You might have noticed that crafting content for the web calls for an approach that differs to other types of writing.
Remember, it’s how you communicate your message that will make or break the success of your website.
To ensure that you are providing visitors with an enjoyable experience, and increase the likelihood of them staying on your page, we’ve outlined 17 common website content writing mistakes you should avoid.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Failing to optimize for search engines
- 2 2. Poor readability
- 3 3. Lack of focus on Your Topic
- 4 4. Lack of originality
- 5 5. Failing to proofread
- 6 6. Ignoring your audience
- 7 7. Lack of calls to action
- 8 8. Failure to Use Alternative Text for your Images
- 9 9. Not updating content regularly
- 10 10. Not using headings and subheadings
- 11 11. Not including images and videos
- 12 12. Not being consistent with Tone and Formatting
- 13 13. Not engaging with readers
- 14 14. Not using internal linking
- 15 15. Not using external linking
- 16 16. Not using Meta tags and Meta Descriptions
- 17 17. Not using social sharing buttons
1. Failing to optimize for search engines
If you’re writing content for your website and want it to reach a wider audience, then search engine optimization (SEO) is essential.
This partly includes using relevant keywords and phrases in your text so that search engines can easily understand the topic of your website and make it more visible to readers.
Unfortunately, if you don’t pay attention to this important detail, your page won’t appear in the right places online – rendering all of your hard work useless!
To ensure maximum visibility for what you write, remember to research related keywords beforehand – making sure they are implemented into the article in an organic way.
2. Poor readability
Don’t let poor readability be the reason your website is losing out on readers and customers. Utilize a larger font size and an organized layout with good contrast between text and background colors.
Adding bullet points and headings can also help create a better flow – making it easier for readers to quickly scan what you wrote.
Additionally, using shorter sentences and paragraphs will encourage users to continue reading instead of losing focus halfway through.
3. Lack of focus on Your Topic
A common website content writing mistake is the lack of clarity and focus.
Writing about too many topics simultaneously can disperse your message, making it challenging for readers to comprehend what your website pertains to.
To prevent this issue, establish a definite purpose for your website and maintain it; select one specific topic or specialty area, and continue with that theme throughout your web pages.
Doing so will not only make you a Topical Authority, but also help attract the right type of readers to your website.
4. Lack of originality
One of the most important things to consider when it comes to content writing is originality.
To ensure that you avoid any potential copyright infringement, be sure to properly cite other sources and give credit where due.
Additionally, strive towards creating your own unique voice with each piece of content; rather than relying solely on copying and pasting from other websites or publications.
5. Failing to proofread
Have you ever come across a website that has multiple typos or grammatical mistakes?
It not only makes the company seem unprofessional and sloppy, but it also reduces readers’ trust in your content.
To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, always proofread your work before publishing!
Utilizing spell-checkers like Grammarly can be helpful too when double-checking for errors.
6. Ignoring your audience
Another common mistake when writing content is neglecting your audience.
This includes not understanding who you are targeting and what they’re interested in or need.
Producing irrelevant material will not only make it difficult for readers to engage with your content, but also decrease the chances of them sharing it.
To avoid this misstep, ensure that you get familiar with your target audience by researching their interests and needs while customizing your content accordingly!
7. Lack of calls to action
A typical mistake made in content writing is omitting calls to action.
Without specific, obvious CTAs, it can be hard for your readers to understand what they should do next or how they could further interact with you and your website.
To avoid this blunder, make sure you have included explicit directions throughout the text – whether that is asking viewers to share on social media platforms or even making an acquisition from a store/website!
Either way, invite visitors into taking some sort of tangible step after they’ve read your website content.
8. Failure to Use Alternative Text for your Images
Utilizing alternative text for each image is not only important for SEO purposes, but it also helps people who are visually impaired understand what the photo is about.
Unless its use is for decorative purposes only, include alternative text for each image; ensuring it is a concise description that accurately represents its context.
9. Not updating content regularly
Keeping your website fresh and up-to-date with relevant content is crucial to sustaining reader engagement.
When neglected, the site can appear outdated and deter readers from returning.
To prevent this mistake, ensure you regularly update your website with new material that reflects what’s currently happening in the industry or your company – be it a blog post or introducing a new product/service.
10. Not using headings and subheadings
Unfortunately, failing to include headings and subheadings is a common content writing mistake that will likely affect your website’s readability.
These elements break monotonous content into smaller, easier-to-digest pieces and will help readers quickly find the information they need.
Additionally, using H1, H2, H3… etc., makes it easier for search engines to crawl your website – further improving your SEO.
11. Not including images and videos
When crafting content, never underestimate the power of images and videos. These elements can make your work appear more enthralling and captivating – thus increasing its chances to be shared!
Moreover, visuals help break up lengthy texts, which may otherwise become monotonous for readers.
Depending on the length and type of your content, incorporate stunning visuals or videos that will help capture your readers’ attention and keep them engaged.
This can be data-driven infographics, visuals that illustrate the points being made, or even curated videos!
12. Not being consistent with Tone and Formatting
Another common, yet costly content writing mistake is not being consistent in tone, style, or formatting.
Additionally, ensure that you are maintaining the same level of quality across all types of content.
13. Not engaging with readers
Establishing a solid and enduring connection with your readership is essential for the success of your website.
Make sure to respond promptly to comments, questions, or feedback – this will help foster an authentic sense of community around you!
You can leave space for conversations by asking questions at the end of a post – giving people a chance to converse directly with you.
14. Not using internal linking
An often overlooked content writing mistake is neglecting the use of internal links. Think of it as a roadmap for your visitors to find more relevant content.
By strategically placing a few internal links within each post, you can easily direct readers to the related articles and boost their overall experience.
This simple trick will not only enhance click-through-rates, but also give your web visitors an opportunity to explore similar content!
15. Not using external linking
In addition to internal linking, it’s also important to use external sources when writing content.
Of course, you want search engines and readers to trust the authenticity of your work – so don’t be afraid to link out to other websites.
This gives your content more credibility and encourages people to explore it further.
It can also be a great way for you to benefit from the recognition of other websites as well when they link back to you!
When it comes to On-Page SEO, Meta tags and descriptions are critical elements that need to be included on every page.
If they are not, your website may appear too generic on search engine results pages, and visitors won’t have a clear picture of what you are offering.
Make sure to include relevant keywords and phrases in your Meta tags and descriptions as well – to provide more context and make sure that people can quickly understand what your web page is talking about.
Lastly, another yet often overlooked website content writing mistake is not including social sharing buttons.
By allowing readers to share your content with their networks, you can dramatically increase the reach of your work and attract new readers.
Place them strategically – such as at the beginning or end of each post – and make sure they are easily accessible.
Final Thoughts
Being aware of the common pitfalls to avoid when crafting website content can help you create better and more engaging pieces. From ensuring consistency in tone, style, and formatting to ensuring SEO Friendly tags and descriptions, using internal and external links, and creating opportunities for social engagement – you can make your website stand out from the rest in your industry!
