How do you write clearly for the Web?,

Here are seven keys to writing clearly for the Web

• Put the main message first.
• Cut out words.
• Keep paragraphs short.
• Keep sentences short.
• Use fragments.
• Use the user's words.
• Give examples.
  

Put the main message first

What's the key message that you are trying to convey? Figure that out and put it first.Next put what will interest most users below the main message. Put further details that only some users want on other pages that are linked from the main message.

Cut out words

You can often convey the essential message in half as many words as you originally wrote.Revise. Revise. Revise. Do not assume that your first draft is the best you can do. Write a draft. Leave it for a day or so. Go back to it and try to make your point even more succinctly.

Keep paragraphs short

A one sentence paragraph may be fine.

Keep sentences short

Users need to grasp the meaning quickly. You can often put secondary information in another sentence, in a table, in fragments, or leave it out entirely.

Use fragments

In frequently asked questions (FAQs) for example, you don't have to repeat words from the question in the answer.

Use the user's words

Think about these points:

• The Web is available globally. Should you change words to reach a world-wide audience?
• Even if you are writing for a United States government site, don't you want people outside of the U. S. to understand your content? Even if your audience is only U. S. residents, consider how many of them speak English as a second language.
• For your broader audience, should you translate the Web pages into other languages? Short sentences, simple words, and consistency all contribute to easier translations.
• Did all users understand the language in your paper documents? Even your traditional audiences may be better served by plain language.

Give examples

Users love examples. They often go to the examples instead of reading the text.

posted by Alenjoe @ 12:19 PM permanent link   |

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