Freelance Writing Basics – Online vs. Print

Many people feel that good writing is good writing and it doesn’t matter what medium it is in. This is true in some ways, but there are some distinct differences between print and online writing. It is important to learn to navigate between the two if you want to be a successful freelance writer through both.

Online Writing

1. People reading online can not always take the article with them (even to just go to another room). This is one of the reasons that online writing tends to be shorter than print writing for the most part.

2. Online reading can be harder on the eyes because of the computer screen. More white space is needed to give the eyes a break. Using bullets, spaces between points and also quotes are all good ways to break up content so that it’s easier to read.

3. Getting ranked in search engines is important to most websites. Online writing uses fewer pronouns and repeats “key words” which is usually considered bad writing in the print industry.

4. The internet allows for a free expression of ideas. Most content on the internet is written in a casual, friendly tone and voice. It is more personal – even in the technical fields.

5. Online writing is permanent – the internet never goes out of print and the words spread over the internet never go away. All you have to do is get one of those spam urban legends to see how true this statement is. Internet writing, for the most part, has to go beyond time.

In most cases internet writing and print writing are the same. Good grammar, good spelling and good writing are all essential components no matter where your freelance writing career may carry you. Writing for the internet is different from print writing typically in the length of material, the layout of the writing and also the voice of the articles.