Content Development

Writing for the web can be challenging and rewarding, as content is the first thing a site visitor connects with. Web writing can be quite different from writing for print. Reading written literature and being in front of a screen, struggling to stay focused on a deluge of information are two vastly different experiences. On the web, you only have a split second to get your message across and to keep them there.

Most websites are created to sell something – a product, a service, an idea, a relationship – you name it. So it may be a good idea to fuse in your entrepreneurial spirit with your artistic side. Read up on writing for sales and marketing. Touch base a little on the values of creating brands and brand names. Doing so will prove to be good foundations that will help you stay ahead.

When you write for the web or even for brochures, you become an interpreter for the client, the audience, and the company. Know first what to write. When you ask the right questions, we know that you are inquisitive. You may be asked in turn how you properly conduct research, organize materials, and specially budget allotted time.

The ability to handle multiple projects is best desired. Practice shifting. When you tend to get stuck on one topic, move on to next, and come back for it later. So to help beef up on stock knowledge, spread out your reading interests.

If you are putting together a portfolio, make sure that most works are closely related to the industry of marketing and web. Now if you don't have any past work regarding business, sales and marketing, or the web, since you are a writer, indulge, and create a few. It may also be good exercise as you may discover firsthand a few things about writing for marketing. Convincing someone of an idea, selling an idea successfully through the written word, takes a lot of practice.

There is a ton of topics on the net preaching about search engine optimization techniques. But which one do you follow? Logically, those sites that garner good search results with what they preach are doing something right. If you have never encountered the term SEO before, now is a good time to look it up.

Always carry a notebook so you can jot down any creative lines that may come into mind. You may suddenly be tasked to write a few lines on the spot and having your notebook around can be helpful.

Another suggestion: To make things productive on both sides, find the opportunity to send in your portfolio prior to your interview. Going over a dozen pages on a busy day while waiting for any sign of reaction can be quite a daunting task. Not to mention imposing. Compile your portfolio in a light pdf format and have it sent by email with a nice cover letter in advance. Or if you prefer it printed, fasten them properly in a folder with a cover letter, seal it in an envelope, and drop it off personally-if you could, at the office. Call in a few days to follow up on your sample works. Don't forget to take down names.

Other than training yourself to be a creative sales person, good typing skills is highly required. There are affordable, if not free, typing tutorial software applications out there that you may want to explore. These may just be what you need to speed up your progress.