Lynda Felder’s Writing for the Web: Creating Compelling Content Using Words, Pictures, and Sound provides a concise introduction to the challenges & best practices of writing for online reading.

Writing for the web offers important lessons for both newcomers to web marketing & experienced web marketers.

• Newcomers to the web will gain a concise introduction to the unique challenges of writing for the Internet as well as view hundreds of examples and best practices.
• Experienced web marketers will learn how to improve, or replace, their online platform with content based one the latest ideas and research into web usability.

Like Strunk & White’s Elements of Style before it, Writing for the Web simplifies a complex topic by addressing it as a series of concise ideas, tips, and repeatable best practices.

Writing is always in the background of successful web content

As you’ll see when you read Writing for the Web’s Table of Contents, writing is one of the web’s key communication tools; sharing the spotlight with graphics, interactivity, podcasts, and videos.

When you download and read free sample Chapter 12. Writing Blogs, you’ll see how writing is also the driver, or catalyst, that operates in the background of other types of online of content–graphics, interactivity, i.e., podcasts, and videos.

When you are better at writing for the web, you can get better results from your other online communicating tools, because:

• Podcasts and videos, for example, are preceded by written storyboards that are often prepared long before blog posts or web pages are produced. These “pace the story” planning steps increase the odds that your podcast or YouTube video will move forward and end on schedule.
• Reader, visitor, or attendee personas. Successful online marketers begin by preparing personas that profile the characteristics and interests of readers, attendees, and blog or website visitors before you begin to record a live event.

So, even when you’re “listening” or “listening while you’re watching,” writing is in the background, directing the action, and making sure that what you’re listening to or watching is helpful, relevant, and appropriate.

All of your web content gets better when you learn more about writing for the web

Details that count

Cick the graphic at the right to download Chapter 12, which shows how Lynda Felder includes significant details in each of  the 14 chapters, yet creates a book that’s easy to read and refer back to.

Writing for the Web’s readability is enhanced by tools like:

• Subheads that organize chapters into topics, and topics into subtopics.
• Lists that make comparisons easier to read and remember than details hidden in paragraphs.
• Sidebar elements, like the Try this” sidebar tips in the narrow outside columns of each 2-page spread
• Pullquotes reminding readers of important ideas on the page.
• Tables of comparisons.
• Pull quotes emphasizing important phrases or sentences on each page
• Shaded backgrounds, (not shown on this page) for detailed lists or exercises.
• Tips, such as the Try This ideas and paragraphs placed outside the ongoing copy, giving readers the option of ignoring, or putting off until later.

Additional lessons for authors

Writing for the Web teaches important lessons about writing and publishing a successful book in2012.

The title, for example, clearly and concisely communicates what the book is about. There are only a few words in the title, which contributes to a simple, high-impact cover.

Nevertheless, the title and subtitle manage to include search engine terms needed to attract prospective readers searching on the web.

During an age when everyone is too busy to take the time to “decode” complex documents, the ability to successfully write for the web will also pay off in the ability to write and self-publish better books!

Is Writing for the Web for you?

Lynda Felder’s Writing for the Web: Ceating Compelling Web Content Using Words, Pictures, and Sound has important lessons for all:  newcomers to web marketing as well as authors and small business owners looking for ways to improve their existing blogs and websites. It’s available in a paper for less than$25, and even less as a Kindle ebook. It addresses a complex topic from a detailed, “best practices” perspective. Share your questions and experiences about writing for the web as comments, below, especially if you’ve read Writing for the Web.