Write For The Reader — Why Writing Web Content Makes You A Compassionate And Considerate Person

Good web content writers are considerate and compassionate because they pay attention to what their readers want.

Writers who do not pay attention to their audience inevitably produce crap articles. They’re full of information that bores the reader, and obscure words that make even fancy-pants poets reach for their dictionary.

Understanding who your readers are, their mood, and what they want is critical to writing good web content… It is a critical skill for all writers.

How does it work?

You become Mr. or Mrs. Pleasant because you are forced to consider your audience’s perspective. You are constantly stepping in and out of other people’s shoes.

A quality web content writer will ask themselves many questions about their readers, such as…

What do they want?

Someone who is reaching for a magazine probably wants to relax and unwind, while someone searching for information on Google will probably be actively searching for something specific. Perhaps they’re looking for a musician called Mark Milan.

Where have they come from?

Someone who clicks on a PPC ad in Google probably doesn’t mind if you try to sell something to them. Perhaps the reader has come from your RSS feed, to be updated on your latest shenanigans.

How are they feeling?

If your readers are familiar with you, then they are likely to be far more receptive to what you write — it’s the difference between meeting a close friend and a complete stranger.

Maybe they’re desperate for a solution to a particular problem. The bloke has a big spot on his face and it’s driving the chicks away and hurting the poor lad’s pride.

Well, shucks! I’m feeling more empathetic already!

I know!

All this information can help you decide how to best service the reader, giving them what they want so you can get what you want. You can create a reputation by providing great content, include jokes and quips, or create a greased slide leading the reader to a destination.

Note: If you’re still an evil-hearted bastard after writing lots of web content, then I suspect it’s terminal.