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.