Write and Right for the Web

Preparing Web Copy

Writing for the web is different from writing in print, primarily because people do not read online-they scan the content. As such, the context you are creating needs to be scan able.

Checklist:

• Write concise sentences. (21 words maximum)
• Keep paragraphs short (65 words maximum)
• Use subheadings to break up chunks of text
• Use a list format whenever possible
• Provide a summary or overview of key points in longer articles before providing details.
• Avoid using all capitals for titles(or anything for that matter)
• Provide clear, concise calls to action
• Plain text (.txt format) is sometimes prefer—however I find it easier to work with text in word like docs.
• Do not convert text content to HTML using word processing software.
• Type in a font that works well on screens--Verdana, Trebuchet MS, Georgia. On a low-resolution PC screen, older fonts like Times, Arial, Helvetica and Courier look like cross-stitch in cat fur.

Other Web Writing Resources/Tips:

Quality Web Content