Writing Relevant Content–for People

As with any writing, writing for the Internet is meant to communicate a message. Some folks lose sight of that in the mix of keywords and attempting to gain search engine rankings.

Ironically, search engines seem to understand that simple necessity better than some human writers do. Search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, and the multitude of others know that quality content is what their searchers value. As a result, the algorithms that drive search engine spiders are constantly being updated to further refine the ability to judge content for its quality and relevancy.

On the Internet, quality content is considered relevant when the information

• is factual and accurate–not contributing misinformation.
• is original and interpretive–adding value to the Internet conversation.
• is well-expressed and well-structured–good writing that is worth reading.
• is valuable and linkable–other sources find the information worth linking to and citing.

Content is high quality and relevant when the presentation

• is simple and elegant in design–form follows function.
• follows the rules of effective written communication.
• is inviting, offering white space, and visuals to support the text.

Content is high quality and relevant when the writer

• has a presence and a voice that readers respond to.
• shows respect for readers through word and topic choice.
• interacts with readers using the comments section to form relationships and links.
• credits every source and links to other sources liberally.

The connectedness of the internet means that a writer is always writing for people, readers, not search engines. People read the ads that pay for search engine spiders. The spiders don’t mind that I always choose people’s needs ahead of spider’s needs. Really.

I’ve got a few pages that will show you what I mean.

Liz Strauss