Technical Writing – How to Write Web Content

Why do technical writers struggle to write web content? Maybe it’s because writing for the web requires a different approach to the writing process. Here are some ways to stop thinking like a technical writer and more like a web writer.

How to Write Web Content

Before you start writing web content, invest some time in understanding the basics of information architecture and also how user interfaces and navigation systems work. Once you grasp this it’s easier to develop content as you’ll understand how the content will be delivered and read by users.

1. Chunk Content

On the web, write in small chucks. Make sure to write titles that fit into the information hierarchy. To create your hierarchy, outline the website as you would for printed material. Create logical orders and help the read find information fast.

2. Identify the Topics

Examine the site’s purpose and outline the main navigation paths (e.g. words people use to navigate), keywords and link structures. Test it before it goes online.

You can do this by writing the topics and links on Post-IT sticky notes and put them on a chart. Show the chart to sample users. Ask them how to get from one page/topic to another.

3. Usability Tests

Next, run usability tests.

Put the outline of each webpage on a sheet of paper.
Stack the pages and, sitting next to the user, hold up the pages.
Tell them what to find and ask them to “click” the headings to get there.

If they choose the right pages then continue; otherwise go back and revise the information flow.

4. Monitor Results

Don’t give any hints or clues on how to navigate. Sit back and watch.

You’ll be amazed how their approach differs from what you had expected. Make notes for later revisions. This paper model helps you see how people navigate through the site.

By writing concise, descriptive headings, you will lead users to the content that they are seeking faster.

For example, do visitors expect to find phone numbers, under “Who we are” or “Contact us”?

5. Develop Writing Guidelines

On the web, one page on print media requires two or three screens. As readers scan text on the Web:

Write short paragraphs
Use bulleted lists rather than narratives
Write one subhead for each idea.

Planning is 80 percent of the work. Once you’ve created a good outline, the writing will have more impact.

What else would you add?

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Tagged as: Content, web, Web Writing, writing

Purple_Lavender

I wanted to Ask Ivan a question about certification for grant writers and did not know the proper forum to do so. I have written two grants and am seeking additional training. I do not expect employers to hire me unless I have “proof” that I can deliver. Just as some employers would not hire you if you do not have a degree, I think that the certification process offers similiar equivalent experience.

I have tried asking “experienced grant writers” in other forums and there was a certain level of hostility in their responses towards my questions about certification. The fact of the matter is that I want to be able to apply for employment and enter the grant writing profession with some sort of credentials due my lack of experience. Is this hostility a result of fear because they are afraid that they will be forced to become certified to compete in the market? I have wanted to be a writer my entire life. I recently completed my BA degree in Environmental Studies and would like to obtain employment in the development department of an organization but I do not have specific experience in this field, [I have completed an internship where I wrote two grants]. Although I have in excess of fifteen years of corporate experience as a project manager, I feel that being able to state that you are a certified grant writer on your resume will provide a potential employer with confidence that you have the necessary skills to successfully write grants.

There are certain associations, such as the American Grant Writers Association that are now offering training and certification in grant writing through a comprehensive training course [6 days] followed by a certification test. All of the “professional grant writers’ have balked at the prospect of establishing a certification process, yet I feel that it establishes one’s credibility and is a worthwhile endeavor. Does Ivan have any thoughts on the value and/or need for a formal certification program for grant writers? Does anyone have a positive opinion about certification?

Finally, has anyone taken the certification exam offered by the American Grant Writers Asssociation? They claim to have certified over 800 grant writers. Their program is approximately $700 including testing fees. They are authorized to offer Continuing Education Credits [CEUS}. What does that really mean in the scheme of things? Does that provide them with more credibility? Ivan what do you think about this matter?

Many other professions, such as Project Managers have credible certification programs that employers are beginning to demand when hiring project managers. Do you think potential full time employers will consider this as a positive marketable skill that may give you the edge over other candidates or will one’s lack of actual experience be considered more so than certification? I realize that you may learn some things by just doing them but if you are just beginning your career in the field, wouldn’t formal training in grant writing be something considered in a positive light versus learning on the job? Can’t we equate this to learning a specific skill in a college environment?

Any other thoughts on this matter? Thank you for your time and kind attention.