Write it right
Writing content for the web?
Here are 10 quick tips to help you present your information in a way that works better online:
- write in plain English
- use everyday language and avoid impersonal bureacratise or confusing jargon
- cover the most important information up front
- create scannable text by using meaningful subheadings and bullet points to break up your content
- keep your sentences short
- stick to one idea per paragraph (and keep them short too)
- provide just enough context so each page makes sense on its own (for visitors who land directly on that page)
- use about half as many words as you would for printed documents
- avoid fancy formatting and too many links within the text
- write for your audience first, then tweak for keywords and other search engine optimisation techniques.
| Cinden Lester has more than 25 years’ experience as a professional writer, editor and communications specialist. She worked as a broadcast journalist, in private sector marketing and public relations, and in government communications before establishing her own Canberra-based communications consultancy in 2000.
Contact Cinden if you’d like help with your communications. |
