Any writing class you will ever take will always remind you to write for your audience. This goes beyond essays and term papers, it applies to blogs, website content, even status updates and text messages (can you imagine what your newly-converted text messaging Grandma would think about a text from you that read “sup gma, thx 4 da $$ love u :)”?)

However, this scenario is much less likely when dealing primarily with web based content.

Statistically only 3% of all social network users are over the age of 65, with the average social network user being 37 (older than you would think, right?). The 2009 U.S. Census recorded that 42 percent of Americans over 65 were online, compared to 92 percent of Americans 18 to 29 years old.

What does this mean for your online content?

It is absolutely crucial to make sure you are writing for your intended audience, no matter how much they are online. If you don’t have a specific audience in mind, you are best off writing in a slightly informal manner, without being offensive or abrasive. If your language is overly light and frivolous, the content will be written off as superfluous. The same goes for content that is thick and intense. Readers will be put off immediately and are unlikely to read very much of it.

The secret is in the balance.

The easiest way to appeal to all audiences is to keep your content direct and unassuming. You don’t want to turn away potential customers or readers, even if you do have a specific audience in mind. However, don’t forget that readers are also looking for your passion and opinion. As such, here is a short list of content Do’s.

1.  Be passionate but straightforward

Allow your readers to see what you really care about, without making them feel as if they must be in 100% agreement with your values.

2.  Avoid excessive use of lingo/jargon

Obviously, some is necessary to appeal to your direct audience but you never want a reader to feel left out, you want to give them the opportunity to become your direct audience.

3.  Be engaging

Allow your readers the opportunity to become involved with your content through calls-to-action and comments. Give them openings to be a part of your work.

How else do you feel writers can appeal to their audiences?