[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/writing-online-content\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/writing-online-content\/","headline":"7 Tips For Writing Online Content","name":"7 Tips For Writing Online Content","description":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”] 6 | Minute Read [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default”...","datePublished":"2020-08-19","dateModified":"2024-10-31","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/author\/sw1ft\/#Person","name":"Swift Digital","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/author\/sw1ft\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d798749f30425bff04d5ff357ac6dba94e073a4a8083725dfb894f9d04f4c5ee?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d798749f30425bff04d5ff357ac6dba94e073a4a8083725dfb894f9d04f4c5ee?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Swift Digital","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/logo.png","width":300,"height":302}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Genroe_2-1_Page_2.png","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Genroe_2-1_Page_2.png","height":2000,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/writing-online-content\/","about":["Newsletters"],"wordCount":2517,"articleBody":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]   6 | Minute Read [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Let\u2019s face it, we\u2019re all busy. There\u2019s plenty of distractions in our lives, even before we consider the devices we switch between all day (or\u00a0the \u2018related videos\u2019 on YouTube). Online, your content is competing with a variety of distractions.We tend to scan through content, picking out the most important or interesting pieces of information as we go. Make sure your message is getting through to your audience with these 7 tips for presenting relevant, quality content online.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#757575″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay=”#21cdec” color_overlay_2=”#ffffff” gradient_direction=”left_t_to_right_b” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”7 Tips For Writing Content” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1730337717835{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-right: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]1. Remember the F ShapeEyetracking research\u00a0shows that English readers (or readers of any languages also read left to right) tend to read online information in an \u2018F\u2019 shaped pattern. Our eyes track horizontally across\u00a0the top of page, and then skim down the left hand side. Keep this in mind as you lay out your content.2. Create scan-friendly textDon\u2019t bury your important information in blocks of text. Use headings and subheadings, different fonts (don\u2019t go overboard, a title\u00a0font and a body font will suffice!), lists, and bullet points to draw readers down the page. Accept the fact that most readers will skim through your content and make it easy for them to find the information they need.3. Keep the important information up the topIt\u2019s not a mystery novel. Keep your most important information in the first few paragraphs, as readers will lose interest as they move through your content.4. Be clear and succinctYour readers are busy, very few of them have the time to read online content word for word. Use straightforward sentence construction and explain complex ideas as simply as possible.5. Write for your audienceKnow what they like, and what they need. Use jargon or technical language where appropriate. Provide them with interesting and relevant content, and in turn they may share your content across their own networks.6. Write for Search Engine OptimisationSEO\u00a0can become very complicated very quickly. At a basic level, however, consider the key words and phrases that could be used to find your content through a search engine, or that you want people to associate with your brand. Try to include these naturally in your writing.7. Use linksUnlike hard copies, online content can be organised in layers. Provide your readers with links to more detailed or non-essential information where appropriate, or\u00a0use links to drive an action (subscription, event registration, etc.).You can apply these tips to\u00a0your newsletters and any other online content that you produce. Take into account our online reading habits and structure your content accordingly. Keep your subscribers interested and\u00a0aim to become a thought leader in your field![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”How To Utilise Email Marketing With Your Content Calendar” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]In order to maintain relationships with your mailing list, it\u2019s vital to send out regular emails. However, when you\u2019re busy running a business, writing emails may be low on your list of priorities. This probably means you\u2019re frequently rushing to write a quick email at the last minute, or missing out scheduled mailings entirely.There is a better way to stay organised, make sure all your emails go out on time, and the content is always planned and top-notch.Bloggers and journalists have used a content calendar for years to maintain a regular publication schedule, and you can utilise the same tool for sending out email content to your audience.A content calendar will help you to create and publish content for weeks or months in advance so you\u2019re never short on email content to send out and never sitting at your desk with writers\u2019 block trying to think of something worthwhile to say.Working with this tool will help you to organise your email campaigns and plan content around critical dates and launches. Integrating your\u00a0email marketing\u00a0with a calendar is a simple three-step process.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”1. Create Your Content Plan” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]A successful email content plan needs a solid structure that you can work from. Spreadsheet tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets work well for this. Working in a cloud-based system like Google Drive gives you the additional advantage of allowing other members of your team to collaborate and edit the document in real time.When you\u2019re setting up your spreadsheet, think about fields that are important for your email strategy and what they might include. For example:DateList or audience segmentType of email (newsletter, blog update, sales letter, special offer etc.)Author (who in your team will write the email)Design (images and design elements you want to include, or will it be a plain text email?)Subject lineDescription of email contentCall to actionOnce you have a suitable framework for your content plan set up, you can start planning out your content.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”2. Map Out Your Topics” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]You should start with a brainstorming session to gather enough content ideas to see you through the next few weeks or months.Think about upcoming important dates and seasons and any promotions or events that are scheduled over the period you\u2019ll be sending out emails. You can then plan your content around these events and create seasonal content where it\u2019s appropriate.Once you\u2019ve come up with sufficient ideas to plan ahead for your preferred time period, you can start putting all your content ideas into your spreadsheet.Think carefully about email frequency when you\u2019re assigning a date to each email. You want to email your list often enough to keep your brand at the top of their mind, but not so often that your emails become frustrating. You should also mix up your content so you\u2019re sending a variety of different types of emails spread over time.As well as entering the emails on your content plan, you should also add them to your calendar so you can see at a glance what emails are going out on certain dates and when you need to start creating content.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”3. Create Your Content” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Now that you know\u00a0what\u00a0you are going to be writing about and\u00a0when, you can start to develop your content.Use your content calendar to keep you on-track and make sure you stick to your strategy. In general, you should try to write and develop your emails so they\u2019re ready to send out at least a couple of weeks before they\u2019re scheduled. This will give you a decent buffer to catch up if you fall behind on your content schedule.Always keep your audience in mind when you\u2019re crafting your email content. The more you can segment your audience in specific groups, the more relevant you can make your content so it\u2019s tailored to individual needs and interests.An effective subject line is one of the most important parts of content creation in your overall email strategy. A good subject line can make your open rates soar, and a bad one may mean that the majority of your emails are skimmed over in the recipients\u2019 inbox and never read.Always keep email marketing good practice in mind when you\u2019re writing your content. Make sure you include an appropriate call to action, and the design and content of your email are planned carefully to attract maximum reader attention.If you\u2019re interested in automating your email marketing processes and want to try out some of the tools mentioned above then check out our\u00a0Email Marketing Best Practices handbook, alternatively give our team a call on 02 9929 7001.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_custom_heading text=”The Preferred Email, Events and SMS Automation Software For All Australian Government Departments” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]Swift Digital\u2019s templates help you effortlessly create stunning emails and events communications using our drag-and-drop email and event builder.You can raise engagement with embedded images, videos, polls, article feedback, and emojis and schedule messages to send at the right time.Government departments’ unique marketing requirements are covered with Swift Digital, and full compliance with all anti-spam and privacy laws is guaranteed. Swift Digital is also ISO 27001 certified.Swift Digital is Australia\u2019s leader in marketing automation software and event management working with organisations like the NSW Government, ATO, and companies like Westpac Bank and Qantas.Find out why we\u2019re the Australian government department\u2019s number one choice for their professional communications and events.To find out how your business can get the best out of Swift Digital\u2019s platform,\u00a0contact our team\u00a0today.Don\u2019t forget to share this post![\/vc_column_text]   Share   Share   Share [\/vc_column][\/vc_row]"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"7 Tips For Writing Online Content","item":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/writing-online-content\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]