{"id":4712,"date":"2013-09-24T10:39:36","date_gmt":"2013-09-24T14:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meetcontent.com\/?p=4712"},"modified":"2017-04-20T00:25:14","modified_gmt":"2017-04-20T04:25:14","slug":"clarity-and-readability-checklist-for-content-creators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/meetcontent.com\/blog\/clarity-and-readability-checklist-for-content-creators\/","title":{"rendered":"Clarity and Readability Checklist for Content Creators"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Clear,
Is your content clear and readable?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Last week, Georgy talked about respecting our audiences with readable content<\/a>, including options for testing readability. Wikipedia describes readability<\/a> as "the ease in which text can be read and understood." In other words, do people get what you’re saying?<\/em><\/p>\n

The definition of readability<\/em> is straightforward enough, but how do you plan for clarity and readability? In particular, for content creators working on the front line, what should they consider when planning for clear and readable content? Let’s talk about that.<\/p>\n

Make Content Clear and Readable<\/h2>\n

It’s common to think about the web as a platform for publishing information rather than as a platform for communication. How many times have you heard someone say (or said yourself), "I don’t know why they’re contacting me \u2014 the information is right there on our website."<\/p>\n

However, rather than faulting users for not understanding our content, how about asking ourselves, "What can I do to clarify meaning and enhance user comprehension?"<\/p>\n

Just because you publish information doesn’t mean people can find and understand what you’re trying to tell them. It\u2019s not just what you say but also how you say it. Readability is about communication. Simple, clear communication. That\u2019s tasty content!<\/p>\n

To many, readability is a daunting topic and sounds like something that should be left "to the professionals." But we can\u2019t treat readability as a content enhancement \u2014 it has to be part of our daily web writing work to support clear communication. <\/p>\n

Though not a definitive guide, here’s a handy clarity and readability checklist to get you on the right track.<\/p>\n

1. Is content easy to understand?<\/h2>\n

Use plain language.<\/strong> As we discussed last week, plain language is not about dumbing down your writing \u2014 it’s about determining \u201cthe simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea" (Bryan Garner on "Plain English"<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Be a teacher.<\/strong> Don’t rehash information. Instead, communicate by using relevant, meaningful words that enhance user comprehension. <\/p>\n

We web professionals are often guilty of using complex terms. User experience? What the heck is that?<\/em> To help users understand your content, offer explanations in relatable language. <\/p>\n

For example, rather than referring to "information architecture\u201d or \u201cIA," discuss "organizing and prioritizing content." You don’t need to use jargony terms like "IA" to communicate your message.<\/p>\n

Illustrate.<\/strong> Remember "show don’t tell"? Sometimes words are not the best content type for the message you’re trying to communicate. Consider other content types that may better illustrate your meaning or enhance user comprehension. <\/p>\n

For example, use photos of faculty and staff to communicate that your institution is welcoming and friendly or videos of student activities to communicate that campus life is vibrant and exciting. You might also capture campus events with social media to show that your school is student-centered and focused on community.<\/p>\n

To gauge whether your content is easy to understand, ask:<\/strong><\/p>\n