Home
>
Writing
>
Writing for the Internet -- How To Give the Readers What They Want

Writing for the Internet -- How To Give the Readers What They Want

In this article you will find tips on: How to intrigue your readers from the very start-the most important part of your piece isn't the content, Once they're hooked-reel them in, How to keep them reading through the entire piece instead of scanning for information, Break it up!-How to keep their attention span from reaching its limits, and How to keep your readers from becoming distracted while reading your well crafted articles.

Introduction
If you're new at writing on the Super Information Highway you may be stumped as to what readers want. As the Internet has become a major staple to the information flow of our society--and many around the world--more and more of the traditional writers have turned to the Internet and discovered new heights for their creative genius. So, with that said, let's get on with the Info!

The Most Important Part of Your Piece Isn't the Content
"What?" you say. "But isn't the content what it's all about?" Yes and no. If what you've written isn't very good, the effort you put into your work was most likely in vein. But, the body of your work isn't the first thing that your audience sees. The title of your piece is the most important part of your article. If the title doesn't grab their attention, and arouse their curiosity, they won't even give a second thought to reading what you've worked so diligently to produce. Make it so intriguing that they won't want to pass it up for fear of not being able to find it again.

Once They're Hooked-Reel Them In
Now that you've gotten their attention, you need to keep it--because if you don't, they're only a click away from never coming back. You need to do something to keep them wanting more. Provide them with an index of sorts, as I have done for you at the beginning of this article. Let them know what you are going to be telling them. Break it up into sections so they can easily tell where each begins and ends. Make bold headings for each of your sub-sections.

How To Keep Them Reading Through the Entire piece
This is the most important thing you can do to keep your reader's attention--the placement of your information. You need to take all of your pertinent information and stuff it at the top of your piece. Take the most important information from each section and push it to the beginning of that section. After you have done that, cut out everything else. Yes, I said it! Get rid of all that hard work you put into writing all the extra little things about your topic. If it is not absolutely necessary, get rid of it. Why? Because those who surf the web for information don't want all the little details-unless that is the purpose of the written piece.

Break It Up!
Now that you have thrown out most of your work, break up your sections into shorter paragraphs. Readers feel overwhelmed by long sections. They don't want to get a headache from your work, that's why you did it for them!

How to Keep Your Readers from Becoming Distracted
You've read plenty of articles on the Internet by now, so you know that while links are a great asset to have, it's distracting when you're reading and you come across a link that takes you somewhere you want to go, but then you forget about what you were reading in the first place and you lose interest. Put those links at the end of your article. Merely let the reader know--within the body of the text--that they can find additional information if they follow the links provided at the end of the article.

Conclusion
If everyone followed these simple guidelines, I believe, the Internet would be a much easier place to visit when looking for key information. I hope the information provided in this article will help you as much as it has me.

The Author of this Article has assumed the pen name "Jon Owen" in honor of two friends lost in unfortunate circumstances. The author's website--http://www.jonowen.com--contains a list of publications, contact information as well as an author's bio, useful links for writers, and dedications. Jon Owen is a freelance writer and has published poetry with poetry.com for several years. Additionally, he is currently working on a book of his own poetry, which will have the title, "From the Depths Within."

affordable house cleaning Wilmette ..

In The News:

Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Airport for $126M to launch an LA air taxi network ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring AI-powered eVTOL operations and next-gen aviation tech.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Fake AI apps disguised as "ChatGPT" and "DALL·E" are flooding app stores with dangerous malware that steals data and monitors users without detection.

Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.

Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.

NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.

Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.

Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.

Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.

New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.

Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.

The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.

Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.

Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.

New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.

Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.

Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.