tips about content

facts:

Writing for the web is different
People don't use websites like they would a book or a brochure
People don't want to stare at a screen for too long
People click out after 3 seconds if they don’t see what they need
It is not linear, there is no end page

KISS rules!

Keep It Short and Simple

organize your information

If you are preparing content for a larger website, you may consider organizing the flow of your information by drawing a picture or flow chart. Chart the starting point of your subject (the main page) to the detail (the sub-page(s)). A chart will help to keep you focused. You can provide this chart to the web developer as a reference to the way you envisioned the site coming together.

how much text?

Writing web content is a process and should not be written and submitted in one go. Write your content, put it aside for a day, then re-read it, remove excess verbiage, edit or rewrite it; repeat as often as necessary.

If organizing the volume of information you want to publish seems overwhelming to you, it will be too much for your audience!

remain accessible

Show phone numbers and email contacts clearly. A website is not a substitute for human contact with your audience. Commit to respond to email enquiries in a timely manner, potential clients will not wait long for answers, they will go somewhere else!

using text styles

Don't use underline unless it represents a hyperlink!
Use italics sparingly, it is harder to read
Use bold effectively to highlight key points
Use bulleted lists to improve scan readability

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