Write for the "Scan Reader"
Online audiences tend not to read word for word. Instead, they scan
subheads, links, and lists for information that applies
specifically to them. Therefore, you should—
Lead With the Main Idea
Place the key overall ideas first on each Web page. Then go
into detail. Again, explain the most important details first.
This writing style is often called the inverted pyramid. It
ensures that no matter where on the page users stop reading,
they will have read the most important information.
Back to Top Use Subheads Frequently
Subheads make text more readable and point readers to specific
information. This means subheads should be used often (every
1–3 paragraphs), and they should be more specific than "Introduction" or "Project
History." Such generic subheads tell online readers little
and encourage them to simply scan over the material.
Examples of specific headlines—
- Crime Victims Demand Compensation
- Standard Form Streamlines Case Management
- Effort Targets Schools With High Crime Rates
The most effective subheads provide enough information that
reading the section becomes optional. Don't let your readers wander. According to Rachel McAlpine, an online content consultant, online readers "skim the page looking for clues about content. As soon as they have enough clues, they can decide whether to bookmark, download, or print the page—or abandon it forever."
Back to Top Use Bulleted Lists To Itemize Information
Effective bulleted lists are brief:
- Entries are short.
- Entries are related.
- Entries briefly describe the type of information their links contain.
- The list itself is short, generally never longer than the length of the screen.
To shorten a bulleted list that is too long—
- Combine some bullets, if possible.
- Reorganize the bullets into several lists.
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