How to people find you on the Internet? Through words, of course, and as such, carefully chosen words and keywords will determine your sites' rankings on search engines and will pull visitors to your opportunity. Once they're pounding on your website door, how do you keep their attention and ultimately get the cash register to go 'cha ching?' Again, through the right choice of words. You see, words prompt people to think, consider the options, decide and then take appropriate action. You're hoping for a click on your payment button; not one that finds the prospective buyer gone for good. Your web content must be believable and sincere or you may drive visitors out like golf balls! Be credible. Many sites employ the overzealous "wow," "never before" exaggerations. Unless backed by research or documented evidence, most visitors will feel the claims are untrue. How would they trust you with their money? Heed this advice when it comes to your promotions and your website: Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS). When writing, good golly don't think that you're Shakespeare! Use shorter words, sentences and paragraphs. Only one (1) idea per paragraph and utilize the inverted pyramid style of writing by placing the most important point or the conclusion first...NOT last! Also, objective language will foster credibility rather than overly promotional hype which tends to show a pushy disposition. You need meaningful and/or clever headlines to grab the visitors attention. Your site is not a used car lot; get over it! Please remember that writing might be fundamental, but it's also hard work. Reading from a computer screen easily tires your eyes. People read a good 25% slower on the web than they read print material. That's why web content must be shorter than print. Studies also show that over three quarters of readers on the web tend to skim text rather than hang on every word. Highlighted text or bullets aid scanning. Web readers also do not have the patience of Job and detest obscure and complex text. You have less than ten seconds to grab their attention; less than a minute to develop an understanding of your product or service, so the best bet is to put the most vital information at the top. In an average day, individuals suffer from information overload several times. On your website or in your promos, offer the information in tiny servings which are easily digestible...that again means shorter words, sentences and paragraphs. Save your 50-cent words for your autobiography or eBook. When it comes to your business opportunity and, therefore, your website, think of the Weekly Reader back in school. The simpler, the better. |
