Writing for the Web

Getting Started | Managing Information | Before Launching

Writing for the Web is radically different than writing for print. Keep the following in mind:

Getting started

• Establish the goal of the page. What is the most important information to be conveyed? Which are the most important links? Make sure these things are visible and go up top.
  
  
• Make an outline for text-heavy pages. Clean, hierarchical organization will translate well into the HTML concepts of headings, sub-headings, paragraphs, and lists.
  
  
• Write to be scanned rather than read. Be concise: review each sentence and omit unnecessary words.
  
  
• Focus on information and ideas–-avoid marketing hype.
  
  
• Use bullet points in place of long paragraphs.
  
  
• Avoid overuse of all-caps and text decoration [ DON'T DO THIS ]. Users may feel like you are yelling at them.
  
  

Managing information

• Write meaningful headings and subheadings (for easy scanning).
  
  
• Organize text to show clear hierarchies and to keep like information together.
  
  
• Title each page clearly and sensibly (see also Naming Directories, Files and Links).
  
  
• Alert users when linking away from the UM Libraries' Web site. Be sure they know where they are headed before they click, and give accurate attribution to outside links. In the example below, the Government Documents & Maps, In the News page lets the user know when they are linking offsite.
  
  
  
  

Before launching

• Proofread and spellcheck your writing. Make sure that your page follows your outline.
  
  
• Have someone else review your pages for spelling, grammar, and content.
  
  
• Validate your HTML using the W3C Validator tool (see Validating Your HTML).
  
  

return to top