Writing for the Web

 Home » Helpful Hints »Writing For The Web

---

Website visitors want to find what they are looking for as quickly and easily as possible. Web-savvy writing and editing are essential for optimal content delivery.

Key Concepts

• Omit non-essential words. Users don't read--they scan.
• Use "inverted pyramid" writing style: start with the point, then support it, using links for more in-depth details.
• One idea per paragraph is ideal.
• Keep the most important elements "above the fold," that is, visible upon initial page view without scrolling.
• Categorize according to users' needs, not necessarily by departmental organization or hierarchy.
• When creating a link, highlight only the one-to-three most important words.
  

DO Facilitate scanning with subheads, bullet points, lists, and captions. Provide links to related and additional detail. Use an active voice: " The company published the book." Use lists or tables when possible.

DON'T Expect your visitors to read everything. Put everything on one page. Use a passive voice: "The book was published by the company." List items in a paragraph to save room.