Writing

How to Write User-Friendly Content*

• Know who you are writing for. Write at a level that will be meaningful for them.

• Use words your users use. 

• Chunk your content into manageable sections.

• Front-load the important information. Use the journalism model of the “inverted pyramid.” Start with the content that is most important to your audience.

• Use short sentences and paragraphs. Write out what you would like to say, and then go back and remove every single unnecessary words that is not absolutely necessary.

• Use bullets and numbered lists. Not just for long lists—one sentence and two bullets is easier to read than three sentences.

• Use clear headings and subheadings.

• Use images, diagrams, or multimedia. Videos and images should reinforce the text on your page.

• Use white space. Visually separate information.