ICT Communications

ICT Communications
Essentials

Lesson 4: Creating Content for the Web

Objectives

• 2.4.1: Describe effective text and image content for webpages based on how visitors use

the web.

• 2.4.2: List guidelines and conventions for effective text on a webpage.
• 2.4.3: Explain the inverted pyramid model of newspaper journalism and how it applies to

web content.

• 2.4.4: Use word-processing software to create effective written content for a web page.
• 2.4.5: Create and/or edit message-driven image content for a webpage using graphics

software.

• 2.4.6: Access graphics through various resources (e.g., scanner, digital camera, CD-ROM,

clipart, copyright-free online graphics).

• 2.4.7: Plan the content and design of a basic webpage using strategies for effective web

communication, including brainstorming, determining audience, choosing content and
media types, using white space.

Content Guidelines

Guidelines for Text on a Webpage

Element

Guidelines

Formatting

Paragraphs

∙Present only one idea per paragraph

∙Limit paragraphs to 75 words or less

∙Use chunking: Divide page text into small sections (chunks) using
headings, subheadings, lists, short sentences and short paragraphs

∙Use bulleted lists to present related items or summarize key
points

∙Use numbered lists only when presenting a sequence of steps

Headings

∙Use headings and subheadings to divide and label text

∙Make sure headings and subheadings focus on key points

∙Headings should help readers find information quickly

∙Main headings should look larger than subheadings

∙Headings and subheadings can use distinctive colors and fonts

Keywords

∙Words that best describe and summarize the purpose of your site

∙Keywords help search engines find and rank your webpages in
users' search results

∙Keywords help readers find information quickly on your pages

∙Can be used in page titles, headings, links, images and
paragraph text

∙Use bold formatting to make important words and phrases
stand out in paragraphs

∙Keywords should appear often in your pages

Inverted Pyramid

•Places the most important information first.

• New story: Provide the basic facts in the first

sentence.

• Webpage: Readers scan page for basic facts.

•Readers who want more detail can read further.
•Readers who decide they want all the details
can continue reading or follow a link to more
information.

Images

•Webpage: Words and images capture the viewers'
attention and provide information.
•Graphics: Both visually appealing and informative.
•Avoid graphics that:

• Distract users
• Increase download time
• Obscure the message

•Graphics and text should complement each other.

Creating a Page

•Brainstorming: Technique
to create and arrange
online information.

• Everyone offers ideas and

no idea is wrong.

• Narrow focus of ideas.
• Choose best idea or

combination of ideas.

Planning a Webpage (Site)

•Who is the audience?
•What does the audience want from the site?
•Where will you get content?
•Which media elements (text, images, video) are most effective?
•Keep related content and remove unnecessary content.
•White space provides easier reading and scanning.