Writing for a Web Audience

10 web-writing tips:

1 . Punch up headlines

-Format the first heading as an HTML <H1>

-Clarify the content of each section with the section headings, format as <H2> in HTML

-Break up a complex web page into multiple related pages

2. Emphasize key concepts

-use bold or colored text, do not use italics

3. Harness the power of lists

-use bullet points when sequence of info doesn’t matter

-use numbers when it does

-just emphasize important info

-to create a #’d list in HTML, type:

1. <ol> to start the #’d list

2. <li> to start the first item

3. Info for the first item

4. </li> to end the first list item

5. Repeat steps 2-5 for ea. additional list item

6. </ol> to end the #’d list

4. Create meaningful captions

5. Simplify for understanding

-use fewer words, smaller words

6 . Invert the pyramid

-start by stating the conclusion

-organize from most important to least

7. Write one idea per paragraph

-summarize idea in first sentence

8 . Make each page stand alone

9. Link wisely

(Code for mouseover tooltip:)

<a style="cursor: hand" title="glossary definition">word</a>.

10. Be current, accurate, and credible

    -give credit where credit is due