When it comes to writing for the Web, web content writers should take a pointer from journalists: never bury the lead.

Seasoned journalists write no-nonsense copy that gets to the important information at once. On the contrary, inexperienced web content writers expect online visitors to do the hard work and plow through piles of long-winded website content. This web content writer is sending the message: this will take some time — which can turn people away on the fast-paced Web.

A web content writer with experience knows investing extra time to define the key messages, get the lead to the top of the website content, and keep the information clear and concise is advantageous. It sends the message: this won’t take much of your time. And, if the website content is relevant, the visitor will quickly determine what the story is about and why he should read on.

It’s called the inverted pyramid, and it enables businesses to quickly and effectively relay why the visitor should pay attention.

When you only have a few seconds to make a point, every word counts.

Microsoft and Yahoo reached a deal Wednesday to challenge Google’s online search dominance.

Under the 10-year deal, Yahoo.com and Bing.com will maintain their own branding but search results on Yahoo.com will say “powered by Bing.” Yahoo, in turn, will be responsible for attracting premium advertisers, reported CNN.

Microsoft will reportedly pay Yahoo 88% of the revenue it gains from searches on Yahoo’s sites. Microsoft will also have permission to integrate Yahoo’s search technology into its own existing Internet search platforms.

The positive aspect for Yahoo is that it will no longer need to spend millions of dollars developing search technology in an effort to catch up to Google.

Let the Bing vs. Google wars begin!

Read Business Week’s: Yahoo Gives In to Microsoft, Gives Up on Search

Would you like to transform a humble website into a multi-billion-dollar business empire? Here’s an article that covers some of the key ingredients that go into building a hugely successful web business, and separates the online giants from the wannabe websites.

Don’t think it’s possible? Yes, Google’s massive. But, remember, 10 years ago nobody thought anyone could conquer the likes of AltaVista, WebCrawler and Yahoo. And Facebook hasn’t been around that long, arriving on the cyber scene in 2004.

Read Recipe for a billion-dollar website.

When developing web content, the web writers at Webcopyplus often draw attention to the benefits of our clients’ products and services. It’s upbeat, and it’s effective.

But there is another avenue. Web content can also convey what the perspective customer stands to lose in a situation. It plays on, and builds, fear.

“Don’t miss the chance to get the Website Optimization Package for half the retail price.”

You’re applying pressure. It works. But it can also hinder trust and strain loyalty.

A time element can increase the pressure, and conversions. For instance, you could add: “This deal in only available until midnight tonight.”

It’s persuasive because people are afraid to miss opportunities.

Google recently announced the Google Chrome OS for PCs, making people more puzzled about what the search engine king is up to.

Pandia puts forth an interesting argument that this is not another random innovation from Google, but part of a calculated long-term strategy for permanent Web domination.

Read: The long-term plans for Google world domination.

SEO copywriters are facing an extremely competitive landscape as an increasing number of businesses are realizing the vast value of  search engine optimization.

There are now more than 14 billion Internet searches made each month, according to comScore. Moreover, Google has noted its index comprises more than 1 trillion pages.

To view for yourself just how competitive the Web is, Google a term like website design New York, NY which brings up 13.8 million search results. That’s for a website design search specifically geared toward New York, NY! Even a search surrounding a much less populated Canadian city like website design Winnipeg generates 704,000 search results.

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In just over three months, Internet Explorer has seen its overall market share erode by 11.4%.

Where did that go? TechCrunch reports it went to Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.

Nearly 5% of that, or about half, went to Firefox 3.0, which currently has 27.6% market share.

Read the entire report on TechCrunch.

MarketingSherpa recently did a study that compared SEO improvements of companies that rely on in-house staff versus agencies.

It reported in-house SEO efforts saw a 38% lift during a six-month period. Meanwhile, agencies achieved a 110% lift during the same period.

It highlights the opportunity specialists can deliver. Limited staff or jack-of-all-trades can no longer keep up with the assorted online technologies and tactics. While this is the case for everything from web design to development to copywriting, it’s especially true in the SEO realm.

Consider the fact that today’s websites compete with more than one trillion pages, versus just one billion pages in 2000. With the Web getting more complex, and more competition vying for attention, deep knowledge in a specific area can equate to a major competitive advantage.

Few would argue the Internet has changed how we live and work. More than one billion people rely on it globally, and more are jumping onboard daily.

What’s especially interesting is that the demographics are expanding. For instance, a recent Pew Internet study revealed broadband usage among adults ages 65 or older grew from 19% in May, 2008 to 30% in April, 2009. Moreover, two groups of low-income Americans saw strong broadband growth from 2008 to 2009.

Web designers, developers and copywriters should take note as these trends could impact how websites should look and function, and what messages should be conveyed. For example, retirement homes often gear their web content toward sons and daughters of mature parents. However, if more mature people are surfing and spending time on the Web, it might be more effective to speak directly to the retirees or potential guests.

The study also revealed Americans value the Internet more than TVs or cell phones. Believe it. Even during the economic recession, more than twice as many respondents said they had cut back or cancelled a cell phone plan or cable TV service versus Internet service.

More and more people are realizing the Internet connects and empowers. And the smart businesses are making the most of this long-term and lucrative trend.

Google, Facebook, MySpace have all done it. Now another player, Yahoo, is dipping its toes into the self-service ad industry.

Yahoo recently unveiled its self-service option for display advertising aimed at small-to-medium sized businesses. The display ad solution is called Yahoo My Display Ads, and according to Yahoo it “puts display advertising within reach for businesses of all sizes.”

Should small businesses jump on board and start advertising with Yahoo My Display Ads?

To get the scoop on Yahoo’s latest venture, we chatted with Tamara Brooks, co-owner of Vancouver-based October 17 Media. Tamara is a seasoned marketing professional, having working in online marketing and the branding industry for roughly 12 years. With her business partner Brenda Cadman, October 17 Media has worked alongside clients such as Future Shop, Fitness Town, Canadian Gene Cure Foundation, Leahy Music, the District of West Vancouver, Homeworks Services Inc, Pennzoil Quaker State US, NAPA Canada and DDB Canada.

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