Last Updated on February 18, 2024

There is a difference between print and web writing

What’s the difference between print and web writing? Print readers read, web users scan.

Your audience(s) will use a different reading style for print and another for the web. Online readers are more time goal-focused and want to quickly locate the information and solutions they need.

Nielsen found in early studies of user reading behaviour that a large proportion of readers (79% according to Nielsen) only skim your content. A user leaves a web page or website within eight seconds if it doesn’t appeal to them (at least during their early search phase). Therefore web content must be concise.

As a general rule, web content should be 50% shorter* than print content. A short summary at the top of web pages enable the user to quickly identify whether they are on the page they want. Likewise, headings, bullet points and links act as signposts making it easy for the user to skim-read.

*This depends on the purpose of the web page as sometimes readers of printed publications are directed to a web page for further information.

In 2022, I wrote 142 articles for clients and my own website. I can tell you from experience that the Hemmingway App helps you write for the web. Keep your content at a Grade 7 level. No higher.

Write for your audience, and write to be helpful. The Google Helpful Content update is focused on eliminating content from the SERPs that is not helpful to users.

Keep your sentences short and concise. Keep your content accessible.