Writing for the Web Best Practices:
- Chunk your content – this means making it scan able by breaking it into manageable sections. Paragraphs should be no more than 5 sentences. Posts should be between 200-1,500 words.
- Use bullet points and numbered lists – if possible, organize your information into lists. It makes your content easily consumable and promises the reader a few solid takeaways. Think Buzzfeed “Top 5 reasons your lists should be numbered”
- Use plain language -- Keep your writing simple, clear, and to the point.
- Write in a casual tone - Try to sound like a person. Try to sound like yourself! You are the author after all.
- Use an active voice – “We are available to meet for research consultations” VS. “Contact us to schedule a consultation”
- Front load information – Put the important stuff first. Provide additional details later.
- Use images – they add interest and break up the text. If you use images that are not your own, be sure to cite them.
- Use descriptive links – avoid saying things like “click here” and instead hyperlink the words that describe it.
- Plan ahead and post regularly – plan to post at least once per quarter. Additional posts are encouraged and welcome.
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. The Research-Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines, Enlarged/Expanded edition. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2006.