Writing for the Web

Duration: Offered as a 90 minute webinar or 2 days in class

Course Overview

The Internet is full of fascinating places to find information, check out your favourite companies and stores, look for deals, read the news, and much more. However, people don’t read information on the web in the same way that they read a printed newspaper, magazine, or a book. As writers, we have to be very aware of how people approach a web page so that we can create interesting and engaging content. This course is for people who write for readers on the web.

Learning Objectives

Apply engaging techniques that draw readers to web pages
Plan what to write to reflect your web hierarchy
Create engaging content, including catchy headlines
Enhance your writing with other forms of media
Make your writing accessible to a variety of readers

Course Outline

1. Course Overview

2. Getting to Know the Web

Web Writing Is Not The Same!
Design and Structure
It’s Work to Influence Others

3. Tips on Creating a Site Hierarchy

Designing the Site
Pre-Assignment Review
Menus, Links, and Buttons

4. Creating Your Content

Writing Eye-Catching Headlines
Writing Content
Writing Goals

5. Testing the Waters

6. Deciding What’s Fit to Print

What’s Getting Read?
Reviewing and Planning

7. Adding Audio and Video to Your Content

8. Getting Your Content Noticed

Standing out in Crowds
Search Engine Optimization
Alternative Search
Optimizing Keywords
Balancing SEO and Word Stuffing

9. Personal Action Plan