Web Writing Tips
Posted 20th May 2011 at 12:09 AM by AcmePLR
For those of you doing your own writing, I just came across some excellent web writing tips. These were on the epa.gov site but they can really apply to all types of web writing.
Key points:
Key points:
- If you think you're ready to publish your page, remove at least 50% of the words.
- Make it immediately clear why (or for whom) the page exists.
- Make it scannable -- Area Headings and links should be visually distinct and meaningful.
- Write in plain, direct language - use active voice and not above an 8th grade level.
- Write for the target audience.
- Fact: No matter how good your content, your users will not read your web page if you’re using too many words. Edit harshly.
- Be sure to communicate to your users why this page is important for them.
- Try to express this in a single, short statement, preferably the first sentence on the page.
- Why does this page exist? Focus your content on that purpose only.
- Users scan for Area Headings and links – make sure these are visually distinct.
- Make sure the text of Area Headings and links clearly conveys meaning – it may be the only text the user reads on the entire page.
- Use bullet lists where applicable.
- Be clear and concise.
- Use plain language (avoid jargon unless it is absolutely crucial).
- Always use active voice.
- Paragraphs should not contain more than 50 words.
- Sentences should not contain more than 15 words.
- Fewer syllables per word are preferable when possible.
- Make your text timeless (e.g. avoid words like recently or today, etc.)
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