We all read on the Internet as much as we have to. If we don’t like it we go to the next website without thinking twice..
In this post I tried to analyze myself and the People using the Internet and on how they navigate through websites.
When I read an article a web page or a blog I interpret as I read through my own experiences and expectations.
Successful writers focus on their audiences, they gather information from several sources; they don’t make assumptions but research, create imaginary scenarios and answer their questions.
Gather information about your audiences
- Think about your mission
- Read emails that come through your Contact Us and other feedback links
- Talk to Marketing
- Talk to Customer Service
- Get people to fill out a short questionnaire
- Watch and listen what people have to say
- Interview people who use your website
- Do usability testing of the current content
Keep in mind your web users when you write, remember how busy they are, they have no time to read, they just want to get the job done, they don’t care how your organization is structured they only want the information, they like to read blog and news articles but they have to grab their attention right away!
Also consider your website visitors experience and expertise in both subject and matter when going through your content. Web content for people who are angry, frustrated, anxious, or stressed has to be particular clear and simple.
Technology
Another important part is to keep in mind your visitors computer
- Monitor resolution
- What is their connection speed
- Do they have dial-up and pay for every minute
- Are they getting the information on a PDA or on a small screen
- Are older adults visiting your site
Everything on your website should fulfill a scenario
Everything in your content should relate to at least one scenario that real users might have for coming to the web site. If no one needs or wants the information – if there is no plausible scenario for the content – why have in on the web site?
- Focus on what is important to your site visitors
- Write with their words
- Realize how goal-oriented most web users are
