As a copy editor, one of the essential elements of your job is to ensure that the content you are working on is grammatically correct and error-free. This also involves deciding whether or not to include small contractions in your writing, such as “don`t,” “can`t,” or “won`t.”
The use of contractions in writing is a common practice that can add a level of informality or conversational tone to your content. However, when it comes to online content, the question of whether or not to use small contractions can have a significant impact on your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
When writing for the web, it is essential to understand how search engines interpret and rank your content. One of the key factors that search engines consider is the readability and quality of your content. This means that your writing needs to be easy to read and understand while also providing value to your audience.
Small contractions, such as “don`t” or “can`t,” are generally considered acceptable in writing for the web as they help to make your content sound more conversational and less formal. However, when it comes to SEO, the question of whether or not to include small contractions becomes more complicated.
Some experts argue that small contractions can negatively impact your SEO efforts by making your content less formal and less authoritative. This is particularly true for content that focuses on professional or technical topics, where formal language is often preferred.
On the other hand, other experts argue that small contractions have little to no impact on SEO and that their use can actually improve your content`s readability and engagement. This is especially true for content that targets a more casual or conversational audience.
So, how do you decide whether or not to use small contractions in your writing for the web? The answer ultimately depends on your target audience and the purpose of your content.
If you are writing for a professional or technical audience, it may be best to avoid small contractions and use more formal language instead. However, if you are writing for a casual or conversational audience, small contractions may be more appropriate and can help to improve your content`s engagement and readability.
Ultimately, as a professional, your job is to understand the nuances of your target audience and to employ the writing techniques that will best serve their needs. Whether or not to include small contractions is just one of the many decisions you will make as you work to create high-quality, SEO-friendly content that provides value to your readers.