Frequently Asked Questions about Web Content
I have a simple web site for my business. Why do I need anything
more?
In today's competitive marketplace, a web site that is just a point
of presence on the web just doesn't cut it. It won't get noticed in web
searches, and has to compete with other business web sites that do more
than just say, "Here I am." Informative and helpful web
content makes your web site stand out in the crowd, gives your customers
and prospective customers a reason to linger on your site, and makes a
great first impression.
But, web sites are expensive. Is the additional cost really worth
it?
Good question. Think about your business's web site as an ad that
runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. How much would an
ad like that cost in other media? A fortune, and other media can't offer
instant access to prospective customers looking for a business like
yours. Today, an overwhelming majority of consumers use the Internet
daily to locate businesses to provide goods and services they need.
Investing in making your web site easy-to-find and interesting beats
static ads in other media every time.
What's the difference between a web designer and a web content
provider?
Web designers have expertise in making your web site look good and
work smoothly. That's their job. While some web designers have skills at
writing, not all can do a professional job of writing the informative
content of your web site. That's the job of the web content provider. A
good web content provider knows how to create compelling, informative
and entertaining material to attract and keep your customers visiting
your site.
What is web content, exactly?
Web content is any text longer than a single line that appears on
your web site. It can include:
All web content should be aimed at helping your potential and current
customers choose your business for their needs. It should help lead
customers through your web site and give them incentives to buy your
goods and services.
I know someone who writes pretty well. Can't he write for my site?
There's a difference between someone who writes pretty well and a
professional writer. Good writing isn't just a talent with words.
Professionals have studied what motivates readers, know how to write
efficiently and in an interesting way. They don't make common spelling
and grammar errors, and their livelihood depends on fast, accurate, and
effective communication.
What experience do you have in writing web content?
I've been writing professionally for over 25 years. My work has
appeared in nationally recognized magazines since 1974, ranging from PC
World and Computer Shopper to Family Handyman, Mechanix
Illustrated, Mother Earth News and Western Outdoors. I've also
written two books, one on outdoor projects for Rodale Press and an instructional
book on
WordPerfect.
I've run two successful businesses on the internet, both based on
large, extensive web sites. I also operate the very popular Minnesota
web site O So Minnesota, which has
been named "Web Site of The Week" by City
Pages. Now, I'm offering my skills to the Twin Cities web community.
Isn't all this expensive?
It doesn't have to be. As an experienced professional writer, I work
quickly and accurately, and won't waste your time and funds. I work at
reasonable hourly rates or on a flat rate basis for projects. Best of
all, once I produce content for your site, it keeps working for you
around the clock, with no further cost to you. That's a bargain!
How will you know what web content I need?
I'll consult with you at the beginning of any project to identify
what web content will benefit your business the most. As the project
progresses, I'll communicate with you, as needed, to clarify things or
get additional information. Then, I'll complete the project and consult
with you on any changes that may be needed. It all goes very smoothly
and quickly, and your satisfaction is assured.
My web site content is a mess. Can you fix it?
No problem. If your web site content is a jumble of material, written
by multiple writers, and lacks punch and clarity, I can take your
existing content and transform it into a unified and coherent sales
tool.
How is your web content provided?
I can produce your web content in any format. I can place it on your
web site, in some cases, or work with your web designer or webmaster to
provide it in a format ready to be plugged into your site. If you need a
good web designer, I'll be happy to recommend one for you.
How can I see examples of your work?
You're seeing some of it right now. You can also visit O
So Minnesota!, where you can find my work on many pages of articles
on many subjects. Visit my Web
Content Blog to see how a regularly-updated blog works. I also have
several happy clients, and can give you links to work I've done for them
when we consult together.
OK, I'm interested. How do we get started?
That's easy. Just Click
Here to email me with your web site's URL address, or call me,
George Campbell, at 651-774-7999 during normal business hours. I'll take
a close look at your site, then send you an email with an evaluation and
some suggestions about content that will enhance your site and bring in
more business. There's absolutely no charge or obligation for this
evaluation. Then, if you like what you see, we can communicate further
and discuss what you'd like me to do. It's your web site, and I'm
in the business of working with you to make it better and more
effective.
