How to
write for the web
On the web, one page on print media requires two or three
screens.
- Write in
small digestible
chucks, which fit into the information hierarchy. To
create your hierarchy, outline the website as you would for printed
material.
- Examine the site's purpose and outline the main
sections (e.g. words people use to navigate) and the links within those heads. Test it
before it goes online.
- Write headlines and links on Post-IT
sticky notes and put them on a chart.
Show the chart to sample users. Ask them how to get
from one section to another.
- Run a usability test.
- Put the outline of each webpage on a sheet of paper.
- Stack the pages and, sitting next to the user, hold up the pages. Tell them what to find
and ask them to "click" the headings to get there. If they choose the right pages then continue; otherwise
go back and make notes.
- Don't give any hints or clues on how to navigate.
- Sit
back and watch. You’ll be amazed how their approach differs from what you had
expected. Make notes for later revisions. This paper model helps you see how people
navigate through the site.
- By writing concise,
descriptive headings, you will lead
users to the content that they are seeking.
For example, do visitors expect to find phone
numbers, under "Who we are" or "Contact us"?
- Planning is 80 percent of the work.
Once you've created a
good outline, the writing will have more impact.
Your Thoughts?
What are your thoughts on this? Drop me a line at ivan
at klariti dot com |
I'm Ivan Walsh, the person behind this site. I help people improve how they write, publish and extend their business assets.