Writing for the Web Guidelines (Courtesy of Hot Text)

- Users read 25% slower from a computer as compared to paper
- Solution? Write 50% less text
- Fewer words means less reading, therefore, less frustration
- Users tend to use the text in the page title, headings and introductory sentences to discover what the web page is about
- Using web page text is like using signs – use it to direct the user to your ultimate goal
- If you want to be sure someone will read what you write on the web, write less
- Less text means less strain on a users’ ability to concentrate, less material to juggle in short-term memory and a faster rush to meaning (of the web sites contents)
- Edit your text again and again and again
- When looking for text to delete – consider:
• words included to emphasize sincerity IE. Really and Truly
• words that don’t add anything to what you have already said
• unnecessary details
• phrases that tell the reader something that they already learned earlier
• pompous b.s.
• corporate speak
-short paragraphs help skimming
• use two to three sentences per paragraph
• use short words
- Use sidebars to sum up the article – highlight key points
- If you want to compare data, move it out of the text into a chart or a graph
- When cutting your text preserve the meaning. If you drop a key fact or supporting idea, you’ve gone too far. Being concise does not mean saying less – just using fewer words

The Rule of 7’s (+/- 2)
• Don’t have more then 7 things going occurring on your page IE. Tabs, Links, etc

Make sections navigable – provide information on every page:
• Where they are
• Where they’ve been
• Where they’re going
• How to get home

Don’t make your user stop and think – provide clear departure information – instead of archiving chat transcripts as chats 1 – 5, archive them by chat title

Put yourself into the mindset of your user – think, talk, organize as they would… help the user avoid errors – consider possible navigation errors and attempt to resolve them before they occur.