{"id":15598,"date":"2010-09-30T22:24:09","date_gmt":"2010-09-30T16:54:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=15598"},"modified":"2026-10-13T13:38:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T08:08:57","slug":"how-to-write-content-for-web","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write Content for the Web: 12 Tips People Actually Read (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>People don&#8217;t read web pages the way they read a book or newspaper. They scan, skim and leave within seconds if a page looks hard work. These tips show you <strong>how to write content for the web<\/strong> that people actually read. Guest author Cherie M., a writer at a Denver design studio, shared the original nine tips in 2010. In 2026, with most reading done on phones and AI summaries competing for attention, clear web writing matters even more.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-64316\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/write-content-for-the-web-1024x538.webp\" alt=\"How to write content for the web\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/write-content-for-the-web-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/write-content-for-the-web-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/write-content-for-the-web-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/write-content-for-the-web-768x403.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/write-content-for-the-web.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Put the most important information first, write in a friendly, conversational tone, use short paragraphs and descriptive headings, add lists and visuals, use plain language, make links descriptive, keep your style consistent, write for people before search engines, and proofread everything, including buttons and menus.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6af1ca067de73\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6af1ca067de73\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#12_tips_to_write_great_content_for_the_web\" >12 tips to write great content for the web<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#1_Put_the_answer_first\" >1. Put the answer first<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#2_Write_conversationally\" >2. Write conversationally<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#3_Use_short_paragraphs\" >3. Use short paragraphs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#4_Add_clear_headings\" >4. Add clear headings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#5_Use_lists_tables_and_visuals\" >5. Use lists, tables and visuals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#6_Use_plain_language\" >6. Use plain language<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#7_Match_length_to_the_task\" >7. Match length to the task<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#8_Make_links_meaningful\" >8. Make links meaningful<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#9_Keep_your_style_consistent\" >9. Keep your style consistent<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#10_Write_for_people_first_search_second\" >10. Write for people first, search second<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#11_Design_for_mobile\" >11. Design for mobile<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#12_Proofread_everything\" >12. Proofread everything<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#Web_writing_checklist\" >Web writing checklist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#How_is_writing_for_the_web_different_from_print\" >How is writing for the web different from print?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#How_long_should_web_content_be\" >How long should web content be?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/09\/how-to-write-content-for-web\/#Should_I_write_for_SEO_or_for_readers\" >Should I write for SEO or for readers?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_tips_to_write_great_content_for_the_web\"><\/span>12 tips to write great content for the web<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Put_the_answer_first\"><\/span>1. Put the answer first<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Use the &#8220;inverted pyramid&#8221;: start with the key point or answer, then add detail. Many visitors read only the first few lines.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Write_conversationally\"><\/span>2. Write conversationally<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Write as if you&#8217;re talking to one reader. Use &#8220;you&#8221;, short sentences and active verbs, while keeping the tone right for your brand. A law firm shouldn&#8217;t sound like a teenage blog.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Use_short_paragraphs\"><\/span>3. Use short paragraphs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A wall of text sends people away. Keep paragraphs to two to four sentences, and start a new one for each idea.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Add_clear_headings\"><\/span>4. Add clear headings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Descriptive H2 and H3 headings let readers jump to what they need and help search engines understand your page.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Use_lists_tables_and_visuals\"><\/span>5. Use lists, tables and visuals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Steps, comparisons and key facts are easier to scan as bullet points, numbered lists or tables. Images and screenshots break up text and explain things faster.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Use_plain_language\"><\/span>6. Use plain language<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Avoid jargon or explain it. Aim for words a 12-year-old would understand; experts appreciate clarity too.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Match_length_to_the_task\"><\/span>7. Match length to the task<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The old rule of 300 to 500 words per page doesn&#8217;t fit everything. A quick answer can be short; a complete guide can be long, as long as every section earns its place and is easy to navigate.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Make_links_meaningful\"><\/span>8. Make links meaningful<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Use link text that says where the link goes (&#8220;compare hosting plans&#8221;), not &#8220;click here&#8221;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Keep_your_style_consistent\"><\/span>9. Keep your style consistent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Use the same terms, capitalisation and button labels throughout your site. Inconsistency looks careless.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Write_for_people_first_search_second\"><\/span>10. Write for people first, search second<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Answer the questions your readers search for, using the words they use, but never stuff keywords. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/05\/writing-reader-friendly-content\/\">tips for reader friendly content<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Design_for_mobile\"><\/span>11. Design for mobile<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Preview pages on a phone. Short lines, readable font sizes and tappable buttons make a huge difference.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Proofread_everything\"><\/span>12. Proofread everything<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Check spelling, grammar, facts, menus and buttons. Tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grammarly.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grammarly<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/languagetool.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LanguageTool<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/hemingwayapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hemingway Editor<\/a> help, but always read it aloud once yourself.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Web_writing_checklist\"><\/span>Web writing checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Does the first paragraph answer the main question?<\/li>\n<li>Can someone scanning the headings understand the page?<\/li>\n<li>Are paragraphs short and sentences clear?<\/li>\n<li>Does it read well on a phone?<\/li>\n<li>Is there a clear next step for the reader?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Find more help in our list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2011\/09\/better-writing-resources\/\">online resources for better writing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_writing_for_the_web_different_from_print\"><\/span>How is writing for the web different from print?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Web readers scan rather than read every word, so web writing needs shorter paragraphs, clear headings and the key point first.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_web_content_be\"><\/span>How long should web content be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As long as needed to fully answer the reader&#8217;s question, and no longer.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_write_for_SEO_or_for_readers\"><\/span>Should I write for SEO or for readers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Readers. Clear, helpful content is what search engines aim to rank.<\/p>\n<p><em>Originally written by guest author Cherie M., a writer and marketing specialist at Phases Design Studio in Denver. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People don&#8217;t read web pages the way they read a book or newspaper. They scan, skim and leave within seconds&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":64316,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[44,49],"class_list":["post-15598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogging","tag-guest-posts","tag-tutorials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15598","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15598"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65355,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15598\/revisions\/65355"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15598"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15598"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}