This page is an example of how to write a page for the Internet.

You need not worry about the formatting of the text, we will handle that for you. But the construction of sentences is important.

You will note that the bits highlighted in RED are our notes to you. The Blue bits are references to the keywords that the page is about.

This example has been specifically written for the keywords" Water softener".

At all times, you will see that this example shows clearly the fact that people using the Internet scan copy on a web page very quickly. This is why we use headlines and bullet points often.

Avoid long paragraphs - they deter reading on web pages. Even a very long page with a lot of writing on it should be split into small short paragraphs.

When writing for us (Weblux) do not bother with formatting other than splitting your copy into bite sized paragraphs. Send it to us in plain text format - we will do the rest. Aren't we nice? Could it be any easier for you?

Now, and this is the CRITICAL BIT...

ALWAYS, ALWAYS write your copy for the benefit of your audience. Think about being in THEIR shoes and write using the word 'you' as much as you can. You should not write about 'me' or 'I' unless it is to demonstrate something of use to 'you'! Even the word 'we' is better than 'me' or 'I'.

We call this concept Radio WII-FM. It means 'What's In It For Me' - and this is the mindset of your audience. It is one person scanning your pages at high speed and thinking all the time 'What's in it for ME on this page? How does this help ME? Will it get me attention? Will I get rich? Will it solve MY problem? Why should I spend another 5 seconds reading more on this page?'

Everyone is perfectly selfish when browsing web pages on the Internet. They care only for themselves... Write to cater for this and you will succeed beyond expectations.

Always start with a heading that is meaningful, relevant and preferably contains the keywords relevant to the page....

This is where the example page starts...

Creating a heading:

What is a water softener?

Try A Water Softener ... be kind to your skin, brighten up your laundry, make your hair appear silkier and make cleaning easier for yourself. Treat yourself to a Water Softener today.

Creating a sub heading

What's a Water Softener? ..... try to "write as you would speak" where possible eg what's instead of what is, he's instead of he is.

Use short paragraphs ... 2 to 3 sentences maximum

A Water Softener is essentially a tank with an inlet and outlet water connector that is full of very small solid coated plastic beads known as ion exchange resins. Alternatively zeolite (a complex naturally occurring product) can be coated and used in Water Softener cartridges.

Another sub-heading ...

How do I know if my water is hard and if I might need a Water Softener?

If when you wash your hands it is difficult to get a nice lather then the water is probably hard and will benefit from a Water Softener. If you see scale build up in kettles and pipes then the water is probably hard. When water feels a bit slimy then it is very soft and in this case a water softener is a waste of money. Calcium and magnesium ions naturally present in water create hardness and too much creates hard water as described.

Hard water makes washing less efficient and as such clothes and laundry generally can look dull and jaded ... and I am sure at some stage you have seen that line of scum around the bath when you empty the bath water.

Another Sub Heading

How does a Water Softeners work?

The small plastic beads or zeolite are covered with sodium ions. The reason that the contents of the Water Softener is called an ion exchange unit is that as water passes through the Water Softener the sodium ions on the surface of the resin exchange places with the magnesium and calcium ions present in the incoming water .... ie the magnesium and calcium stick to the surface of the resin and release the sodium. The sodium that was displaced on the zeolite or beads in the Water Softener  leaves the unit.

The water is then said to have been softened .... it is the presence of excess calcium and magnesium ions (or salts) that makes water hard. Sodium does not precipitate (this is how scale and bath tub rims appear) like calcium and magnesium salts ... sodium stays in solution and does not affect washing at all.

Water Softener units have been used in industry for many many years yet are still relatively new as home appliances.

Another sub heading ...

Does the resin in a Water Softener need frequent replacing?

No. The resin once it has lost all its sodium (having been replaced with magnesium and calcium) it is easily regenerated using common salt. Potassium chloride can also be used but would normally be too expensive.

How do I specify a Water Softener for my home? ... here are a couple of examples to show you how specifications are normally noted

Sub Heading

Model: WS-10

then use bulleted lists where it makes sense

• Dimensions: 2-5/8'' x 9-3/4'', (67 mm x 248 mm)
• Recommended Flow Rate: 0.50 gpm, (1.9 lpm)
• Capacity: 750 Grains as CaCO3

Notice water flow rate requirement for the Water Softener and amount of calcium that can be removed before Water Softener resin has to be regenerated ... these are important.

Page ends.

Note the repetition of the key words on the page. Is there any doubt that the page is about water softeners?

This is what we are aiming for!

Check out something useful (I hope) that I just did in about an hour about asbestosis