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A checklist for creating user-friendly and accessible content
When you’re writing content for websites, you need to consider how people read online, how they will access it and their reading ability.
The checklist
This checklist outlines a few steps you can take to greatly improve the readability of your website content.
Use short sentences (around 25 words)
Words with four or more syllables are considered difficult to read. If you need to use long or difficult words, try to keep the overall sentence short.
Avoid long pages
If your page is very long, consider breaking the content up into other pages and linking them together. Think one user need per page. Do not use accordions to hide content, these are hard to navigate and create a barrier to accessing the content.
Avoid using jargon words
Unless you’re writing something for a specific industry, you should avoid using jargon in your writing. Be certain that jargon is only used when it’s appropriate for the target audience.
Use personal pronouns when appropriate
Use “we,” “our,” “you,” and “your” in place of your organisation’s name or when referring to your reader. This helps shorten your writing and will make your content more relatable to your audience.
Use headings to split up content
People tend to scan web pages, so avoid chunks of text. By using clear, actionable headings, you’re helping people navigate your content and find content relevant to them. Headings are also good for people using assistive technologies and screen readers.
Only link to other content when it’s appropriate
When you link somewhere else it takes the user away from your content. Only link when it’s part of a process or the information they need to do something is somewhere else.
Add a summary to describe the page
A summary should expand on the title of the page, not repeat it. It should indicate to the user if this page is for them without them having to read the rest of the page. For example, ‘You can use this calculator to work out an amount of child maintenance for your children.’
Define acronyms and abbreviations the first time they’re used
The first time you use an abbreviation or acronym, explain it in full on each page unless it’s well known, like UK or DVLA.
Structure the page logically
Start with the most important information first and then lead the user through the process.
Make titles unique, clear and descriptive
If your page is following a process then make the titles actionable. If it’s guidance, guide the user through the page by using relevant titles. Think who, what and where - for example, ‘Who needs to apply’, ‘When you need to apply’ and ‘How to apply’.
Avoid using frequently asked questions
If you get questions from the public or there’s content you want to add to your website, integrate the content into existing guidance or create new guidance. Your content should not leave users with questions.
Read our guidance on frequently asked questions
Write to a reading age of a 9 year old
Writing for a reading age of 9-years-old helps to ensure that your website can be used by a wide range of people. This includes people who find reading difficult and people with English as a second language.