Writing for the web
Anything you write for print or web as part of your work at the University becomes part of its public face. Your writing needs to be clear and concise.
Major differences between print and web copy:
- Print is static and rigid whereas the web is dynamic and flexible Websites can be accessed on many devices (eg laptop, phone, etc) and browsing software (people with visual impairments may use a screen reader), all with different sizes and resolutions
- Web users scan a page rather than read in detail They jump to headings, sub-headings and links, looking for keywords. Web users tend to read a page in an ‘F’ shape, scanning quickly down the left side of the content and then across a line when they see a keyword
- Web users are constantly on the move They are impatient, intolerant and critical. If they don't see something that grabs their attention within seconds they will look elsewhere.
