Now thats a mouthfull! But seriously folks, most people arent natural-born authors, nor are they pros when it comes to writing smart copy. (I know, I know, easy for me to say, right? But its true, it really is true!) So if you find yourself struggling to convey ideas on paper and actually make sense of them, theres good news: Web writing is nothing like writing for print. In fact, Id say literally anyone can do it (yes, you too!)—whether or not you ever plan on writing a novel.

So whats different about Web writing? Well, its much less formal than hardcopy writing. Its actually more like carrying on a one-sided conversation with yourself than presenting a formal argument like you had to do on those college papers (OK, so talking to yourself may be a little weird but its definitely not wrong!).

Web copy is often shorter too, with grabbing headlines much more comparable to traditional advertising than well-composed prose. After all, with an average of, what is it?, something like 5 seconds to grab the readers attention before he loses interest, those headlines definitely have hard work to do (howd you like my play on words?)

Today I want to encourage all you left-brain-dominant people out there to stop being so hard on yourselves about the fact that you cant write right (or should that be right write? Just kidding!) I want to pass on some thoughts I read recently on MarketingProfs.com that I hope will help you relax about your Web writing skills. To borrow a phrase, just call it “Deep Thoughts by Penny Hagerman” (sorry, that really was cheesy!)

1. Web writing is just like talking on paper. When you sit down to type your thoughts on your computer, you should be imagining yourself sitting and talking with a friend over coffee or lunch. You dont usually stumble over the words you speak in person, so if you can “talk” on paper, your writing is likely to make sense, too.
2. You only need small blocks of time to write for the Web. Unlike formal articles, which require a lot of research and time, Web articles can be researched and written in several smaller blocks of time. By being consistent, you can keep up with your writing a little at a time—which also helps keep the task itself from becoming overwhelming.
3. The more you do it, the better youll get at it—as is true with most things. Once again, consistency is really important since it takes practice to better the craft.
4. Web writing is really easy to change. Though you should always give your writing a quick once-over before posting it online, if you later realize you made a mistake or something just doesnt make sense, its not like youre using a typewriter and have to erase things with those little white-out sheets! Just go back into your document, backspace text out and replace it! Its easy as pie.
5. Your writing style is solely your own. Just as none of the four copywriters here at InsureMe have the same “voice” when writing, neither is yours the same as anyone else on the Web. Though you might borrow someone elses style, youll never replace your own with theirs. So make the most of it, relax and enjoy your “conversation”!

Next time you sit down to write when you think you cant, just remember youre not alone in your frustrations—and theres no real “right” way to write!

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