Writing for the Web

COURSE SUMMARY

The Internet is full of fascinating places to find information, check out your favourite companies and stores, look for deals, read the news, and much more. However, people don’t read information on the web in the same way that they read a printed newspaper, magazine, or a book. As writers, we have to be very aware of how people approach a web page so that we can create interesting and engaging content. This one-day course is for people who write for readers on the web.

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

• Apply engaging techniques that draw readers to web pages
• Plan what to write to reflect their web hierarchy
• Create engaging content, including catchy headlines
• Enhance their writing with other forms of media
• Make their writing accessible to a variety of readers

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED

• Getting to know the web
• Tips on creating a site hierarchy
• Creating your content
• Deciding what’s fit to print
• Adding audio and video to your content
• Getting your content noticed

COURSE OUTLINE

Getting to Know the Web

To start the course, participants will learn how web writing is different from other writing. They will also learn how HTML works and the importance of working with their web designer. Finally, they will learn eight influence factors that they can use to engage readers.

Tips on Creating a Site Hierarchy

In this session, participants will look at how site design and navigation features (including menus, links, and buttons) can help engage readers.

Creating Your Content

Next, participants will get some tips on writing eye-catching headlines and good content. They will also learn about setting writing goals.

Testing the Waters

This session will give participants some hands-on practice with a key aspect of web writing: conciseness.

Deciding What’s Fit to Print

Participants will learn how to measure usability and other tools that can help them decide what to write about.

Adding Audio and Video to Your Content

There’s a great debate out there about whether or not audio and video belongs on every site. Participants will consider this topic during this session.

Getting Your Content Noticed

To begin this session, participants will learn some tips for making their content accessible to all readers. Then, participants will learn about search engine optimization, alternative search, and keyword optimization.

Workshop Wrap-Up

At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.