BLUNDER #2: Writing for print.
Reading copy on a computer screen is different than reading printed text. We read online text more slowly, and we tend to scan rather than read because, visually, the words are harder to digest. Help your users find key words and concepts quickly by making your copy "scannable." Instead of intro paragraphs, use subheads. Use shorter sentences, paragraphs, and pages. Use bulleted lists. And use hyperlinks to give readers more info if they want it.
BLUNDER #3: Writing too formally.
Online readers expect a personal, upbeat tone. If you write like a bureaucrat, you risk turning off many users. Think ACTI
Letters of Introduction can span a variety of professional topics. Very often, they introduce new team members to customers and clients, or they introduce new businesses to a targeted, specific market. In all cases, Introduction Letters are written to develop some sort of business relationship. These letters differ somewhat from traditional Sales letters in that they are used more to announce the a new business presence than to advertise. A Sales le
Be sure your home page includes a *short overview* that clearly and concisely describes what you have to offer. It's also a good idea to repeat your tagline or a short mission statement on *every page* of your site. Why? People can pop in and land on an inside page via a search engine/directory link that you may not be aware of. Make sure they know who you are right away.
BLUNDER #2: Writing for print.
Reading copy on a computer screen is different than reading printed text. We read online text more slowly, and we tend to scan rather than read because, visually, the words are harder to digest. Help your users find key words and concepts quickly by making your copy "scannable." Instead of intro paragraphs, use subheads. Use shorter sentences, paragraphs, and pages. Use bulleted lists. And use hyperlinks to give readers more info if they want it.
BLUNDER #3: Writing too formally.
Online readers expect a personal, upbeat tone. If you write like a bureaucrat, you risk turning off many users. Think ACTI
The invention of the Internet has changed the way in which we conduct business. We don’t always have to meet face to face or attend meetings or have lunch. We don’t even have to have the phone conversations that we had ten to fifteen years ago. Questions can be answered over email. Answers can be found by looking up a company’s web site. Our dealings are different these days. However, whether you communicate solely online or just part of the time,
BLUNDER #2: Writing for print.
Reading copy on a computer screen is different than reading printed text. We read online text more slowly, and we tend to scan rather than read because, visually, the words are harder to digest. Help your users find key words and concepts quickly by making your copy "scannable." Instead of intro paragraphs, use subheads. Use shorter sentences, paragraphs, and pages. Use bulleted lists. And use hyperlinks to give readers more info if they want it.
BLUNDER #3: Writing too formally.
Online readers expect a personal, upbeat tone. If you write like a bureaucrat, you risk turning off many users. Think ACTI
Key control, or more accurately the lack of key control is one of the biggest risks that businesses face.What is the risk?Imagine, you have fired a trusted employee, unknown to you that person had a spare key to your business, they come back after hours and steal business secrets, account lists, equipment or anything else of value. Would this scenario hurt your business?Even if the person turned in all of the keys they had been give
BLUNDER #3: Writing too formally.
Online readers expect a personal, upbeat tone. If you write like a bureaucrat, you risk turning off many users. Think ACTIVE voice rather than passive. (For example, instead of saying “the computer must be turned on” say “turn on the computer.”) Write to your customers like you'd talk to them, and nix any industry jargon they may not understand.
Interestingly, I occasionally see the opposite problem. For example, a respected law firm's site shouldn't shout excitedly at customers as in a sweepstakes offer. Ask yourself: "How do my customers like to be talked to?" and that's your answer.
BLUNDER #4: Designing cryptic navigation.
Unfortunately, many sites don't seem to be truly designed with the end user in mind. Consider why users are visiting your site, then turn those reasons into your main navigation choices. Try to limit them to 8 or less. Then, create sub-navigation within those choices. But if there's an especially popular page on your site, why not put a special direct link from the home page? For example, on the home page of our site, we keep a direct link to our latest article or information about new awards we’ve won.
BLUNDER #5: Making it difficult to contact you or place an order.
I recently visited the Web site of an acclaimed furniture manufacturer, and I was ready to order one of their renowned ergonomic chairs. I clicked around, found the chair I wanted, and then quickly grew irate. Not only couldn't I find where to order it online, I couldn't even find their phone number to call and order one
HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.writeyou.net/article/30139/writeyou-Avoid-These-5-Web-Site-Blunders.html">Avoid These 5 Web Site Blunders!</a>
BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.writeyou.net/article/30139/writeyou-Avoid-These-5-Web-Site-Blunders.html]Avoid These 5 Web Site Blunders![/url]
Related Articles:
Communicate With Customers - Their way
Reflections in the Glass Ceiling
Marketing Strategies for the Holiday Season
Bookmark it:
|