Web Writing Guide
So you need to add content to your webpages and aren't quite sure how to write a "good" webpage. Fear not! Here are some resources you can use as you create your webpages.
This page focuses on writing for the web. If you want help with formatting the text so it looks good and reads well visually, visit the Visual Style Guide. For help adding pictures, using SCC logos, and more, check out the Photo and Graphics Guide.
Hey bub, I ain't no Shakespeare here.
Below are a few good websites that do well walking you through how to write effectively for the web.
- efuse.com has a lot of great info for writing, designing, using graphics and more - head on over for an easy read with plenty of info to get you started
- The Chicago Manual of Style's Q&A pages are helpful
- Writing for the Web has lots of good info too
General Web Writing Style
Writing for the web is different than writing essays, term papers, instruction manuals, even magazine articles. People view the web as more personal, casual, colloquial. So the two best pricipals to follow when writing for the web on the SCC site:
- Be succinct: Surfers like here to poke around a bit. The only person who reads every word you write is your mother. Everybody else either skims or jumps from heading to heading until they find what they want. Write what you want to say. Then go back and hack off 1/3 of what you just wrote. If it's still unnecessarily wordy, repeat.
- Be informal: Contrary to popular belief, many site visitors actually DO read websites in their underwear, their pajamas, in flip flops or their favorite pair of socks, maybe even with a slice of pizza in their hand. Web writing should more resemble the spoken word than the written word (sorry English teachers). Think about it; do YOU like to get bogged down reading academic mumbo-jumbo in your flip flops? Me neither.
