Writing for the Web

People don't read on the web like they do in print. At best they skim, and nothing turns readers off faster than big blocks of text. When you write for the web, always remember to keep it clear, simple, and concise:

• Think about what your audience needs to hear rather than what you want to say. (Constantly ask yourself "will they understand this?" and "will they care?")
• Break long pages into short sections with clear headings.
• Present one idea per paragraph, with the main point at the beginning.
• Use bulleted lists when possible.
• Write your first draft, set it aside for a little bit, and then come back and try to cut the number of words in half!

Remember, the less you write, the more they'll read!

Quick References (Online)

• How Users Read on the Web - it's old, but if you read just one, read this!
• Be Succinct! (Writing for the Web) - another "oldie but goodie" based on real research.
• Lower-Literacy Users - some differences in how low-literacy users read . (Being succinct is still key!)

More Information (Books)

• Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability - an easy (and funny) read that covers the most important concepts in less than 200 pages.
• Prioritizing Web Usability - the "bible" of web usability based on extensive research. At 400+ pages, you have to want to read it, but it's worth the effort.
• Everyday Information Architecture - goes beyond how to write and takes a look at how to organize your information (and website).