Productivity tips for Web writers:

Improving page count in a production-oriented environment

Page production is one of the two key metrics used to determine individual accomplishment for most professional writers (the other being the satisfaction of the client, customer, editor, publisher or public).

Increasing page production in such a way as to preserve or even enhance customer satisfaction is good for writers, good for our customers and just plain good for business.

In a production-oriented business or corporate environment, increasing page production organically gives writers a measure of control and helps us avoid imposed productivity measures.

Misconceptions that may impair productivity

• When productivity is emphasized, quality suffers.
• The truth is that the level of technical proficiency and creative approach needed for high production can and should translate into higher quality. Use common sense.
• Every word is precious.

Look, your editor and (perhaps) the customer are the only ones who will likely read every word you write. Even the most beautifully crafted paragraphs are vulnerable to editing or outright exclusion. Time spent on creating the perfect sentence is better spent on writing three serviceable sentences. Our focus should be performance rather than perfection.

Tips for improving overall Web writing productivity

• Know your subject and take (good) notes
• Know the template, tool or software used to create content inside and out
• Be conscious of SEM keywords and usability concerns from the beginning
• Strategize marketing messages
• Organize information thematically

Embrace SEM, but wisely

Fighting SEM is a losing battle. It is time consuming and can result in pages that perform poorly. Just remember that we writers know SEM, too. If there are real functional problems, not just personal preference issues, address them proactively.

Personal page productivity

Productivity is largely dependent on two things: Following an efficient and intuitive process and adopting an effective attitude. Improved organizational skills and technical familiarity allow us to shave off seconds, minutes or even hours of unproductive time. A flexible, creative and goal-oriented attitude provides us with the ability to grow toward greater productivity.

Ask yourself, “How long does it take me to write a page?” We all have an intuitive sense, but how accurate is it? Having a better idea of time spent per page enables us to set realistic goals. Implement methods of capturing more reliable data regarding time spent per page.

Setting shorter period goals allows us to chunk down overall goals into daily or hourly actions.

Establish a layout style or styles that work

Layout can be an effective tool for conveying tone and layout dramatically affects usability. Find a few layouts that work for you – based on your training, personal style and examples of work that has won client or publisher approval.

Working from an established layout toolbox will enable you to more rapidly organize information into a Web-usable and Web-reader friendly format.

©Michael Owen Hill, 2008