Almost anyone can learn how to make a website. Software programs that create the code for the user have turned what used to be a complex process into a simple task that even a child can master. However, just because you can make a website doesn’t guarantee that your website will be easy to read or interesting for the reader. Fortunately, with a few simple techniques, you can make your website content engaging.
Break up Content
Studies show that people read information differently on the web than they do in print. For example, website users only tend to read small amounts of information at a time, and they are less likely to read all of the information. For this reason, experts call the web a “non-sticky medium,” meaning that readers won’t stick around to read every last sentence, especially if the information is poorly organized or if there is too much text on a page.
As a result of these reading patterns, you must write small amounts of content for a single page rather than create a long, scrolling page. Users are less likely to read information that they must scroll down to find. Keep the amount of information small, and get to the point quickly to ensure that the users read and understand the essential points.
Use Headings and Subheadings
In addition to placing only a small amount of text on each page, use headings and subheadings to label the content, especially if you must place more than a few paragraphs of text on a single page. Headings and subheadings facilitate skimming and help the user find the information he or she is looking for, which makes them more likely to stay on your website until they have gathered the information they need.
Make Content Stand Alone
One common mistake made by people who are learning how to make a website is to write content for each page on the website that assumes that the user has read the other pages. Instead, the content on each page should make sense when read by itself, even if the user does not visit any of the other pages on the website. Many users will only visit one or two links on your site, so you can’t assume that the user has read any of your other pages. If a user lands on your page and can’t understand the content, or if the content refers to information on other pages that they haven’t read, the user might leave the website without reading any of your other information or visiting any other links.
Consider the Audience
Some website authors assume that they are writing for a general audience, or that because the web is available to anyone with internet access that they don’t have to think about their audience’s needs and reasons for visiting their website. This is a mistake. While your website is technically available to a wide audience, people will visit your website for specific reasons. For example, if your website is about cooking and wine, your audience will probably consist of readers who are adults who like to cook and have a sufficient level of income to afford to buy wine.
Cater to your audience by choosing topics that might interest them. For instance, if your audience is primarily youth and young adults who are interested in motocross, feature a motocross athlete that has been in the news lately. Then, update your content and add new content frequently to ensure that the audience keeps coming back to your site to read more.
For a free step by step video tutorial on how to make a website visit, http://www.makeawebsiteguide.com
This article courtesy of SiteProNews.com