Writing For The Web

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Thursday, April 17, 2008
How to Write Good Web Content

Write good web content. Easier said than done.

I was cleaning out my Inbox when I stumbled on a revised web usability study from the usability expert, Jakob Nielsen.

Important point: “Start with highly information-carrying words”. These are also good for links too.

Also check out:

How to Write Headlines, Page Titles, and Subject Lines and

How Users Read on the Web.

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 5:25 pm

Comments: None | Filed under: SEO, Writing For The Web

Monday, November 19, 2007
How NOT to Title Your Email Newsletter Subject Line

They tricked me. I don’t want to be treated this way from my email newsletters.

I just received an email from Vertical Response with the Subject: Is there such a thing as too much business?

“Yes, if it’s the wrong kind of business.”

I was going to submit my comments above but no where in the email was the answer OR the question.

At least match the Subject line to a Headline or Story or I’m not going to read the email.

I didn’t. It’s been deleted.

If you’re not going to deliver, don’t bother.

Please. When you write your Subject line deliver on your promise. Don’t trick your users or try to give them something that’s not. They won’t read it.

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 7:06 pm

Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Web Design, Web Marketing, Writing For The Web

Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Are Testimonials Unreliable?

I talk a lot about building trust within your website and I’ll say it again, people do not do business with people they do not trust. Which leads me to my post…

I was just asked a survey question about what makes you trust a website and believe in its integrity and credibility?

[X] Testimonials (Added here for the sake of completeness)
[X] Third party credibility seals (VeriSign, TRUSTe etc)
[ ] Photo of founder
[X] The voice of the text
[X] Guarantees
[X] Other (Please explain)…………….

Awards
Actual physical address of business
Ability to test the software (free download or trial).
Reputable payment system
Response rate: A rule of thumb I have is to email support and see how fast they respond if at all. If they do and answer my question quickly, I am more likely to trust the website and make a purchase.

What does a website have to do to make YOU trust it and ultimately make contact or purchase?

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 10:37 pm

Comments: None | Filed under: Web Design, Writing For The Web