Livingsj's Blog

Writing for the web – style

livingsj — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:03:09 +0000

The style you use for your website should be objective and concise . Users do not respond to sites that are self promoting. Instead focus on providing simple, direct and succinct information.

Text should :

be carefully organised
use Plain English
make effective use of headings, sub headings and categories
use topic sentences
limit paragraphs to one main idea
provide the right amount of information.

You should aim to:

use a simple, informal writing style
use humour sparingly keeping in mind your audience
make sure your web directions are clear

Writing for the web – usability

livingsj — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:47:30 +0000

The two key elements of user friendliness in a website are speed and organization.

Speed

Users want to find useful information as quickly as possible.
•   waiting for downloads and search results is boring and a waste of time.
•   one good picture is useful, a lot of pictures tends to waste time
•   fast-loading graphics and fast response times for hypertext links are essential

Organisation

Users enjoy well organized sites
• information is easier to find
• the searching process is speeded up

Writing for the web – content

livingsj — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:41:29 +0000

Users want to be able to trust your web site. Make sure your information is:

high quality
relevant
credible

To maintain credibility:

use reputable sources
hyperlink to credible external sites.

Image and tone will define your site for users. How you present information should reflect the image your organisation wants to convey.

Writing for the web – design

livingsj — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:59:46 +0000

There are four key elements to consider in the design of your website. It should be scannable, searchable readable and interesting.

Scannable

Website users like to scan. It saves time. Elements to enhance scanning include:
•    headings
•   large type
•   bold text
•   highlighted text
•   bulleted lists
•   graphics
•   captions,
•   topic sentences
•   tables of contents.

Users find long blocks of text boring and intimidating. It works to use:
•   broken up text
•   summaries
•   inverted pyramid style

Searchable

Users like to start with a keyword search. So include a good search engine.

Readable

Users prefer short text to get to the information they need fast. Make your points quickly on one screen and hyperlink to extra information.

Interesting

Pictures can be useful on your website if they add to the text. The use of captions is a must to explain the link between text and pictures.

Writing for the web

livingsj — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:37:12 +0000

Writing for the web requires a different style of writing to match the web reader’s differing set of needs. A 1997 study on how people read websites showed that there are four important elements to consider when creating a website. Click here to read a summary of the study.

Design

The first key point to remember is that web readers don’t read – they scan. So design your site to enable easy scanning of material.

Usability

The goal for users is to find information as quickly as possible. Create your site with this in mind.

Content

Content and credibility is important to a user. Make sure your information can be trusted .

Style

Users prefer a style which is objective and concise. Keep your copy simple and informal.

Hello world!

livingsj — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:34:45 +0000

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!