8 tips for writing online: Improve your blogging skills

As a web writer for CBC, I've picked up a few useful tips for writing online that I'd like to share with you all!

CBC is the public broadcaster in Canada. We work in a newsroom where radio, television, and web all work together to create stories on all platforms. Web writers like me specialize in putting together stories that are read online.

1. Headlines grab attention

The headline of your post is the most important part of your story, no matter what medium you're writing for. It might be the only part people read, and it's your first chance to get the reader to read more.

If you're not breaking a sweat over trying to think of a headline, you're not trying hard enough!  

2. Subheads help people scan

Scanning articles is common in reading, and this applies even more so online. Readers online also tend to read in an F pattern, which means they only read the first few words in each sentence.

Put the most important words at the front of your sentence, and include descriptive subheads to help people scan.

3. Illustrations add variety

Illustrating your article is part of the storytelling. It can be an photograph, graphic, video -- anything that helps to make your point.

Images and videos throughout the article also add variety, and and make it easier to scan and find new points of interest, especially in long articles.

4. Lists and pull quotes break up text

A wall of text can be intimidating. Illustrations help to break that up, but the more variety you can add, the better. 

Lists and pull quotes are another way to add variation to your posts to ensure it's visually appealing and people can scan the article comfortably.

5. Packaging lends credibility

Subheads and illustrations are part of the story package. Websites are a visual medium, so even though you're using words, how you present those words matters.

Spending time creating a nice package for your story will lend credibility to what you're saying, and shows that you care about the content.

6. Short paragraphs are easier to read

Scanning is a huge part of why we structure web articles the way we do. There is plenty of research that shows this is how people read online. 

Short paragraphs are yet another answer to how to write for online readers who will be scanning rather than reading your article word-for-word.

7. Editing makes you look good

Editing is a touchy subject for some writers. It can be hard to admit that not everything you wrote is great. But choosing the best arguments and cutting the rest can mean the difference between having an article read or having it ignored.

Poor grammar also undermines your credibility. If you're new to editing yourself, the best action you can take is to read your work out loud before you push Post. You'll be amazed what mistakes you catch!

8. Links are for your readers

The web is full of awesome resources that will add depth to your article for interested readers. You don't have to explain every last detail -- a well-placed link can give more background to those who want to know more.

What are your tips?

I'm always trying to improve my work, and I'd love to hear your tips for writing online. Are there any practices you've found that work well for web writing? 

Also, Steemit is a very unique platform, which I am new to. Are there any tips you have for writing specifically for Steemit?

Image: Gratisography