Online Writing for the Web
Reviewed: January 2008
This page has been kept for reference.
It will no longer be updated by ICVET.
Writing for the web is different to writing for the print media. People giving advice on this topic tend to concentrate on issues such as brevity, realisation that people skim rather than read and that interest must be captured in the first few sentences as it is so easy to click to another site.
The links below provide a selection of material including a dictionary of technology terms, style guides and a range of ‘how to’ to write for the web.
Websites
Writing for the Web
Plenty of good resources on writing for the web and for different online audiences from usability guru Jakob Nielsen.
Writing well for the web
Clear and easy tutorial on writing for the web. Tips on style, chunking, and how to grab people’s attention plus a section on common mistakes.
Writing for the Web
Useful tips on writing for the web such as: 'Always start with a headline and provide plenty of sub-heads as most people skim read.'
Editing for the Web
Good ideas supported by examples of how to write succinctly for readers who skim read.
Online Technical Writing
We’re all aware that we should use different writing styles for different purposes and mediums. But where can you find examples? This link takes you to some annotated examples of technical writing specifically for the online environment.
Option Keys 
Make your website accessible for people with physical, intellectual and learning disabilities. This site helps you to consider a range of accessibility issues when designing your website.
Webopedia
There are so many new terms these days that it is increasingly difficult to keep up! Not only can you get a definition of the term you want, you also get a list of related terms (and their meanings) and links to more resources on the topic.
Guide to Grammar and Writing
Good reference site for grammar and writing in general.
Macquarie Dictionary
Australia’s Macquarie Dictionary. Subscriptions start at $12.95 per annum for home use.
Dictionary.com
Free online dictionary. US spelling.
Web Style Guides
When writing for the web, just as when writing in print, it’s important to know the style of the organisation you’re writing for. If there’s no formal style guide, it may be worth using the references below as a guide.
Web Style Guide
A very comprehensive manual and guide dealing with all aspects of developing content for the web. You will find this one referred to by many other sites.