How do I layout web texts

Keep it simple

When you write web texts, keep your layout as short, precise and simple as possible. Many readers only scan a web page. It they have to scan a long descriptive text before they find the information they need, they give up on beforehand and leave your site.

Structure

• One main subject on each web page. If your text includes several main subjects, devide the text and link from on text to the other ones.
  • Example:
    

    The 10 Commandment

    God:
    1)   Do not worship any other gods
    2)   Do nok make any idols
    3)   Do not misuse the name of God
    4)   Keep the Sabbath holy

    Man:
    5)   Honour your father and mother
    6)   Do not murder
    7)   Do not commit adultery
    8)   Do not steal
    9)   Do not lie
    10) Do not covet

• Short chapters. A web text must consist of short chapters, maximum five lines per chapter. To ease the reading you must remember to have space between each chapter.
• Middle headings. Use middle headings each time you change the subject. It will be easier for the readers to scan the text. If you have a long text without any middle headings, the readers most likely give up on it.
• Bullet lists. Use bullet list whenever it is possible. It is much easier to read a text with bullet lists than a long descriptive text. Maximum 5-7 bullets per list. If your list have more than 7 bullets, you may eventually subdevide the list regarding to subject.
  • Example: Information on courses offered by the department, schedules and exam should be divided into three pages.
    This will ease the search for specific information and improve the search engine optimization.
• Numbered lists. Use only numbered lists if the order is important. For instance seven steps in an instruction guide.

Text style

• Underlining is only used for links.
• Quotations should be marked with quotation marks, not dashes