Crafting Clear and Concise Content: Writing Strategies for Government Websites

Government websites can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially for citizens who are not familiar with government jargon or processes. This is why it is essential for government websites to provide clear and concise content that is easy to understand and use, employing strategies that enhance user experience.

Here are some writing strategies that government agencies can use to craft clear and concise content for their websites:

• Use of Plain Language: Avoid using jargon and technical terms that your audience may not understand. Instead, employ simple, straightforward language that is easy to read and understand.
• Structure with Short Sentences and Paragraphs: Long sentences and paragraphs can be difficult to read and comprehend. Breaking up content into shorter sentences and paragraphs makes it easier for users to scan and absorb information.
• Utilize Active Voice: Active voice is more direct and easier to understand than passive voice. For instance, rather than stating “The form was submitted by the citizen,” say “The citizen submitted the form.”
• Organize with Headings and Subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to organize content, aiding users in quickly finding the information they seek.
• Enhance Readability with Bulleted and Numbered Lists: Break up content with bulleted and numbered lists, improving readability.
• Incorporate Multimedia: Supplement textual content with multimedia elements such as images, videos, or infographics to further engage users and convey information effectively.
• Provide Abbreviation Glossary: Include a list of abbreviations or a glossary to assist users in understanding specialized terms or acronyms frequently used within the content.

Here are some additional tips for writing clear and concise content for government websites:

• Focus on User Needs: Keep in mind what information users require and what tasks they need to accomplish.
• Be Specific and Avoid Generalities: Support claims with specific examples and data rather than vague statements.
• Use Concrete Language: Employ specific, tangible language that is easier to comprehend than abstract concepts.
• Proofread Diligently: Before publishing content, meticulously proofread it for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

By following these writing strategies, government agencies can craft clear and concise content that is easy for citizens to understand and use, fostering a more inclusive online experience.

Here’s an example showcasing the application of these strategies to government website content:

Original: “The Department of Social Services provides a variety of programs and services to help low-income families. These programs and services are designed to improve the quality of life for citizens and help them to achieve their goals.”

Revised: “The Department of Social Services offers financial assistance, aiding low-income families with essential expenses like food and housing. Additionally, it provides job training and placement programs to assist unemployed and underemployed individuals.”

The revised version adopts:

• Plain language instead of jargon (e.g., “financial assistance” instead of “programs and services”).
• Shorter sentences and paragraphs.
• Active voice.
• Focus on user needs (i.e., what low-income families need to know about the department’s offerings).
• Specific examples of programs and services (e.g., financial assistance, job training, and placement).

By adhering to these writing strategies, government agencies can create websites that are more user-friendly and accessible to all citizens, fostering better engagement and understanding.