Deck 10: Writing for the Web

Question 1

What is the best way of organising your content?

Answer 1

Use the 'inverted pyramid' arrangement, with the most important point first, followed by supporting information. On arriving at a web page, readers take less than a second to form a first impression ('Eye-tracking studies', 2012) and tend to scan the page in an 'F' pattern (Nielsen, 2006), so placing the most important information where it will be recognised immediately is critical.

Question 2

List two important tasks you need to complete before you start writing your web content.

Answer 2

Before writing, be clear about the website's purpose and consider the audience. Is the site's aim to inform, to teach, or to help a reader complete a task? What does the reader already know? How often might they have visited the site? What will they expect from the site? How old might a typical reader be?

Question 3

List five techniques for making your content more readable to your audience.

Answer 3

a. Use more headings and ensure they accurately reflect the content of the section.
b. Edit text ruthlessly. Say what's important and nothing more; say it succinctly.
c. Use easily understood words, not jargon.
d. Keep paragraphs short. A single sentence might be sufficient.
e. Bullet or numbered lists add structure that helps readers find information easily and can indicate the relative importance of points.
f. Emphasise key points using bold typeface, but don't overdo it.

Question 4

What is an important design aspect concerning the use of links in your content?