Six Tips For Writing Effective Web Content Versus Print Writing and What You Learned in School

Posted on by

Writing for websites is very different than writing for print publications, and to be an effective writer for web content, you need to know the differences and learn to embrace them. If the only writing you have ever done was for print publications or school, learning to write effective web copy and web content means you almost have to learn the rules of writing all over again.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to throw out everything you learned about writing in order to be an effective web writer, because things like grammar and punctuation are still the same, or at least similar, but you do need to learn what makes good web copy.

Attention!

According to various internet research studies, you have about 3-5 seconds to catch your reader’s attention, and about 12 seconds of writing to keep it. The average computer user will not spend more than 5 minutes maximum on your website or your article even if you catch their attention, so you have a very small window in which to grab the reader’s attention, focus that attention on your article, and then keep that attention to the end.

We were taught in school to use a thesis paragraph and sentence for our introduction to our writing, but with web content and web copy, this is not the best way to go. Of course, you do want to tell the reader what your article is about, but the first part of your article really needs to be something that will grab the reader’s attention in those first 3-5 seconds and keep then reading until the end.

After that, you want to keep the article short. If you don’t feel a short article will convey all the information you need to the reader, then consider writing more than one article. Narrow your focus on one specific point, and then write several articles on each point, ensuring each article can be read in less than five minutes.

Keywords and Search Engine Optimization

When we were taught to write in school, repetition was a bad thing. We were told to find new and creative ways to say the same thing differently. Instead of repeating the same phrases over and over again, we were taught to use different adjectives and nouns to draw our word pictures and keep the writing from being stale.

With web content and web copy, the exact opposite is true. Repetition is better. You need keywords for your article that will be scanned and picked up by search engines and directories, and those need to be ‘optimized’, or in other words, you need to have as many instances of them in your copy as you can without it being overkill.

Yes, this will make your writing read a bit choppy and it won’t be quite as ‘creative’ as if you had written without search engine optimization, but the only way people are going to find your articles and content is if the search engines can properly index your articles for the keywords people would enter if they were searching for your topic.

Capitalization and Formatting

We have long been told that in professional writing, you are to use bold and/or italics for emphasis and to never capitalize an entire word in order to emphasize it. Well, this isn’t necessarily true for web content and web copy. Bold and italics do mean different things to some search engines and directories, and depending on how the browser renders your text or how the text editor works, bold and italics are difficult for readers to see.

Because of this, it is SOMETIMES acceptable to use all capital letters to emphasize a word when writing web copy, even though you would probably never do this in a professional print publication writing. The key here is to use it very sparingly, and only when that emphasis is absolutely necessary for the writing.

Paragraph Breaks

When writing for print, you were probably told in school that a paragraph should be as long as necessary to convey a group of sentences with a similar thought or theme–each paragraph a mini article of its own, with the introduction sentence, several supporting sentences, and a thesis or conclusion sentence.

Web content and web copy is very different in this respect, because people will be reading your article or content on a computer screen, and it will be rendered by different browsers and placed on sites that might include other content or information around the article.

Because of all these things, long paragraphs are difficult for the reader to view, strains the eyes, and also may appear longer than they really are, turning your attention challenged reader away. Remember that the attention span of an internet surfer is greatly reduced over someone reading a book or magazine, and very long paragraphs without a break are intimidating to a web reader, and they may just skim or choose not to read your content at all.

Paragraphs for web content should be between 2-5 sentences in length, unless the sentences themselves are longer, and then perhaps only three sentences to a paragraph. Yes, this will mean that sometimes you break a paragraph when the thoughts that come after it are still related to the content before it.

Lists, Bullets, Points, Headers

Web content readers are looking for snippets of information more than they are for reading articles like one would in a magazine or newspaper or book. Remember that attention span issue, and realize that the web surfer will scan the content with their eyes first, determine if there is anything of use for them, and then may read the first few seconds of your content.

One way to really draw the attention of a web reader is to use things in your content that draw their eye. Lists, bullets, bolded or underlined headings that break up your content into points, and other formatting tools you may have at your disposal will help make your web content more attractive and allow your web reader to scan and hit the high points of your writing first, and then they may come back and read the entire content.

Give Them More

When a person is doing research in a library or by using books and magazines, they will probably find two or three reputable sources and then will not look any further. The person on the internet though is very different in their research.

Since most internet surfers only spend a few seconds or just a few minutes at most on any one article or website, and because additional information is just a few keystrokes or mouse clicks away, the average research on the internet may be from many different sources.

Once we start clicking, those clicks lead to more clicks, lead to more clicks, and lead to more clicks. So when you write your web copy or content, give your reader some alternate sources to click on to read to learn more about your subject. You can send them to more information you have created yourself or you can send them to other websites that support the information you have given them.

This is NOT the same as citing a source or referencing another website in your content though. What you are wanting to do by providing additional resources for your content is to add credibility to your information, by showing other reputable sites who share your opinion, as well as showing your reader you are knowledgeable.

There you have it: Six Tips for Writing Effective Web Content. Of course, these aren’t the only tips for writing effective web content, but these are good to give you a start on how to adjust your writing style to make it more internet friendly.

3 Reasons Your BD Team Needs a Communication and Selling Training

Posted on by

You run a company. You founded it and worked day in and day to make it what it is today. Even today you work harder than your staff. You have no particular issues with your staff – except they’re not bringing you enough of business.

They probably need some training.

So when was the last time you conducted training for your staff, particularly for your business development team?

See these are the people who call and meet the prospects and customers in person – what they say matter a lot – and how they say matters more than that. Therefore, you better not send them out if they’ve no idea about what they’re to say there – or, how to say it there.

Trainings are essential even for the experienced sales people – the best corporate training programs do not only teach you how to speak or sell, but go deeper and build relationships with customers – relationships that can be nurtured and developed for years. At the end of the day, no business can survive if it isn’t investment in building loyal customers who will let others know about your business and make them buy from you.

Trainings are way more important than you think – herein this article, we’re going to share with you 3 reasons you have to take trainings seriously.

1. Trainers tell you what your people are actually lacking at

The best corporate training programs are customized – and they’re customized basis the findings of the trainers when they interact with you and your people. This is called needs-diagnostic study. When the training is customized, it turns out all the more powerful and relevant.

Trainers are experienced people – they can tell you quickly what your people are actually lacking at and then will customize their programs accordingly.

Post-trainings, you can see the sheer change that comes in the very attitude and working of your people.

2. Training programs widen your imagination and tell you about the abundance of possibilities that you never knew existed

The corporate training programs of today aren’t what training programs used to be a year back – they’re evolving every day. Training companies are leveraging futuristic technology and their deep industry knowledge to address challenges that your people face every single day at their work places.

Whether your BD team isn’t great at closing deals or even approaching clients, the sales trainers can tackle it all. They’re shown the opportunities that they were missing all these years – and what they can do to persuade the prospects and customers to ask for more.

3. Your BD team will close deals more than ever, and open new revenue streams for your business

The best corporate training programs are designed to enable sales people perform like never before. The training content is kept to be crisp and engaging. The participants learn about new communication, sales, and negotiation styles – they learn about how to take customers’ queries, complaints and objections, and end-up making them feeling acknowledged, welcomed, and part of the business.

This very change in the attitude of your team leads to the closure of more deals than ever and revenues pouring in from all over.

Sacramento Schools Find The Perfect Partner

Posted on by

Corporate sponsorship of public education has become an incredible boost for districts trying to meet stricter federal and state mandates on tight budgets. Organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation, and the Ford Foundation have invested billions of dollars in the nation’s public schools. While this is essential, the Sacramento Schools are focusing on an even more important partner in public education. The Parents.

Importance of Parent Involvement in Sacramento Schools

Sacramento Public Schools are under the usual pressure to raise test scores, meet budget requirements, and improve graduation rates of its students. And there are many methods that they are using to do it. But a look at the parent education program of the Sacramento Schools highlights an awareness of the importance of the home environment that often gets lost amidst the frenzy for higher test scores. Numerous studies have proven the correlation between parent education, involvement, and socio-economic status to student academic success. And recent attention on the alarming achievement gap between minority and white students is warranted. But where does the solution begin?

For the Sacramento Schools- it begins at home. Teachers in the Sacramento Schools are quick to point out that, as early as the pre-school years, an involved parent has a direct impact on a child’s success in school. Parents who don’t speak English, are high school drop-outs, or have financial problems are less able to support their children.

Programs for Parents at the Sacramento Schools

The Parent Support Services of the Sacramento Schools offers a variety of programs to improve parenting skills, help parents understand the educational system, teach English skills to speakers of foreign languages, and assist parents with skills needed to create a stronger family unit.

The first way of connecting parents with the Sacramento Schools is Parenthaven, an educational television show that parents can access without even stepping foot outside of their home. However, the goal of Sacramento Schools is to attract parents to the schools. The Parent Project Jr.® and the Parent Project Sr.® are classes offered to teach parents methods for improving family communications, and working with “strong-willed or out of control children.” The junior class is for parents of 5-10 year olds, and focuses on choosing appropriate friends, family communication, and improving school performance, among other topics. Some of the issues addressed in the senior classes are dealing with children who hit or use drugs, gang involvement, and truancy.

Another outreach program is the Parent Teacher Home Visit Project. This is a joint effort of the local teacher’s union, a faith based community group, and the Sacramento Schools. The goal is to get past the blame and distrust that often exists between faculty and low-income families. Another community-based program for parents in the Sacramento Schools is Parent University. Over 70 different classes on topics from money management to family arts appreciation are offered throughout the year.

While high socio-economic status has always been associated with student achievement in the Sacramento Schools, administrators acknowledge that the education and involvement that comes with that status is more important that the actual income of a family. The Sacramento Schools is making a wise, long-term investment into the success of its students, by putting a focus on their most important partners- the parents.

Growing Up And Learning

Posted on by

Life will never be same if you have something to do about it. When you know your life to be in at a certain level, the only thing that can change that level is when you do something about it. It is up to you to shape the path life takes you. We are so quick to blame certain circumstances in our lives that we forget that at the end of the day it is up to us. It is true that we are faced with trials and tribulations, but it is what we do about the trials and tribulations that we face that makes the difference. Once I read a phrase which said; if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Growing up and Learning

We have a duty in life to live to our potential. We can only do that if we focus on achieving it in the first place. Every one of us has an expected end; it all depends on how we tackle the things that happen in between that determines if we will be able to meet our expected end. As we grow up we learn skills that are meant to help us in life. We learn to talk, we learn to walk, to run, to write and to love. Growing up is a continuous process yet we forget that learning should be a continuous process as it is part of growing up. Somewhere in our lives we stop learning things like talking and walking thinking we have done all the talking and walking we will need in the rest of our lives. We will only be surprised when we find ourselves faced with an interview we cannot talk our way out of or a distance we cannot walk our way past. It is amazing that up to this day (you might be 20, 30 or 50 years old) you still learn new words and you still learn new things.

Growing up and learning should never be separated because one cannot happen without the other. There might be an addition to the number of years you are on earth but if there is nothing learnt in that you are not growing up. It is true that when we are young we tend to develop physically faster than when we are older, it is the same with learning. As our development physically slows down so does our learning. One thing is true development in a normal human being does not come to a screeching halt and our learning should not be like that as well. Never stop believing in yourself and believing in the difference you can give to this world. As long as there is an ounce of breath in your life there is an opportunity to make that difference and achieve your expected end. Age is just a number but growing up comes with a lot of learning.

What Can I Expect During an Eye Exam?

Posted on by

Before going in for an eye exam, it’s important to know what you (or your child) can expect during the appointment. First and foremost, the purpose of an eye exam is to check a person’s vision for any changes or imperfections. Eye doctors also use this opportunity to look for any diseases of the eye. During the appointment, a variety of tests and tools are used. Each one of these procedures analyzes a separate aspect of a person’s vision.

At the beginning of the exam, your doctor will ask about your medical history and any problems you might be experiencing with your vision or eyes. Next, the doctor will use a light to evaluate the exterior parts of the eye. He or she will also measure the patient’s visual acuity and determine whether the person needs corrective lenses. In addition, the doctor will check the health of the eye itself and look for signs of disease.

A thorough exam will cover the appearance, function, acuity and health of a person’s vision and eyes. Common tests performed during an exam include the eye muscle test, the visual acuity test, the visual field test, color vision testing and glaucoma testing. Other tests may be performed according to your specific needs, age, and pre-existing conditions.

If you’re going to a new eye doctor, or you’ve never experienced an exam, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your precise needs. A good relationship with your practitioner, in combination with your True Care discount plan, will get you on your way to a lifetime of great vision.

Vision Plans

Online Education: Its Advantages

Posted on by

The advancement in technology does not only changed the way people communicate and obtaining information, it has also changed the way people attain education. Unlike with the traditional way of learning where you are packed with lectures, pencils, books and crowded classrooms, most of the Universities now are offering online degree courses to learners all over the world. This system of learning is what we call online education or distance learning. Everything goes online with online education. You can attend classes, work on a project, take examinations or ask questions to your instructors in an online school.

Most of the great Universities and Colleges today offers busy working people the opportunity of learning and obtaining a degree online. Some gives extra services such as advice online, student association and newspapers. Online education gains popularity as technology advances each year. It provides student the an option in pursuing their education while attending to their other responsibilities and personal life.

There are many advantages that you can get when you participate in online education programs. Professionals and employed students who usually have hectic schedules benefit a lot from studying online. It is very ideal for working individuals in making your career move because it does not require you to attend class in traditional settings. With the education and trainings, you can improve your skills and gain expertise in your field of career. You have all the freedom on selecting any specific subject of your interest.

You can achieve your goals in life through this learning online. Many professionals get promotions and better jobs because of their expertise and knowledge that are learned from online education. You can attend classes on weekends, at night or whenever you feel free. You can have all the convenience in a learning environment you want without experiencing the crowded classroom and noisy seat-mates. It simply means that you can study at your own pace. Just like with traditional schools, online education programs are also offering scholarships and student loans for students who have financial problems. It is also known that online degree courses are much less expensive compared to traditional universities. There are still a lot of advantages as well as disadvantages that distance learning can give you. It depends upon the style of an individual to educate his or herself. Still success is still up to the learner on how he or she exert an effort in order to reach his goals in life.

Online Course Registration Software: Inexpensive and Easy to Use

Posted on by

Have you ever wondered why a growing number of class and course organizers these days are using an online course registration software!Even more, the number of people using a Cloud-based registration software, their number has grown significantly. The reason being a software hosted on the cloud does not require any additional investments in terms of installing, downloading or maintaining the same. If you have internet access in office or at home, you at anytime can think of using an online course registration software to serve your business interests.

With a Cloud-based course registration solution, you can save costs on paper, printing, postage stamps, and on envelopes. The solution enables you to create multiple forms quite quickly compared to the time it would require to get the hard-copy forms back from a printing agency. An online software is environment-friendly as well since it eliminates the need to use paper to perform a certain set of tasks. You can save on a great deal of time by managing registration tasks online.

Online course registration software is quite easy for usage by any non-technical person. It has nothing to do with high-end programming languages or HTML for making it run on your machine. Individuals with basic computer operating skills can navigate throughout the registration interface without any difficulty.

Almost all class organizers want to create forms that are unique by adding their institute logo, etc. A registration software can let you customize any number of forms as and when you decide to make your form stand out from the rest making it look all the more professional and eye-catching.

In a sense, online software means greater exposure and viewing. For example, promoting a product online means millions of people accessing social media or just searching for a similar product on the internet can easily view your product along with every other that are being promoted online. Similarly, transferring your course registration processes online means anyone can view the courses you have on offer and if interested can instantly click on the same to register for a specific class or group of classes 24 hours till the last prescribed date of signing up.

Paying for a class can also be made easier implementing an online payment processing solution. It lets the educators accept money sent via credit cards or similar payment gateways at no additional cost. You don’t need to purchase a Cloud-based payment solution to use it. Besides, people prefer a solution that provides for safe financial transactions. An online PCI-compliant payment solution can lead to a safe and secured way of transferring funds to any location on the planet in much less time compared to in person submission of cash.

Natural Health College – Today’s Healing Arts

Posted on by

Find Natural Health College programs in the United States and Canada. There is a large array of healing arts taught at a natural health college. Depending on which field of interest individuals have, one can enroll in a natural health college and earn a degree in naturopathic medicine or can participate in a condensed herbal medicine certificate program.

Of course, there are countless other natural healing and holistic programs like massage therapy, reflexology, and holistic practitioner courses in which one can enroll as well. With the growing demand for complementary therapies, a natural health college normally extends bodywork programs that are designed for today’s massage therapist and alternative healing practitioner. Standard curriculums in a massage therapy program at a natural health college involve hands-on training in deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and sometimes, sports massage. Additional instruction in kinesiology, CPR and first aid and massage history and philosophies are given.

In a holistic practitioner program at a natural health college, students are introduced to a variety of bodywork techniques, as well as holistic nutrition and skincare, herbal medicine and iridology. Other studies in a holistic practitioner course include aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and basic first aid and CPR.

A natural health college may also supply extensive training in chiropractic, Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine. These particular programs involve several years of in-depth study, and result in a degree and/or diploma. For example, a naturopathic natural health college teaches fundamentals of naturopathy, as well as herbal medicine, natural healthcare and nutrition, homeopathy, touch therapy and case taking. Depending on the state or province in which you reside, some extended educational programs at a natural health college require licensure and/or certification.

While a few healing arts programs (chiropractic, acupuncture and naturopathy) taught at a natural health college require some degree of formal education, others do not. It is always wise to review course curriculums prior to applying to any natural health college. A number of natural health occupations (massage therapists, holistic nurses, Oriental medicine doctors, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, herbal medicine practitioners) also require continuing education units to maintain licensure and right to practice.

Overall, a natural health college offers prospective students a diverse selection of subject matter from which to choose; and is essential in achieving any one of numerous natural healing professions.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding natural health college(s), let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Natural Health College: Today’s Healing Arts
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Important Tips for a Volleyball Coach Resume

Posted on by

The role of the volley ball coach is similar to that of any other coach. They have to identify the talent of the players and train them on different game techniques. They train the players the game tactics and guide them in raising their performance. Coaches also have to prepare the players to handle the mental stress. They conduct different practice sessions for players to sharpen their skills to overcome their weaknesses. They also organize the practice matches as a part of the training session. They also have to provide physical training to the players and prepare the diet plans. They need to have strong communication skills and coordination skills.

Volleyball is not the game of a single player but it is the game of the whole team. All the players have to contribute equally for winning the game. A coach plays a significant role in binding the players together. They need to understand the approach of every player and train them accordingly. They must be aware of the latest coaching techniques to assist the players. Along with the game training, they also have to design proper diet for the players. Being the player of any game, it is important to stay fit and healthy. With the proper diet plan, you can remain healthy and sound. They need to make effective use of the available resources for training purpose. Many times, coaches have to study the game plan of the opponent and plan their strategies accordingly.

Below is the sample volleyball coach resume to give you clear idea of drafting a resume of this type.

Sample Resume

Contact Information
Michael Ford
552, Blue Street, Denver, USA
Contact No. – 09468769809
E-mail ID

Career Summary
• Extensive experience of playing volleyball and coaching players
• Active member of the state volleyball team from 1992-1998
• Represented the country twice in the volleyball Championship
• Possess strong analytical skills along with being a good team player
• Excellent multitasking abilities

Key Strengths
• Familiar with the training techniques and game strategies in volleyball
• Experience of organizing the sports events and managing the concerned activities
• Excellent management skills and organizational skills
• Understands the capability of the player and trains accordingly
• Proficient in managing the team and maintains proper coordination between the team members
• Excellent communicator
• Passionate about teaching and committed towards work
• Possess strong leadership qualities
• Knowledge of the latest training practices
• Familiar with the diet preparation for players

Educational Credentials
Master’s Degree in Physical Education and Sports, 2000
University of Denver, USA
Diploma in Sports Management Practices, 2002
Royal College, Denver, USA

Awards and Honors
• Awarded with the player of the year award for contribution in Volleyball in the year 1996
• Awarded with best coach award in 2007 for Casino Sport Club
• Nominated for the best coach award in 2008 for Casino Sports Club

Job History
Casino Sports Club, Denver USA
Designation – Assistant Volleyball Coach
Duration – March 2005 to present

Responsibilities
• Handled the documentation of the event schedules and other administrative work
• Conducted the regular training sessions for the players
• Designed the appropriate diet plan for the players to stay fit and healthy
• Conducted the physical workout sessions
• Ensured the availability of the sporting equipments and accessories
• Prepared the game tactics and strategies keeping in mind the team strength and physical standards
• Motivated the team members from time to time to enhance their performance
• Studied the game strategies of the opponents and guided the team members for making changes in their tactics

Personal Profile
Date of Birth – 14th September 1975
Nationality – American
Gender – Male
Marital Status – Married
Employment Status – Full time

References
Mr. Bruce Peterson
Head Coach,
Volleyball Team
Casino Sports Club, Denver, USA
Contact No. – 09576876567
E-mail ID

You can also list some more names in the list of references. Inform people before including their names as references.

From the above sample, you will know the details you can include in your resume. Also see the tone used in the resume and the format chosen. All these things together makes up a good job winning resume.

A Wealth of Experiences – Changing Career

Posted on by

People change careers a lot more than they once did; typically at least five or six times in a person’s working life. This sounds a little strange until you stop to consider the little twists and turns that life offers up, which seem so small at the time and turn out to be life defining. Managing a career is all about seizing opportunities within a strategic plan, but sometimes those opportunities lead to a path previously undiscovered: and a whole new world of opportunities unfolds.

Changing career without changing career: evolution
Perplexing as it may seem, sometimes the biggest change happens within the smallest adjustment. A florist may find that by moving to a new city or adding an extra skill, that floristry career opens up into something very new and exciting without diverging fundamentally from the original path. This is basically an evolution of a career, drawing new skills and experiences into something that is already working well and bringing job satisfaction.

Seizing the day
Alternatively, some opportunities present a difficult choice: follow the chance of something great, or stick to what you know. If you choose to be adventurous, changing career for something wildly different, you invite change into your life to present all manner of new people, experiences, skills and career development. You might find that your ‘old’ career actually bonds itself to the new in strange and wonderful ways, perhaps paving the way for a unique specialization.

A veterinarian turned teacher can use knowledge of animals and a carer’s instinct to impart this in young people, a business person who turns to farming can increase their odds of success on the land through established business smarts. There is a risk/reward ratio that runs through life, which generally applies the greatest reward to those willing to take the greatest risk.

People often fall into careers that don’t in the end deliver satisfaction. They may have been pushed by well meaning parents or teachers, or may have just developed into different people as time passed by and now need something different than before. Usually, it is a case of one thing leading to another. When a promotion is available and it requires relocating to the other side of the country and re-skilling in a new field or a competitor makes a job offer at a higher salary: these are the decisions that can spin a career into a whole new direction.

We can easily imagine the flight attendant turned travel consultant, who does a great job and shows a flair for marketing; thereby being promoted to a head office role. Still working in the travel industry, our example worker is slowly becoming more marketer than trave specialist, seeking out further training in the marketing field. The next step for this individual might be a marketing role with another company, which in turn brings new experiences and perhaps another career change down the track.

Every person’s life is a journey, and our working lives are a huge part of that voyage. Every different choice we make and path we select begins to form the bigger picture of our working careers. Like our fingerprints, the experiences we have along the way makes us unique as employees, with a distinct employee ‘brand’ to showcase to employers.

Changing career is not something to be fearful of, but rather represents the wonderful moments in life when we are propelled in new and exciting directions.