Writing for the web is tricky, especially if you come from a print background. Web readers are finicky: they want content they can read easily and quickly.
Here are 5 simple tips to help make your website’s content web user friendly.
1. Use lists where possible
Web users love to scan, and lists are perfect for scanning. If possible, keep each list item to only one line. Try to keep the word count to no more than 7 words per list item.
2. Keep each paragraph to 1 idea
Keep your paragraphs to the point. Web users want meat; they don’t want garnishes or appetizers. Just give them what they want.
3. Write short sentences
Don’t get flowery. Tell it like it is, and let your reader know what you mean up front. If you need help reducing wordiness, check out How to chop your word count like a lumberjack.
4. Include sub-headings
This pairs perfectly with the tip on lists. Sub-headings make your document scannable, thus making it more useful.
5. Integrate your links into your copy
Links act like a highlighter, making key words jump out at the reader. Like their close cousins lists and sub-headings, links help transform your document into something that is scannable and easy to use.
What are some useful tricks you’ve found while writing for the web? Share them in the comments below.
Hello Kim
Thanks for the simple and useful tricks. Here are some additional tips that one should also consider in order to create powerful, user friendly web content that will
also reach their target market:
·
Front load your content – present key information first to grab your reader’s
attention and help him or her decide if this is the content they are looking for
and should they keep reading on.
·
Use clear language and the proper tone for your target market – avoid corporate jargon, technical terms and if using acronyms, explain them unless your web site speaks to a specific target well versed in the subject.
·
Use pictures or images that add value whenever possible to illustrate your content – this will grab the user attention and enhance the appearance of your page.
·
Show don’t tell: demonstrate the benefits of your products and services – use descriptive and emotionally-charged language that will build a connection with your audience.
·
Tell your brand story and how your brand is all about customers and the value they get when engaging with your products.
·
Develop a SEO strategy that will boost the display of your web site to a prominent search engine display position – with the
majority of a web site traffic being driven by major commercial search engines
such as Google, you need to understand that relevance and popularity of your
content are two key factors in making your web site visible to search engines:
o Create useful, rich web site pages that accurately describe your content
o Know how your target market uses search, use relevant key words and make it part of your indexable content – place it in your “title” , headers, and throughout
your text as feasible
o Provide fresh and updated content – search engines love new content and Google has a strong bias toward content that is fresh and websites that are continually updated
I believe these are all elements that are important for user friendly content but also key to reaching the target market which is an important consideration when writing for the web.
These are great! Thanks, Guylaine. :)