Writing and Training

Getting It Right on the Web

Whether you write for the Web yourself or manage people who do, this half-day course is your chance to gain valuable insight into the way this medium works. Based on the latest research into how people read and use Web sites, the course will teach you how to plan, organize and present your message.

We know that you invest a lot of time, money and effort in your Web site. We also know how frustrating it can be when your site doesn’t get the results you want. This non-technical course will teach you how to design a user-friendly Web site that will engage your audience.

Topics include:

• Who uses the Web

  Some quick demographics will help you understand who is likely to use your Web site.

• How people read Web sites

  Actually, people don’t really read Web sites—they hunt for information by scanning. Learn to present your Web site in a way that makes that hunt successful.

• Planning and organizing information

  On the Web, good writing is important, but it’s not enough. You need to package your information so that it’s easy to navigate and scan.

• Writing guidelines for the Web

  Writing for the Web is not like writing for print. Sentences must be short and scannable.

• Web presentation styles

  Learn how to communicate effectively by taking advantage of the Web’s interactive features and graphic elements.

• Web site navigation

  Navigating your Web site should not be like learning new software. It should be quick, efficient and intuitive.

• Publishing longer documents on the Web

  Learn to distinguish documents that are easily read onscreen from those that readers should print out first.

• Writing for search engines

  How you design your Web site can have an impact on whether search engines will find it. Learn the tricks that can help bring more readers to your site.

To find out more, contact Diana Berris at 613-234-8468, ext. 230, or .