Writing for the web and writing for a magazine are two very different animals. If you are just getting started with web writing here are a few simples tips to stay on the right track.
Voice
Never use a passive voice. Active voice takes precedent on the web.
Keep Up with Relevant Topics
The web is a quick and easy way for people to do research or learn about news. Make sure that you articles are relevant and keeping up with the latest trends. If information changes or advancements in technology are made, make sure to update your content or write a new article.
Write Often
In addition to your paid assignments, it is good to work on your craft in the forms of a personal blog or webpage. This will help to keep your writing skills fresh and improve your grammar.
Learn about SEO
Search engines love content. If you want your articles to rank high in Google and Yahoo then writing with search engine optimization in mind is key. Study up on SEO and make your content keyword rich.
Don’t write a Novel
Try to keep your web writings to 700 words or less. Anything else is too long. Readers lose interest quickly if content is too wordy. Keep things concise and interesting.
Use Lists
Don’t be afraid to use lists to break down important topics or steps. Looking at a list is easier for users than weeding through a paragraph to pull out instructions. This works well for recipes and how to articles.
Use Links
Link your article to other relevant places on the web where users can find more information. If you are writing for a content company, link to other articles from that company. If you are writing on your own personal site, link to other sites that you enjoy and maybe those site owners will link back.
