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AJbuilder
Joined:
11 Nov 2004
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Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:06 pm
Post subject: A question about writing content
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| Hi all, I'm working on my first Martell style site and haved just finished writing content for my 5 product pages. The site is on fitness equipment which is something I'm very familiar with since I'm a PT. But then I referred back to the manual on the tips section of content writing and it states to limit it to 150-300 words. I looked at my product pages and they were all well over 800 words since I just wrote so much with my familiarity to the industry. My question is why the 300 word limit? Is it because you run the chance of over-optimizing with keyword density, as in doing too much? Just wondering. I've already scaled the articles down to 280words or so already. |
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Debs
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NY
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Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 12:25 am
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With Martell type sites, you focus is to get them to the merchant and quickly ... long articles can interrupt the flow, they inform better (if done well) but not everyone wants to read 800 word articles.
I hope you used the cut content to create a couple articles to feed those product pages? 
Debs
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Learn how to turn keyphrases into quality, well-targeted articles your visitors and SE's will love with Gary Antosh's new ebook "Web Content Made Easy!" |
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Klaas Koopman
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07 Nov 2004
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The Netherlands
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Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:45 pm
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how about placing a link on the bottom of the page and saying: Read More...
so they click there if they DO wanna get well informed! |
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Greg P
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23 Jun 2004
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74
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Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2004 9:59 am
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Not to get TOO pragmatic about it, because I know sometimes it's easy to write too much if it's about something you love...but maybe consider splitting up the articles into 2 or 3, and just focus each on a slightly different keyword. It may help you make good use of the words you have already written
Just a thought...
Greg P.
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http://www.trdiamonds.com - Manufacturing Fine Jewelry for wholesale and dropshipping |
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varunpratap
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gjansen
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16 Nov 2004
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Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 8:48 pm
Post subject: Re: Question about writing
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This reminds me of a quote in one of my favorite writing books "Tested Advertising Methods" (its actually about writing ads for print media). And I paraphrase...
"If you know you need to write a 400 word article, write 800 words. If you need a 800 word article, write a 1600 word article. Write more than you need and edit it down to your target size. With each edit down in size, the communication becomes cleaner and more distinct."
I would apply this advice only to product pages because their goal is to lead to a profitable click. Remember, you basically have 30 seconds to entice the reader. Keep that in mind while writing and editing.
Hope that helps.
Glen.
"Change your diet, change your life."
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speedguide
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467
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Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 1:33 am
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Remember --- people read 25% slower on the web than from printed pager - say what you need to say but use 25% less words.
_________________
Gary
- ONE is to small of a number to be a success!
Learn HOW TO create targeted, focused Content for your website!--> http://webcontenttips.com - Join Our Weekly Newsletter |
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Charlie
Joined:
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3305
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Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 12:38 pm
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Good to see you posting again, Gary. 
| speedguide wrote: | | Remember --- people read 25% slower on the web than from printed pager - say what you need to say but use 25% less words. |
I've heard this before, but it always strikes me as a generalisation. I skim more with the web (and I don't think I'm alone), so is this included in the calculation of speed?
Either way, I like concise - at least when it comes to informing, if not persuading.
Cheers,
Charlie.
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"Before I speak, I have something important to say."
- Groucho Marx |
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speedguide
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Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 1:16 pm
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Charlie,
I've had a lot on my plate -- still do -- so I've not been able to give the forum as much time.
As for the 25% I think it is really both. I skim too - then if I want to dig deeper I print out the article and read it if it looks of interest.
However, I think structure is also missing. Many times articles (especially those 250-450 words pieces) are left with a just a headline. Think of the reader. Break up the article with some sub heads and bullet notes - it helps us skimmers I believe we also need to make articles look nice. Give them some white space.
Also, I think there are many things (on some sites) that distract readers which may add to the slower speed.
Lastly, bigger monitors or screen size can also hurt. I keep my sites to more than 760 pixels. Why? With new screen resolutions having 100% screen full may make you feel good --- but when your page "adjust" to different resolution widths reading a 35 word line and a 12-15 word line makes reading more difficult.
Of course that's my opinion. Test it for yourself.
_________________
Gary
- ONE is to small of a number to be a success!
Learn HOW TO create targeted, focused Content for your website!--> http://webcontenttips.com - Join Our Weekly Newsletter |
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Charlie
Joined:
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3305
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Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 4:00 pm
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| speedguide wrote: | | Also, I think there are many things (on some sites) that distract readers which may add to the slower speed. |
I wondered how they measured reading speed. This isn't a fair comparison if there are "other distractions". If "deciding what to click next" is included, I'm surprised it's only 25% in some cases...
Maybe they also include the click away immediately brigade to keep the average times down! 
Cheers,
Charlie.
_________________
"Before I speak, I have something important to say."
- Groucho Marx |
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