When writing for the web, a writer must consider techniques that one otherwise may disregard.
Reading online is a slower process for readers as opposed to reading a printed material. It is imperative that online text be broken up through use of subheads, bullet points or numbered lists, images, and space. This technique as well as bold text increases the scanability of the copy.
Useful tools a writer may add to online articles include links, and videos.
One particularly useful tool is the share tool: this tool allows readers to email, twitter, Facebook, etc. a story.
Online news can also easily be added to in order to update a story, creating a fast and fresh accessibility for citizens to stay informed.
Note* Remember to use SEO (search engine optimization) words in headlines and copy
Read Editing for Print and Online by Dale and Isaac for tips on how to edit online content.
Image courtesy of al lavoro on flickr.
All very valid and important points, Chelsey.
ReplyDeleteI did find one sentence a bit confusing though.
You wrote:
"Online news can also easily be added to in order to update a story, creating a fast and fresh accessibility for citizens to stay informed."
In order to clear up the inital confusion this sentence may cause I suggest an alteration, maybe something like this:
Online news stories can be easily updated, keeping citizens informed on up-to-the minute breaking information.
OR
Online news can also easily have information added to them after they are posted. This is called updating and creates immediate accessibility to information for citizens so they can stay informed on what is happening.