If you think you have the makings of a web writer, you may want to know more about the techniques required to become one! Read on…

Creativity vs. keyword density
Generally website writing becomes visible through search engines like Google or Yahoo! Search. The user types the keywords indicating the topic he is looking for and the search engines list all the sites that are relevant to those keywords. Since most users try to go through articles on only the first few pages of the search engine, the web writer who aims to have his contents read must figure out a way to be ranked as high on the list as possible. This means paying attention to the keywords in his articles.

The web content writer may also have to think of a title based on the phrase that a possible reader might type in the search box of a search engine.
Writers for print media need not bother with keyword density and other concepts of SEO or Search Engine Optimization. They can get as creative with their content as the editor allows them to be. In fact the more witty or off beat they are, the more the chances of their assuring a readership base.

Short vs. long
Internet users have short attention span. This is because they have, literally, thousands of articles on their finger tips. If they do not like what they read, they may easily press the back button on the browser and never come back again. So, a web writer has to devise ways to keep the readers hooked through the use of short, relevant paragraphs or point wise writings.

Print writers have it easier as they can write longer pieces and be considerably more elaborate. Normally readers, who sit with a magazine or newspaper, read a lot more patiently than the ones who may have too many websites open on their computers simultaneously.

Informal vs. formal
Website writing tends to be informal. This is primarily because the reader wants to be able to relate to the web writer to whose site he may come back time and again. He also hopes to get what he wants without a lot of fuss. Formal and wordy language alienates him. He wants information – quickly and easily - and does not intend to open a dictionary to understand the words. Any Arcanum must be explained vividly or he is gone.

Print media content thrives on its perfectly formed sentences and cleverly used words. The readers of printed content generally go for in depth reading and do not mind complicated styles of writing.

If you are hoping to get your share of fame and fortune as a writer, turn towards web content writing - many bloggers have become famous just by telling stories of their lives. Naturally, you have to think simple and be as friendly in your writing as possible. Once you keep in mind the nature of your audience on web, you can become a great writer – virtually!