Joined on 08-03-2004
TechSoup Member
I'm looking for a good web writing course to take. Does anyone know of any good resources?
Hi Anna,
I may be the only one that is a little confused by your message, but are you looking for a writting course that if offered on the web, or a course that is about writing for web sites?
There is a difference, since your writting style should be different on a web site because most visitors don't read as much as they "skim" and "browse".
Another aspect that those who would write copy for web sites should look into is known as "keyword research". This is the practice of finding out what people use to search for what your site is about, and modifying your style so that you can include many of the phrases people use to search with.
This will help your site to be found be the very people that are looking for what you are writing about. If you are interested in learning more about this, just do a search in Google for "SEO copywriting" or "writing for search engines". You can also contact me for more information.
Joined on 08-03-2004
TechSoup Member
Thanks Christian. I am looking for a course on writing for the web and/or for email correspondence. There are a number of training companies in the DC area that offer courses on writing copy for the web (such as this one offered by eei communications http://www.eeicommunications.com/training/class/wrnewmed.html), however they are pretty expenseive and take a lot of time, so I can really only take one. I was hoping someone out there might have tried one and could recommend a class. Not sure if I'm allowed to mention specific brands/companies...
Hi Anna,
I would find out if such courses are being offered at any of the local colleges or universities in the DC area. Check out their continuing education programs. This option might be more affordable than going with a training company.
Good luck,
Yann
The following training resources linked here were listed under your zipcode in TechFinder. If all else fails, ask Npower DC, and they will probably be able to refer you to a communications class.
Best of luck,
Susan
Joined on 04-07-2003
TechSoup Member
A great free resource that I've found is webmechanic. You can subscribe to free monthly newsletter and access the article archive. A recent article about writing good web page content is at http://www.netmechanic.com/news/vol7/design_no8.htm
Tim
Joined on 12-17-2003
TechSoup Member
OneNW have an article on Writing for the Web http://www.onenw.org/bin/page.cfm/pageid/299
They also have an upcoming training:
"Writing For the Web
A hands-on exploration of how to communicate simply and effectively
Tuesday, January 11th, 9am - 12pm
Seattle, WA
Location TBD
Cost: $30
Trainer: Phillip Smith, Community Bandwidth"
go to www.onenw.org for more info
Joined on 12-01-2004
TechSoup Member
Hi there, Phillip here (the person delivering that Writing for the Web course). Just wanted to respond and mention that we've "open sourced" that course material so that other folks can deliver it far and wide. You can find more details
here.
Also, though I'm located in Canada, I'm happy to deliver any of the courses we have in your area. All that's required is you find some space and enough folks to enjoy the workshop! Looking forward to delivering to folks in Seattle, one of my favourite spots in the US.
:-)
Joined on 08-03-2004
TechSoup Member
Hi Phillip. Thanks for the info. I will definitely look it over. Not sure if I can rack up enough interest in the area, no idea where to begin. But I've definitely used the onenorthwest site for some great informaiton. And thanks for those other references to the Nielsen site - I get the alertbox articles but hadn't explored to these writing articles.
:) Anna