Most Internet users will not read your entire article. They will scan headings and bold type, but usually not read word-for-word. So what can you do to help write more effectively on the Internet? Here are five simple steps to keeping your readers attention.

1.One idea per paragraph

This is no new idea, but most forget that all people want is something they can take away from an article quickly. Keeping your ideas to one per paragraph will keep the reader engaged and able to follow along.

2.Short Paragraphs

With the wealth of information on the Internet, you want to keep your message short and concise – otherwise the reader will go on finding their answer elsewhere.. If you are unsure if you’re paragraph is too long, break it up into two or more paragraphs.

3. Keywords in Title

Putting keywords in your title will help visitors know they are getting the information they are looking for. This will also help with scanning, once they scan and you make the impression you have what they are looking for, they will continue reading.

4.Keywords in body

Use keywords in your paragraphs, but don’t overuse them. Also, when you do use keywords make sure to bold them, so users know you have the answer to their search.

5.Proofread.

It’s very easy to get caught into finishing material and then simply posting it. After all, your editor has spell check, right? Well, your spell checker is not the answer to all of your problems. During college my professors would read papers, and pride themselves in correcting papers that were using their spell checker as a crutch (think: to, two, too). So get someone you know and trust to proof read your posts, otherwise people will lose respect and stop reading.

Most importantly, put your copy aside and change your frame of mind, contributing to something else for awhile. Come back to the article and read it again, most of the time your thoughts will change, giving you a different perspective and a more enriched message for your readers.