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Writing for the Modern Web
The document discusses the importance of writing for the web, emphasizing that online content should be concise, user-friendly, and accessible, particularly for individuals with disabilities. It outlines principles for effective web content, such as understanding user behavior, ensuring clarity of purpose, and using descriptive text for links and images. Additionally, it stresses the need for proper formatting, including left-aligned text and simple button labels, to enhance readability and usability.
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Writing for the Modern Web
- 1. for the Writing David LeeKing | Rebecca Blakiston | Elaine Meyer flic.kr/p/aHV47t Web
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- 8. General Reference Center: Ageneral interest database that integrates a variety of sources in one easy-to-use interface. Use General Reference Center to find articles from magazines, reference books, and newspapers, many with full-text and images.
- 9. 8 seconds to graba reader’s attention #2
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- 17. words are aproduct
- 18. focus on the rightthings flic.kr/p/5qtj4r
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- 53. Why is writingfor the web different? Reading from a computer screen is: • tiring to your eyes • 25% slower than print reading. People are less likely to read long pieces of text online then in print. Jakob Nielsen: http://www.nngroup.com/articles/why-web-users-scan- instead-reading/
- 54. How do peopleread online? Instead, they: • skim, scan and select • browse before diving in • read a little at a time, mostly in short bursts • grab what they need and get onto their goal. They don’t!
- 55. Less is more Less content •is easier to manage • is more user-friendly • costs less to create
- 56. Planning your webcontent Web content is useless unless it supports: 1. A key business objective such as: • Promotes events & training classes • Encourages citizens to become patrons 2. Users in completing a task • Search catalog for an item • Find a study room • Library hours/directions • How long can I keep my book?
- 57. Questions before writing Before you write anything, ask yourself: •Why am I creating this page? • Who am I talking to? • What is my main message? • Does the user need it? • What do I want the user to do after reading it? Every page must have a clear purpose!
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- 59. Use descriptive linktext Not descriptive: To complete the online Reserve Form, click here. Descriptive: Complete the online Reserve Form. Never use “Click here” to describe a link • “Click here” is not descriptive for screen readers • Links are given extra weight by search engine spiders, so avoid “Click here”.
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- 61. Button labels • Keep button labels short and action oriented. •Avoid ‘Go’ or ‘OK’ as button labels. Instead, use the appropriate verb or phrase, such as ‘Submit’ or ‘Give feedback’.
- 62. Alert users ofoutside content Microsoft Excel Adobe PDF Open in a new window PowerPoint Microsoft Word
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- 65. AVOID USING ALLCAPS Caps are: • Difficult to read • Portray shouting • Relay urgency This includes navigation items like menus, footer, buttons, etc
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- 67. Images – textequivalents Non-text items include: • Images • Image buttons • Charts/graphs • Audio files • Multimedia files that include both audio and video Text information MUST be provided for web content that is not textual.
- 68. Images – textequivalents <alt> attribute: every image must have valid ‘alt’ text alt="Find it for FREE” Why use the “alt” attribute (commonly known as “alt text”)? • Provides text equivalent for blind users • Indexed by search engines • Can add additional information for the user alt= “Gale LegalForms - Find it for FREE”
- 69. Images that don’tconvey information What type of images don’t convey information? • Spacer images • Design images • Background images Use null alt text: alt=““ (alt=quote quote with no space in between)
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- 71. Go back andcheck your work Keep asking yourself: • Is this clear? • Is there a simpler way to say this? • Is there a shorter way to say this? • Is this even necessary? Check your work: • before you publish your stuff • after you see it online • again next week (the article will be different the next time you look).