Using WordPress to develop effective online writing
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The document outlines key strategies for effective online writing presented by Jamie Smith at WordCamp Fayetteville 2017. It covers essential topics such as SEO, formatting, good writing practices, and editing tips, emphasizing the importance of adapting content for online audiences. The document also provides various resources and tools to enhance writing skills and reach a wider audience.
Using WordPress to develop effective online writing
- 1. Using WordPress to develop effective online writing WordCamp Fayetteville 2017
- 3. What to expect ● Online vs print writing ● Tips for SEO ● Tips for online formatting ● Tips for good writing ● Tips for editing ● Resources
- 4. Online vs Print Same but different
- 5. How they’re the same ● Good writing always vital ● Bad writing diminishes credibility
- 6. How they’re different ● Print: one audience ● Online: two audiences
- 7. Online writing How is online writing unique? ● SEO ● Layout/Formatting ● Online reading habits
- 8. Tips for SEO Links, keywords and meta...oh my!
- 9. Keywords ● Search terms ● Singular words (short-tail) ● Phrases (long-tail keywords) ● Use frequently, but artfully
- 10. Tips for keywords ● Make list before writing (some use AdWords). ● During editing, add keywords where they make sense. ● Use in the main copy, in the headlines, subheads and in the SEO plug-in
- 11. Links ● Provides additional info ● Enhances credibility. ● Improves SEO.
- 12. Tips for links ● Link to entities you mention. ● Link to your own blog posts or website pages if you refer to a topic you’ve already written about. ● Use the hyperlink tool (looks like a sideways 8) instead of listing the actual link. ● Links too close together make it not mobile friendly.
- 13. Meta or “backend” ● Words on backend for search engines to see, not the reader ● Possible locations: ALT text, SEO plug-in, page names, etc.
- 14. Tips for “backend” SEO ● Two favorite plug-ins: Yoast or All-In-One SEO ● ALT text in photos helps SEO and visually-impaired ● Page names and site meta data (can vary by theme) ● Don’t neglect this
- 15. Tips for online formatting
- 16. Formatting/Layout ● Content must be skimmable ● Remember online reading habits
- 17. Formatting/Layout Tips ● Create sections with subheads ● Bold print ● Use headline html options for subheads ● Use lists instead of long sentences ● Numbers:order matters ● Bullets:order does not matter ● Consider F-pattern
- 18. Tips for good writing Better writing is easier to read
- 19. Use strong, active sentences ● Avoid “there are” and “it is” ● Avoid using “crutch” words ● Avoid passive voice
- 20. Cut out wordiness ● Can it be said better, simpler?
- 21. Ditch the qualifiers! ● You don’t have to qualify that it’s your opinion. ● Own it!
- 22. Inclusive language ● Political correctness: annoying and changes ● Inclusive: be kind, use appropriate terms ● Google terms ● Gender neutral where appropriate ● People-first language
- 23. Punctuate effectively ● No semicolons at the end of each list point ● Oxford comma ● Exclamation points! ● Contractions?
- 24. Miscellaneous problems ● Dates: May 31 not May 31st . June 2 not June 2nd ● Years only use when necessary ● Piqued/Peeked/Peaked, etc. ● No goofy quotation marks
- 25. Tips for editing No red pen required
- 26. Tips for editing ● Give it a rest ● Read out loud ● Search for common issues ● Use plugins/apps to help
- 27. There’s a plug-in for that ● JetPack ● After Deadline ● Grammarly (app)
- 28. Resources
- 29. Online resources ● Hubspot.com (Marketing advice) ● Grammarist.com (Looking up grammar/writing rules) ● Socialmediaexaminer.com (good resource for social media marketing) ● WordPress.com (WordPress questions, etc.) ● Dictionary.com ● UrbanDictionary.com ● Thesaurus.com ● Google AdWords