The Echidna Team Blog

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Online Content: What makes it great?

Wednesday, February 01, 2012 at 10:12 am by Erin | 3 Comment(s)

We’ve previously talked about your online content and how getting started is tough. Whether you’re writing for the web, social media or you’re writing a 20-page report, writing is not always an easy task.

Bulleted lists, proper use of headings and the motto “less is always more on the web” will help you write good content, but what takes your online content from good to GREAT?

Here are a few tips from our team to you:

  • Your content should have a CLEAR PUROPOSE. Ask yourself; why am I writing this content in the first place? Will it benefit my readers and target audience? If you don’t have a clear purpose and can’t support the rationale for why you’re adding ‘that’ page to the website – don’t add it!
  • Your content should be ACTION-ORIENTED. What is a user supposed to do after they’ve read the content on your homepage? Don’t leave your user hanging. Use descriptive text like “Need more information? Connect with me @erinbrinen!” OR “Take our Free 15-Minute Survey”.
  • Your content should be ENGAGING. Allow your visitors to comment and participate in the conversation. Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Leave comments turned on and consider adding a 5-star rating tool, or the Facebook “Like” button to your blog for quick and easy user feedback.
  • Your content should be UPDATED. There is nothing worse than landing on a website and noticing that the blog or events calendar hasn’t been updated for months. Keep your content current and up to date. And remember, if you don’t have the internal resources to update your website content – a static brochure website can be okay too.

What are some of your tips, tricks and advice for writing great online content?

 

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Reader Comments

Thursday, February 02, 2012 at 9:28 am by Rita Marshall

Great points. I would add:

- whenever you get an idea, bank it somewhere (Evernote or One Note)

- sketch out an editorial calendar

Doing both of the above keeps people from panicking over having "nothing to write" and slapping up something last minute.

Thursday, February 02, 2012 at 9:37 am by Erin

Hi Rita! I 100% agree. A content creation schedule is a great way to keep your organization on track and will help to keep your website up-to-date with new content on a consistent basis. Banking your content is a great tip as well. When you have some extra time, write a few extra blogs or news stories that can be posted for weeks to come. Thanks for the comment!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 6:56 am by Chelsea Preet

Very meaningful topic. I agree that unique content makes great in proper way. I like this excellent bit really informative and educative though. In this issue I write up online content unique which makes better. Thanks!

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