Do the Web Write: Writing for and Marketing Your Website (Numbers 101 for Small Business) [Paperback]

Dan Furman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The hardest part of making a successful website isn't "making" it--you can hire someone to do the design and coding. The hardest part is writing great content that will attract readers and keep them coming back.

Do the Web Write is a complete guide to writing (and running) a successful website. This is not a book on how to code your website, but a book on how to determine what pages you should have on your website and how best to write them.

The book is written in plain English and covers many different types of websites, including blogs, corporate websites, social networking sites, and small business sites. Online technology will change each year, but what remains constant is that a website needs great content, written in an engaging and web-friendly manner, to make it a success.

This book takes you step-by-step through every essential page you'll need on your website and demonstrates how to write each page.

* Learn the fundamental elements of a successful website

* Format your website in an order that's user friendly

* Write attention-getting blog posts

* Create helpful FAQ pages to generate more traffic

* Write press releases that get attention on the web

* Write successful "landing pages"

* And much more!

From the Back Cover

The hardest part of having a successful website isn't building or coding it. The hardest part is knowing what to say, where to say it, and how to write it. Written in easy-to-understand language, Do the Web Write will show you how to write persuasively for the web, how to market your website effectively, and ultimately, how to succeed online.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Self Counsel Press; Pap/Cdr edition (March 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551808323
• ISBN-13: 978-1551808321
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #523,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book on web writing and a terrific addition to his last book!, April 19, 2009

By	Jen (San Diego) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Do the Web Write: Writing for and Marketing Your Website (Numbers 101 for Small Business) (Paperback)

About two years ago, I wrote a review of Mr. Furman's first book. During the review, I wished the author had spoken more on Internet marketing because I felt the author was knowledgeable about the subject.

As it turns out, I was right (or write) since the author recently finished this book on Internet Marketing and writing for the web.

Those looking for a cut and dry system that does everything for you will find themselves disappointed. This isn't a fault of the author, but rather poor expectations from people watching too many late night infomercials. Every business is different ,and what works for the Flora's World O' Flowers may not work for the Greasy Gus's Transmission Service. The author even calls his process "anti-system".

That said, the book is full of FUNDAMENTALS that should work for most if not all businesses. Put text on your page addressing the web surfers need. Make sure they can always click to buy (or ask for more information). Don't hide your telephone number. Get rid of the dancing images and start up music. Don't pick style over your message. Get rid of annoying intro movies.

Once the basics are out of the way, the book moves on to more advanced topics like web conversion, web navigation bars, catchy headlines, grammar rules (and when to ignore them), Search Engine Optimization and the ever important: "Things you shouldn't do." Those wanting more information on blogs will be pleased with this purchase.

PROS

It's a funny and easy read.

The information is set up in a practical matter of fact manner. It's nice to read something like: "Use headers with keywords to break up your page" vs "Create a synergetic fusion between web copy and SEO enhancement".

The author's been around for a while, so he knows what he's talking about. I don't enjoy reading from experts full of advice but who aren't doing well.

Covers the basics, the intermediates, and advanced techniques. Even the basics were helpful to a SEO pro like myself. Everyone could use a refresher course.

Something for everyone. If you're looking for grammar help, website setup, microsites, or even Pay per Click ads, you'll find it in this book.

CONS

Nothing this time. Possibly a head smacking injury after realizing your could have been making more money if you already did what was suggested in the book. The head smacking will be even worse if it was just one thing you could have changed. "Ya mean I could have been making $1000 more if I got rid of the dancing baby?"

IN A NUTSHELL

If you want to improve your website marketing and writing ability and want to learn from someone successful, then buy this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Website Writing, April 11, 2009

By	David Gange (Pennington, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Do the Web Write: Writing for and Marketing Your Website (Numbers 101 for Small Business) (Paperback)

I bought this book last weekend and raced through it. As a self-employed business professional, I found the insights provided and suggestions offered invaluable. If you've got a business website, or are thinking of getting one, then you know that lots of visitors aren't enough. Your website has to do more than be your electronic brochure. It has to convert visitors into prospects or customers. In "Do the Web Write," Dan Furman describes how to handle the most important aspect of your website, the WRITING (or as the pros call it "the copy"). He shows how to use words to get website visitors to take action. The book is written in a no-nonsense, breezy style, lightly spiced with wry humor. It's a fun read and highly informative. I recommend "Do the Web Write."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read & Use, April 18, 2009

By	Ruth A. Wakefield "r'than" (VT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Do the Web Write: Writing for and Marketing Your Website (Numbers 101 for Small Business) (Paperback)

WOW!! Do The Web Write should be required reading for all high school and college web design / internet business courses. Easy to read and many "I wish I had thought of that", moments. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.