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Summary: keep it simple, structured, and reader-centric
The Web was invented as a communications medium for publishing content. Publishing content on the Web is just like publishing content anywhere else. It needs to be concise, well written, well organized, well presented, and well targeted.

When designing a website keep the following in mind:

• Design for the reader: If you don’t have content that other people want, then you don’t really have a reason to be on the Web.
• Make sure that your content is well organized, so that it is easy to search and navigate through.
• Lay out your homepage as if you were running a newspaper. Present short, exciting content that delivers a call to action to the reader.
• Follow web convention: Don’t be original in your layout; be original in your content.
• Design for interactivity: Where appropriate, encourage the reader to contribute, to give feedback.
• Keep it simple: A website should be so simple that even an adult can understand how to use it.

November 2001

Previous: Part 5: Navigation and search are critical

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Download a free copy of Chapter One: Writing for the Web, from The Web Content Style Guide

Writing for the Web (PDF 219 KB)

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Reviews for The Web Content Style Guide

I will certainly be recommending this book to others
By Malcolm Davison, CEO, Writing For The Web
"This comprehensive and authoritative overview of content management starts with useful guidelines to writing and designing web material. If only most webmasters would heed the sound advice given here, then web surfing would be a much happier experience for us all!

Web-Publishing With Ease
By Colin Ong, CEO, MR=MC Consulting, Singapore
"This book is an essential guide in helping people plan an effective web-publishing presence through a simple A-Z format. The reader can use this book as a good source of reference. On a personal note, the book has encouraged me to rethink my portals' attractiveness to my target audience.

It's worth your time and money
By Phil Matous, CEO, Taylor Community Credit Union, Michigan, USA
"The first chapter alone is worth the price of the book. Great ideas on writing for either traditional or web viewers. Easy to read and insightful."

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