How long should your digital writing be?
Web pages: Cut copy in half | |
 | Boost web page readability: Cut copy in half Shorter web pages nearly 60% more usable Half as big is twice as nice: Short web pages outperform long ones. |
 | 4 ways to optimize long stories for phone reading Think small: People will read long pieces on the screen. But only if they’re amazing. |
 | Make it relevant Is the juice worth the squeeze? When cutting web pages in half, focus on the half that’s relevant to visitors. |
 | How many words should a web page have? More shorter or fewer longer pages? Break it up? More shorter pages help visitors find, read and understand information. Fewer longer pages help mobile visitors avoid clicking. |
How short? Online paragraphs, sentences, words, readability | |
 | Sentences: Streamline them online And activate passive voice online Keep it simple, Sweetie: Subject, verb, object is most readable, in print and online. |
 | American Press Institute correlates short sentences, comprehension How long should sentences be? Average 14 words or less for 90% comprehension, according to American Press Institute research. |
Other ways to increase webpage usability | |
 | Fluff-free web copy: Get the hype out Increase fact; cut fluff Cut the lard: Web visitors are looking for specific facts more than 95% of the time. So stop burying data points under a layer of fat. |
More on tight web copy | |
 | What writers & others say “You’d be wise to put your word count on a strict diet.” — Jakob Nielsen, “the king of usability” |