MappingTheWeb //

Web design tends to focus around page layout and aesthetics. Site copy is often left until the end. At this point, product messaging and wording tend to be neglected and rushed. It’s extremely important to ensure that this doesn’t happen. Clear, concise messaging can be the difference when trying to create a successful web experience.

Every single word should be taken into consideration, not taken for granted. Their individual significance can alter the entire meaning of a sentence or concept. For this reason, it is important to scrutinize all wording, especially on top-level pages like the homepage.

For example, a video site is likely to use words such as “watch”, “view”, “see” and “look”. They all roughly mean the same thing, but vary slightly depending on the circumstance. Such a slight difference in vocabulary can mean drastic variances in perception.

It’s important to think long and hard about wording. If it doesn’t feel right or looks a bit off, you’re probably not using the right term. If you can’t find an alternate, try changing the order and wording of the entire sentence to more accurately convey your message. Don’t overlook the power of text when creating a web-based experience.

Tags: concepts, layout, messaging, site copy, user experience, vocabulary, web design, wording