Step 2 - Design (Cont.)

Writing For The Web

Usability studies show that Web readers tend to skim over (scan) information rather than read it.
Why?

1. It's hard on the eyes to read much on a computer monitor.
2. The reading speed on a screen is about 25% below reading the same material on paper.
3. The average time Americans spend viewing a Web page is 53 seconds.

The solution? Get your message across quickly and use as few words as possible. Other Web writing tips are listed below:

• Divide the material of your site into clear topics and logical topics. If required, subdivide each topic into sub topics.
• Don't use all capital letters to emphasize headings or text. Instead use the caps/lower case style for headings and sub-headings on your Website. See this heading for an example.
• Use the active voice - the subject performs the action expressed in the verb.
• Include a brief introduction at the top of each page to help users know what information they will find.
• Put your most important information near the top of each page.
• Align your text left side of the page. Avoid centered or right-aligned text.
• Try not to have more than 15 words on a single line.
• Keep your pages easy to read by using short paragraphs, no longer larger than 5 to 7 sentences.
• Use bulleted lists to give an overview of your key points.
• Keep scrolling to a minimum, and your content short. Try to limit each page to 500 words or less. If necessary, use multiple pages.
• Provide links to information that can help your less knowledgeable visitors.
• Don't use technical jargon, unless they are your only intended audience.
• Use a spell checker to check your pages.
• Print everything out on paper for final proofreading.

Do You Need Help? Don't be shy, if you have questions or need help creating your Website, just ask me. I work cheap -- free. The only dumb question is the one not asked!

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