You don’t have to be Dostoevsky to write for the web

Tips for web writing

“5 Writing Tips for Web Designers” has good advice for those of you who write for the web. Below is my summary and commentary. Also, see this related post.

1. Basically, it’s all about your customers’ needs for finding information, becoming a member, getting involved, donating, whatever. Everything – including links, navigation, info – should work together to meet this goal.

2 & 3. Internet users scan for information. It’s very different from reading a novel.  Keep the prose and fancy vocabulary to a minimum.  The author gives specifics on this.

4. Consistency is key.  This is especially true when multiple people are writing content.  A style guide is a good idea.  Even better is to have one czar who acts like an editor through which all content must flow.

5. Users don’t believe the (sales) hype. Enthusiasm is nice, but make sure to keep it real.