Writing for the Web

2009 Professional Development Institute

A basic overview of how to write and rewrite content for the web to increase readability and usability.

• How reading online is different from print
• Basics of copy style
• Length of text
• Using of subheads, decks and bullet points
• Focusing the first sentence and frontloading content
• The pros & cons of using PDFs to display print magazines and viewbooks online
• How web content influences search engine optimization.

Resources, Tools and Links

People, programs and sites referenced in the presentation

• Jakob Nielsen – http://useit.com
• Gerry McGovern's Newsletter– gerrymcgovern.com/new_thinking.htm
• Bob Johnson Consulting LLC - http://bobjohnsonconsulting.com
• Ginny Redish - http://www.redish.net
• Steve Krug - http://www.sensible.com
• Jared Spool – http://www.uie.com
• Marketing Profs - http://www.marketingprofs.com/

University resources

• Accessibility - Assistive Technology Resource Center
• Writing - Writing@CSU
• Teaching and course design - The Institute for Learning and Teaching

Organizations offering related conferenences, training, webinars

• Council for Advancement and Support of Education
• Academic Impressions
• Marketing Profs
• Public Relations Society of America