Writing for the Web
Creating written content for the web is not without its challenges.
Here are the main guidelines I live by to meet those challenges head on.
Guideline # 1: One idea only.
I’ve been writing for academic research for a while, and that’s all about that 3-ring circus of dense argumentation. Most people don’t have that kind of time. Writing for the web needs to engage and offer information in a blink of an eye, literally. When I’m brainstorming and drafting content, I choose that “clickable” approach that is “bottom line” forward. Just one idea is all it takes.Guideline # 2: People-forward, audience-focused.
Since I’ve been a project manager for Digital Humanities, I’ve had the objectives clear in my mind to prioritize the people that power this program and to communicate that to prospective students. I’ve done that by reaching out, making connections, asking real questions, and checking in with what people want to see in our window to the world. After conducting several website diagnostics like auditing, benchmarking, and UX testing, the people have spoken and they generally just want to see more people.Guideline # 3: Links, metadata, alt-text, accessibility
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a fact of life, and getting those crucial keywords and metadata in there is what makes content the Queen of the Metaverse. Accessibility is increasingly the top priority, especially as the Internet becomes more audio-visually focused. Sure, it takes time on the front end, but it’s so worth it to support any and all audiences on the Web.
︎︎︎Writing & Publications