People interact with web-based content in a very different way and prolonged screen reading is often undesirable to most users. By knowing a few facts and following certain techniques, content can be tailored to suit the audience.
- 80% of users scan the page.
- 15% read every word.
- Screen reading is around 25% slower than for print.
- Web content should have around 50% of the word count.
Write for your Audience
Remember who you are writing for and keep them in mind with all content. Use clear and plain language and avoid jargon unless directly appropriate to the subject.
The following guidance should help:
- Are you covering the information they need?
- Is it relevant?
- Does the content relate to the site/topic?
- Use your audience's language
- Use words people will be searching for
- Keep the content tone balanced
Trends That Will Help
When preparing your content there are certain principles that will suit a web audience. Begin by putting the must important information first so your content is relevant as soon as possible.
These principles are key:
- Important information at the top
- Write only one point or idea per paragraph
- Use lists instead of long paragraphs
- Establish and maintain credibility
- Use imagery
