5 Important Rules of Writing On-Line

Writing online requires that the author not only look at the content but also the design of the page and the “bits and pieces” that make up the page. I believe the five most important rules for writing online are:

1. Write for/with a purpose:

• Decide what audience you want to attract to your website and write with them in mind;
• Clearly state the objective/content of the webpage;
• Use language/graphics that is appropriate to your audience;
• Is the content of your page informative and does it meet the objectives of the page.

2. Use Scannable Text:

Roger C Parker (author of “Guide to Web Content and Design” and “Looking Good in Print”) once stated “Good design makes complicated information easy to read” (on a webpage called Ten Rules of Good Design, viewed 19-7-99 link doesn’t work now!). Nielsen and Jerz tell us that web pages need to be written with/in “scannable text” such as:

• Highlighted keywords;
• Sub Headings;
• Bite-sized chunks of information rather than long prosaic writing;
• One idea per paragraph
• Bulleted lists, tables, charts and informative graphics;
• Write meaningful links;
• Inverted pyramid style of writing – conclusion first;
• Half the word count of conventional writing

3. Check that all links work:

Links are easily picked up when the reader is scanning the web page because they are usually highlighted in a different colour. Readers will often flick to links to check the information, but will be turned off the homepage if the links don’t work. It is important to check the links on your page work, to encourage readers to continue reading your homepage.

4. Consistency and simplicity of page design:

Parker also stated “Good design is functional rather than decorative…if you start out trying to create good-looking pages…you’re likely to end up with pages which obscure, rather than enhance, your message.”
I believe most readers loose interest in a page if the information is too hard to find because of the advertising, pictures and other activity happening on the page – it is best to keep pages simple and consistent.

• Use the same or similar simple background on each page
• Use the same font type;
• Use the same size headings
• Use the same/similar length pages

5. Check spelling, punctuation and grammar:

Finally, with all good writing, ensure that you carefully check spelling, grammar and punctuation.