Skip to main content

Information Status

We are currently revising content on plainlanguage.gov, including the federal guidelines, training materials, and other online resources. We’ve temporarily paused accepting training requests until after this update is complete. We hope to resume training later in the fall 2023.

Checklist for Plain Language on the Web

On the web, people are in a hurry. They skim and scan, looking for quick answers to their questions. Help your readers quickly find what they need with these web writing tips:

  • Less is more! Be concise.
  • Break documents into separate topics.
  • Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper.
  • Use short lists and bullets to organize information.
  • Use even more lists than on paper.
  • Use even more headings with less under each heading.
  • Questions often make great headings.
  • Present each topic or point separately, and use descriptive section headings.
  • Keep the information on each page to no more than two levels.
  • Make liberal use of white space so pages are easy to scan.
  • Write (especially page titles) using the same words your readers would use when doing a web search for the info.
  • Don’t assume your readers have knowledge of the subject or have read related pages on your site. Clearly explain things so each page can stand on its own.
  • Never use “click here” as a link. Link language should describe what your reader will get if they click the link.
  • Eliminate unnecessary words.