All of us have experienced computer eye strain from reading content on the Internet. But as writers, we still want to get our point across. This is easily done if your follow some of these basic suggestions.
- Write as if you are conversing directly with the reader. Don't try to impress with big words. Build a relationship.
- Use lots of what space. Internet readers are especially adept at scanning copy for the most important facts. They're intimidated by long paragraphs and quickly loose interest causing them to click away from your page.
- Make your formatting easy to skim. Use bullet points when appropriate. Use spacing that makes your copy easy to read.
- Don't fill up the page. Use narrow margins so the page doesn't look jammed with words. Again, readers are turned off by long blocks of copy.
- Use a readable font size. The larger the font size the easier to read and the less eye strain on the reader. Usually a font set at 12 is most appropriate for Internet copy.
- Don't use fancy type styles. These are too difficult to read. You don't need any excuse to send your readers away.
- Use graphics when appropriate. It not only helps readers visualize, it also breaks the monotony of a busy page.
The main reason you're writing at all, is to sell an idea or provide information. This is particularly challenging on the Internet as the reader's attention span is short (you've got about 10 seconds to get their attention.) Once you do that, you need to keep them there with good formatting and easy-to-read relevant content.
