Writing Content Conversational Style Writing for the Web
Conversational Style Writing for the Web
If you want to be an effective writer on the web, I highly recommend learning how to write in a conversational style.
I attribute what I'm about to share with you and the source I learned from that I'll share with you below as the #1 factors in gaining the confidence I needed to write content on the web. Not only for my websites, forum communications or blogs... But even for the eBooks, reports, guides and manuals I've written in the past and I write today.
I'm not an English major. I did take creative writing in High School along with my English classes. I did finish College English; 2 semesters. So I do have some background on this subject. But I'm far from being an expert writer.
The style I use even in the guides and materials I write isn't always embraced by everyone. But I write for the substance. Like I told someone recently, "you can express million dollar ideas on a napkin". My writing might not be perfect and you may not like my style, but you'll like what you GAIN from the contents message. You GAIN from the substance.... the ideas not the English.
As an example I have techniques and methods that make myself and others a lot of money. Would you deny yourself that ability because of the writing style of the person delivering you that knowledge? Some of you will say yes. But then you have to live with that decision; not us. 
Sometimes it's just simple editing I need; I'm not even perfect in that department. In fact, because I get so caught up in the substance and 'content' of what I'm writing I do often overlook or make minor grammar errors etc.. I do outsource editing (proof reading my material) more these days. 
But the style is still usually always conversational.
What is conversational writing?
Well, Let me tell ya.
You will notice this is probably my main writing style. I might attempt to be more formal from time to time, but it’s not my nature. I use a lot of Colloquialisms. It’s a very laid back language that assumes a comfortable conversation with the reader. It's like I'm just writing an informal note to my readers.
Informal language… I have been in sales for years. Every individual or group I found myself in front of as a salesman was different, but my first goal is to come down to the level of the prospect(s) and talk their language… make them comfortable. The same thing works online.
To some it might come across unprofessional, but the reality is it’s purposeful and calculated… AND is the language of many professional writers and marketers online. Always remember, we are selling... We are NOT turning in an English paper. There is a HUGE difference!
When you write, try to think like you are having a verbal conversation. Would you say what you just wrote? Would you sound too rigid? Is that YOU?
Related Tip: Many of the things I write I read out loud. If it doesn't sound natural or sounds too stiff, I change it.
This combined with using ellipsis, bullet points, graphics… starting your sentences with Ands, Buts, Ors and Fors… underlined words, using italics, bolding, and highlighting, CAPITALIZING… all those things can help you emphasis, draw the attention of the reader, make the reader feel more comfortable with you and at the same time it can thread excitement into your copy.
I use this a lot with preselling merchants products as an affiliate. My traffic will find themselves land on one of my pages and they will get lost in a conversation. I will keep them interested and then give them a reason to click on my affiliate link.
Perfection doesn't make sales. Words make sales. Style makes sales. Talking (writing) to your prospects in a comfortable, familiar language makes sales.
And as an added bonus, it's just easier! You don't have to spend all day writing content for a landing page, web page or article. Just relax!!
A few years ago I picked up a great eBook that speaks on this very subject. If you’re interested, here’s the link: Make Your Content Presell (It's Now FREE!)
I'd have to say that reading it was a turning point in my confidence as a writer and communicator online. And it was a turning point in how I was PREselling my visitors; in turn, making more sales! After all, as they say in this book, "Good Writing is the Key to Good PREselling".
Have a conversation with your visitors and prospects; have fun with your writing! Whether it's an article on your website, your blog or a newsletter you send out to your subscribers, talk to them like you would if you were selling to them offline. You will be amazed the impact it will have on your results!
-Matt Levenhagen
