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Creating Web Content

WRITING FOR THE WEB

People rarely read Web pages word-for-word; instead, they scan the page, picking out individual words and sentences. Knowing how to write content for the Web can significantly increase the positive experience of your visitors.

Keep in mind:

  • Most users scan the page instead of reading word-for-word.
  • Reading from computer screens is 25% slower than reading from paper.
  • Web content should have 50% of the word count of its paper equivalent.
  • Use meaningful sub-headings (not clever ones).
  • Bulleted lists make it easy to scan the page.
  • Links should be easily discernible from other content.
  • Limit yourself to one idea per paragraph.
  • Write using the inverted pyramid style; start with the conclusion.
  • Ask yourself, "Who is my target audience?"
  • Have someone else proofread (spellcheck and/or edit).

For more information, review Writing for the Web.

LINKING TO EXTERNAL SITES

When linking to an external site from a site hosted by the University, you must follow these guidelines:

  • ANY link that takes a user away from the main Stritch.edu Website MUST open a new page or tab. Follow the necessary procedures within the CMS to ensure your link opens a new window. Failure to do so creates usability challenges and causes Website visitors to have difficulty getting back to the Stritch site.
  • In all cases, a link should provide information for educational or other mission-related purposes, and the University cannot have received consideration for incorporating that link.
  • Links should in no way imply endorsement of services or products unrelated to the University.
  • Any descriptive text accompanying the link should be value-neutral. Acceptable language might include: "For more information: [link]." Unacceptable language: "Check out this awesome Website [link]."
  • External links should go to the article or item they are referencing, not just to the default home page of the site being linked to. (For example, if linking to an article in the local online newspaper or other periodical, ensure the link URL is to that direct reference, not the home page of the publication.) If the link is to a time based article that may not exist for long, consider copying the article into a PDF or other locally hosted document that you can reference. Be sure to consider any copyright issues before copying outside material and presenting it on Stritch's official site.
  • The logo, text, or graphic should not include any qualitative or comparative language or descriptions of the non-University party's products, services, facilities, or company, including but not limited to price information, inducement to purchase, endorsements, savings, or value.
  • In all cases, the design of departmental or unit pages that incorporate commercial links must be consistent with established graphic and placement standards for University Web pages. See Graphics Standards Manual 

EDITORIAL STYLE GUIDE

To maintain consistency throughout the Stritch Web presence, Stritch has established a house editorial style guide that provides the preferred spelling and formatting of commonly used words. Please familiarize yourself with the style guide before working with content on the site. A copy of the  Stritch Style Guide is available for download.