In today’s digital age, writing isn’t confined to the realm of print media. More and more writers find themselves having to adapt their styles to write for the web. Although both types of writing require precision, clarity and a strong command of our language, they differ significantly in their execution and reader engagement strategies.
Web writing encompasses various forms such as articles, blogs and social media posts. These forms of writing tend to be more conversational and aim to capture peoples’ attention quickly in an environment riddled with distractions. Using interactive elements like hyperlinks and multimedia aids in engaging the reader and sustaining their interest throughout the content.
But print writing tends to be more formal and linear, assuming readers’ more focused attention and patience because they’re often sitting somewhere with little to no distractions.
The best way to show you is with one statement rewritten for web and print use.

Web Use
“Ready for a wild adventure? Click here to uncover the top 10 most thrilling theme parks around the world! Don’t forget to share your favorite in the comments section below.”
Print Use
“In this report, we explore the top 10 most thrilling theme parks globally, taking into account factors such as the variety of rides, visitor reviews and overall safety standards.”
Tips for Writing for the Web
- Keep it snappy: Internet users tend to skim, so keep sentences and paragraphs short.
- Use bullet points and subheadings: They make your content fast and digestible.
- Add multimedia: Images, videos, infographics, hyperlinks, etc. break things up and help the reader understand.
- Incorporate SEO strategies: Use keywords and meta descriptions that search engines use to find your content.
Tips for Writing for Print
- Share comprehensive information: The reader can’t click for more info, so make sure your content is complete and well-explained.
- Utilize formal language: Print content, especially for academic or professional publications, usually has a more formal tone.
- Structuring your text: Clear and logical structure is important in print because you can’t rely on interactive tools like links.
- Pay attention to layout: A good use of white space, font choice and image placement makes your piece more readable.
When writing, always keep your audience in mind as well as the medium you’re delivering your work.