Writing forLeland Mallett, Legacy High School

the Web

10 BASIC RULESWriting for the Web

1Don’t Write, Tell the Story Don’t force stories Use Multimedia to tell the story

Photo Story Video Audio Chat

Graphics Social Media Blog

1Don’t Write, Tell the Story

2Don’t Shovel Create content for online online Never just move print to online Think online first!

3Link, Embed, Expand Related materials Previous run stories Research and sources Related websites Additional Material Multimedia Author Editorial or Blog Companion (_target link to keep reader on site) Use clear phrases to show the link Never link “here”

4Be First, Be Factual Break news via Social Media Use a Brief

What happened and why Quote from an authority Who cares What’s next

Instagram Caption story

Subject, verb, direct object Check facts twice

5Socialize and Promote Why Social Media

Quick to your audience Your readers are there Drives traffic to your site Improves writing Improves reporting Readers help promote (retweet)

Require media staff to tweet/promote Follow Us Cards Promotions: banners, magnets, talk it

6Plan Ahead Work six weeks ahead

Interactive, editorial, in-depth, personalities, editorials

Know trends (upcoming movies, no shave November, bosses’ day, etc…)

Package – photos, videos, graphics Research! Plan to keep site fresh Know your readership patterns

7Chunk and Clean Use short paragraphs Lists Boldface Type Bullets Limit “chunks” to 140 characters Web sites have gone clean – no side

bars, extras, social media, etc Go thin and white Know the F pattern

8Be Consistent Post Daily Set up a schedule or posting Know AP style – create a style manual Policies and procedures Story flow

9Be You Your site should have a voice Tone Dependability Marketing sass Blog Avoid the “they”

0Know Kinds of Stories Social Media Blog News In-Depth Personality Entertainment Editorial Sports Quick Reads First Person Narrative Multimedia

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Writing forLeland Mallett, Legacy High School

the Webmallett@therideronline.com