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Writing for the Web. What to consider:. Can enter at any page Each page independent AND part of a whole Most looking for specific info , not pleasure reading which means… People are scanning for keywords. More considerations.
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What to consider: • Can enter at any page • Each page independent AND part of a whole • Most looking for specific info, not pleasure reading which means… • People are scanning for keywords
More considerations • Web content should have no more than 50 percent of the word count of its paper equivalent • Kill the welcome mat and cut to the chase • Short intros written for the web can increase usability • Bulleted and numbered lists can be easily scanned (vs long paragraphs) • Lists also help eliminate words (phrases vs sentences)
What NOT to do ATTRACTIONS Nebraska is filled with internationally recognized attractions that draw large crowds of people every year, without fail. In 1996, some of the most popular places were Fort Robinson State Park (355,000 visitors), Scotts Bluff National Monument (132,166), Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Museum (100,000), Carhenge (86,598), Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (60,002), and Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (28,446). In other words—IT’S WORTH SEEING!!!!
A better way to present the same info Attractions Most-visited places in Nebraska (in 1996) were: • Fort Robinson State Park (355,000 visitors) • Scotts Bluff National Monument (132,166 visitors) • Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Museum (100,000 visitors) • Carhenge (86,598 visitors) • Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (60,002 visitors) • Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. (28,446 visitors) In other words, it’s definitely worth seeing!
More content tips • Not good idea to use clever wording • Fysics is Fun • Use terms your target audience(s) will be looking for while “scanning” • Master’s vs Graduate
More content tips • Users expect underlined text to be a hyperlink • To make key words stand out, use bold text rather than underlining • Highlight (bold) key words, not entire sentences • When scanning, the eye can only pick up 2-3 words at a time.
How users read a web page • F-pattern holds prime real estate
Best location for your key messages • Implications: • Most users don’t read text thoroughly • First two paragraphs = most important info • Subheads, paragraphs and bullets should start with information-carrying words
The purpose of your web pages “People don't want to be ‘marketed TO’; they want to be ‘communicated WITH’.“ - Flint McGlaughlin
Images • Images that do not attract attention share these traits: • Generic/stock art • Too polished, perfect-looking people or staged • Those that don’t relate to the topic • Poor quality
Image is everything What an image should be: • Crisp, clear, good lighting • Related to content • “real” people
Adding content to the web Before beginning, place self in position of other members of our online community: • Students Former, Current and Future • Parents • Community Decorah residents Business Leaders • Employees Faculty, Staff
Sample content that can be improved Welcome to the Department of Child and Family Studies here at Example College. The Department of Child and Family Studies prepares Early Childhood and Family Life Educators, who respect diversity. These graduates work in a variety of community and state settings, as Early Childhood Teachers in the public school system and Family Advocates and Human Service Workers in social service settings. This is in addition to obtaining knowledge and skills to use in one’s personal and professional life. We encourage you to get to know us and we welcome you to link in for a visit and come to campus to meet with us. We have an excellent department advisor who is available to assist you in setting up a program of study, and introduce you to your faculty advisor. Our very involved Child and Family Studies Student Association (CFSSA) provides you with service learning opportunities on campus and in the community. If you are interested in improving your relationships and having a career in working with children and families, we are here for you.
New, improved version • Required courses for both the associate’s degree and the certificate of completion may be found in the Example College Catalog. • CAREERS • The Department of Child and Family Studies prepares graduates to pursue careers in a variety of community and state settings. • Bachelor of Education • Teacher • Family Advocate • Human Services Worker • Certificate of Completion • Teacher’s Aide • Family Advocate • Human Services Worker • CONTACT • The associate degree and the certificate of completion are offered at three of our campuses: • • Riverbend Campus • • Hamilton Hill Campus • • Lily Field Campus