Clarity and Readability Checklist for Content Creators

Last week, Georgy talked about respecting our audiences with readable content, including options for testing readability. Wikipedia describes readability as "the ease in which text can be read and understood." In other words, do people get what you're saying? The definition of readability is straightforward enough, but how do you plan for clarity and readability? In particular, for content creators working on the front line, what … [Read more...]

Respect Your Audience With Readable Content

Recently, I was reviewing a website and came across a page geared toward international students. Reading the copy, I realized English would not be the first language for the target audience. Immediately, I felt my brain shift into a different gear. Beyond assessing the value of the content, I began closely scrutinizing diction and syntax. How many syllables in this word? How many clauses in this sentence? Would the density and complexity of … [Read more...]

Training Student Content Creators at Glendon College

The following guest post was written by Courtney Mallam, content specialist at Glendon College, York University in Toronto, Canada. Producing great web content isn’t easy — particularly when operating as the only designated content creator in your division. Some days, finding opportunities to thoughtfully plan and create content can feel like a small miracle. At Glendon College, we needed someone (or a whole team of someones!) to help tell our … [Read more...]

How to Activate Faculty to Fuel Your Content

The following guest post was written by Katy Zimmerman, Content Strategist at Colorado Technical University. What if I told you that you have a team of expert writers at your disposal? It’s true. Content professionals in higher education are sitting on a potential gold mine of untapped authors. University faculty are subject-matter experts in their field, and many also have excellent writing chops. But how can you best use these experts and turn … [Read more...]

Add Filmmaking Talent to Your Web Content Team

The following guest post was written by David Baker, Director of Web Communications at Oregon State University. David will be speaking at Confab Higher Ed in Atlanta, GA this November. Video content is a powerful tool for higher education marketing and communications. When done well, it can turn your brand into a channel and connect with your audience at an emotional level. Add technological developments that make advanced digital cinema … [Read more...]