5 Things About Web Content You Didn't Think Of

Posted by junger - 12/18/06 at 08:12:14 pm

Okay, so you know that content should be your #1 priority in Web development, and you've learned the 5 W's of great content, but there's still more to know.

Especially when it comes to what really distinguishes Web content from print publications.

1. It doesn't have to be long.
Unless it's an expose, walkthrough or autobiography, there's no reason to go on and on. If the content isn't compelling, your readers will be gone in a minute, anyway.
2. Your story has to be told in the headline.
The only way that a reader is going to read on is if he knows exactly what he is getting into. You won't spoil anything by getting to the point in the headline — you'll actually be attracting readers in.
3. It can't look intimidating.
Long paragraphs, run-on sentences and massive blocks of text are unappealing to the eye. If it doesn't look like something I'm going to enjoy reading, I won't.
4. Bold does not always work.
Bolding text is a good way to emphasize something, but randomly bolding words is distracting. If you're going to bold text, keep it consistent.
5. Two words. That's all you get.
You only have two words in a headline to hook in your potential reader, according to Jakob Nielsen. Don't waste them on useless characters.

December 18, 2006 | In Web | No Comments

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