Since writing content for the Web is so much different than writing for print, hopefully you follow good Web writing tips as you write. Articles 1 and 2 of our Web Writing Guide offer valuable tips to help guide you through the Web content writing process.

After you’ve finished writing, proofread your content before publishing to the Web. Proofreading involves polishing and editing your content, searching for grammatical and typing errors before putting it on the Web for the entire world to see.

Though the writing may be finished, the project isn’t quite done yet. Read through the document and ask these questions to help polish your content.

1. Is it clear? Avoid technical jargon. If you find it in your content, think of another way to word it if possible.
2. Is it concise? Eliminate unnecessary words. Web content is half the word count as printed content.
3. Is it consistent? Read it again, looking for consistency in tone, style, grammar, and any terms your company commonly uses.

If you can answer yes to the above questions, you’re ready to take your content through the editing process.

When you sit down to enjoy your cup of espresso, one little crack in your coffee mug will have a negative effect on your experience. In the same way, one little error can considerably lower the value of your Web content. Although errors are bound to occur at some point, excuses are pretty hard to come by when there are so many resources available to you.

Here are just a few resources to take advantage of when you’re done writing your next project:

• Spell checker | Unless you’re a spelling whiz and a professional typist combined, you may want to use your spell checker. It’s only a click away and you might be surprised at some of the words it will find.
• Readability checker | It’s easy to get carried away with technical jargon when you’re on a good writing roll. The readability checker in Microsoft Word is found under Tools | Options | Spelling & Grammar.
• A co-worker | Your co-worker is full of handy features: a brain, a bright pair of eyes, and a fresh perspective. Let him read over your text after you’ve read it over a few times. You’ll love the results.
• One-Day’s Time | After you’ve had at least a day to rest and think about other things, go back to your work. Read it out loud and even backwards, one paragraph at a time.
• The Internet | Use the many valuable and reliable helps found at Internet resource sites. An example is Purdue University’s Web site of proofreading tips.