Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Writing for the WebOCTS – Andrea GonzalezFeb. 8, 2013
Agenda
Why writing for the web is important and how it’s different.
Webpages and blogs
Facebook and Twitter
General tips
Why?
People are looking for answers online.
There’s too much noise.
Must snag readers.
What’s the difference?
Get to the point.
Not about length.
Focus on:Readability
Organization
Presentation
Even more important for mobile
All about audience
Things to consider:How do you use the web?
What do you like?
Who are you writing for?
Where is the content going?
Don’t know what your audience wants? Ask them.
Questions?
Webpages and blogs
Users typically scan.
Need to organize content.
Eyes make an “F” pattern.
Learn more about eye tracking: styleguide.yahoo.com/writing/write-web/eye-tracking-where-do-readers-look-first
Scanablity tips
Have a “table of contents”
Use subheadings, bullets, lists
Use short paragraphs
Use white space
Example
Which would you rather read?
Which would you rather read?
Source: http://styleguide.yahoo.com/writing/streamline-text-mobile-devices/consider-how-copy-will-look-mobile-devices
Inverted pyramid
Start with the conclusion.
Main points should be in first two paragraphs.
Get rid of fluff.
More info: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/04/
Reading levelAverage American =
8th grade reading level.
Reduce jargon and big
words.
Determine your content’s
readability:Show Readability Statistics
in Word
Reading Ease:
100 = easy
Grade levelHow to: office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/display-readability-statistics-HP005189601.aspx
Readability tips
Example:BACK-LOADED:Because gardeners care about raising healthy vegetables and ornamentals, soil and water testing are provided by Extension agents.
FRONT-LOADED:Extension agents can test your soil and water. This can help you raise healthy plants and ornamentals.
“Front load”
paragraphs and
sentences with
most important info.
Use active voice.
Use shorter sentences.
Limit use of conjunctions
Questions?
Social Media
Don’t have as much control over design/format.
Make every word count.
Create shareable, reusable content.
Write like you speak.
Facebook posts
Post a picture
Ask a question
Post links to related sites
Post event info
Post fun facts
Post examplesVS
Facebook “food”
Create content that other counties can use.
Learn more about reusable content: www.nngroup.com/articles/write-for-reuse/
Twitter posts
140 Characters
May need to post more than once
Content can get buried
Symbiotic relationships
Post examplesVS
Questions?
GeneralLess is more
Use good graphics
Use good grammar
Check it twice
Source your info
Don’t make stuff up
Identify with UGA, Georgia, etc.
Grammar tips
Don’t use all caps
Use only one space after a period
Quotation marksDon’t use for emphasis
Periods and commas go inside quotes.
Wrong: “You are a genius”.
Right: “You are a genius.”
Correct word choiceIt’s vs. its
You’re vs. your
Their, they’re there
Emoticons & Acronyms
:) :( :D <3
LOL, ROFL, TTYL
Depends on tone of medium
Don’t get toocarried away
ABITHIWTITB = A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush
Pitfalls to avoid
Spreading false information
Promoting events for minors to the public
Leaving posts unmonitored
Contests with rewards
Resources
OSU: Social Media Writing Tips http://cfaes.osu.edu/commtech/sites/drupal-ct.web/files/resources/files/Social%20Media%20Writing%20Tips.pdf
Usability.gov: Writing for the Webhttp://www.usability.gov/methods/design_site/writing4web.html#.URR8ulpFc1E
Yahoo! StyleGuide: Writing for the Webhttp://styleguide.yahoo.com/writing/
WiseGeek: Best Practices for Web Writinghttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-best-practices-for-web-writing.htm
OCTS Styleguidehttp://www.caes.uga.edu/unit/octs/styleguide2013.pdf
Related trainings
Blogging 101Mar. 15, 10-11
Emily Pitts: [email protected]
Taking Social Media to the Next LevelFeb. 11, 9-10
Andrea Gonzalez: [email protected]
