This single-page sheet contains a list of tips and reminders about web writing. It includes:
Web writing articles & resources:
I use this spreadsheets for taking content inventories – a task often done toward the beginning of an information architecture project, and essential for any website or intranet content migration project.
The spreadsheet stores information about each ‘page’ on the website. It is a very handy tool as it allows you to get an understanding of all the content on your website, and see it all at a glance.
Before taking a content inventory, think about what you need to get out of it and what you may use it for in your projects. Think about what information you may need to collect, and only collect that – don’t collect more than you might need – it is just a waste of time and effort.
For most of my projects, I like to collect:
I often also like to collect:
If you are lucky, your content management system may already have a listing of file. If you are unlucky, you may have to click through the site page by page.
The spreadsheet contains instructions for what to include in each column and a set of tips for how to go about filling in the spreadsheet.
The main point to remember is that this is a tool for you to use for your project. You should collect whatever will help you best and represent the information however suits you. The spreadsheet is only a guide.
Articles on how to take a content inventory:
We all know that great content is a core part of the website user experience. So why is it so hard to find content that isn’t dull, lifeless and uninteresting – blah, blah, blah?
Web content can be vibrant, interesting and fun. It can draw you in, fill your head and make you learn without having to think. And it’s not really hard to write. Three simple tricks can turn poor content into a great experience:
This presentation will discuss these principles, with plenty of funny and not-so-funny examples. You’ll go away with practical steps to make your writing kick-ass. And you won’t even have to think.
This is a talk I gave at Murdoch Uni. I wasn’t sure what to call it, but it basically covers principles of good website work – user research, good IA, great content, setting priorities and maintaining good work.
This workshop provides attendees with a thorough understanding and practical experience in:
Topics included in the workshop are:
We all know that great content is a core part of the website user experience. So why is it so hard to find content that isn’t dull, lifeless and uninteresting – blah, blah, blah?
Web content can be vibrant, interesting and fun. It can draw you in, fill your head and make you learn without having to think. And it’s not really hard to write. Three simple tricks can turn poor content into a great experience – remember that readers care more about themselves than you; write in real words with authentic voice; play show and tell.
This presentation will discuss these principles, with plenty of funny and not-so-funny examples. You’ll go away with practical steps to make your writing kick-ass. And you won’t even have to think.