Wrinkle-Free Website Content

Based on the many reader inquiries I’ve received, I’d like to address some of the more important points that can help iron out all the wrinkles when preparing to write website content. As I’ve said before, these are thoughts and opinions based strictly from a writer’s point of view. With that said, I must elaborate that you can have the most beautiful site ever created, but without interesting, exciting content that makes people take notice, your site will never realize the success you’re after. A web site with pretty graphics and the latest technology minus informative, well-written content is useless.

Consider that there are millions of other people on the net who are also attempting to influence visitors with their wares. Consequently, just because your site is beautiful doesn’t mean it can do well on the Internet. Contrary to popular belief, what the site says is far more important than how it looks. Good copy sells.

As an example, a recent visitor named Sharon at www.impulse-getaways.com wrote me asking for help with getting visitors to her site. When I reviewed the site, I found it well written and very attractive to the eye but a couple of things were missing. First the words didn’t grab my attention. There are probably thousands of people who would enjoy taking advantage of the service, but the copy doesn’t reflect the excitement of this type of business. When I visited subsequent pages such as the different lodges, I was more excited. If I were in the market for a trip to South Africa, I would be a bit more inclined towards using the services if the site content was more exciting. I recommended to Sharon that she reconsider the copy by making it more enticing.

In contrast, another visitor named Gordon at www.ballantineshotels.com offers a site that demonstrates what I’m suggesting. His resort focuses on a retro theme and his copy plus several good pictures demonstrate what his resort is all about. Although the hospitality industry has been suffering as of late, Gordon told me that his site attracts loads of visitors through the Internet. He mentioned that he asked a particular guest how he found the resort and the gentleman told him he found him via the Internet. When Gordon asked him why he chose to stay at the Vintage Palm Springs resort the guest replied, “Your high speed, well written site encouraged me.”

Another site that shares important facts and details in an effective way is from Catherine at www.hostelworld.com. Catherine wrote to ask me what I thought of her site which is a definitive travel guide offering tips on the best youth and international hostels, events and festivals including tours and activities worldwide. I found the site very well put together in addition to providing excellent information for those traveling around the world. Although there is not a lot of copy, one particular expression says it very well. “Use our secure online reservation service to guarantee there’s a bed waiting at your chosen destination.” I found that to be a friendly and encouraging way to get visitors to use their services.

In closing there are few important points to remember when writing content for your website.