How To
Five Steps to Improve Your Writing Skills in Plain Language
![Five Steps to Improve Your Writing Skills in Plain Language](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/writing-digital-boom-min-1.png)
A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.
Center of Plain Language has a five-step checklist that will guide you through the plain language process and help you develop content that’s right for your organization.
Step 1. Identify and describe the target audience.
Define the target groups that will use the document or website
- List and prioritize top tasks by audience group
- List what people need or need to know to complete the task
- List characteristics of the groups that should influence design (for example, age, computer experience…)
The audience definition works when you know who you are and are not designing for, what they want to do, and what they know and need to learn.
Step 2: Structure the content to guide the reader through it
- Organize the content so that it flows logically
- Break content into short sections that reflect natural stopping points
- Write headings that help readers predict what is coming up
The structure works when readers can quickly and confidently find the information they are looking for.
Step 3: Write the content in plain language
Keep it short and to the point
- Write short but logical sentences
- Present important information first in each section, subsection, and paragraph
- Include the details that help the reader complete the task
- Leave out details that don’t help or may distract readers, even if they are interesting
- Use transitions to connect ideas, sentences, paragraphs, or sections
Set a helpful tone
- Use a conversational, rather than legal or bureaucratic tone
Pick the right words
- Use strong verbs in the active voice
- Use words the audience knows
- Make titles or list elements parallel (for example, start each with a verb)
- For websites: Match the link wording to landing page names
The language works when readers understand the words and grasp the intended message quickly and confidently.
Step 4: Use information design to help readers see and understand
- Use headers and sub-headers to organize the information
- Use typography (font size, color, bold, etc) to guide the reader’s attention
- Use whitespace to organize the information
- Use images to make content easier to understand
The design works when users notice and use the signposts to move through the information efficiently.
Step 5: Work with the target user groups to test the design and content
Test the design at multiple points
- Were audience needs, such as top tasks, prioritized based on user research?
- Did you test navigation labels and information organization for predictability?
- Did you test the content for readability and understandability?
- Did you test the final product?
Use evidence-based testing strategies
- Were the participants representative of the target groups?
- Did you test your design and content with enough people?
- How was understanding and ability to act measured?
- Was there a before-and-after comparison to demonstrate improvement?
Check that the final product is useful and usable
- Ask readers to describe who and what the document or site is intended for
- Have them show you how they would find the information they want or need
- Ask them to describe key concepts or processes in their own words
- Observe whether target users can finish key tasks easily and confidently
- Note where they stumble or misunderstand and rethink those parts of the site or document
The document or site works when target users can find what they need, understand what they find, and act on it confidently.
This article appeared first on Center For Plain Language.
Apps
5 Best URL Shortener Services in 2024 [Free & Paid]
![The 5 Best URL Shorteners 2020](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/url-shortener-1.jpg)
A URL Shortener is a technique in which a URL may be made shorter and still redirect to the original long page.
Most URL Shorteners are free and easy to use but come with limitations.
Google shut down its Google URL Shortener in 2018 with continued support until March 30, 2019. However, all existing links will continue to redirect to the intended destination.
Top URL Shortener Services on the Internet
1. Bitly.com
Bitly offers a free and enterprise version of its URL shortening service. No signup necessary, but creating an account allows you to manage links quickly and change the short link characters if you wish.
According to this Quora answer, the enterprise version of Bitly costs around $995/month.
Pro Tip: add + after the short link to access analytics of any bitly link. bitly.com/link+
2. TinyURL
A simple shortener that requires no sign-up and allows users to customize the keyword. The service is free to use, but there is no analytics.
3. Short.io
The best shorten link provider so far, it has so many useful features such as google analytics integration, bulk import, broken links detection, built-in analytics with so many details, link cloaking, and more.
Cost: affordable compared to similar solutions.
4. Rebrandly
Rebrandly is one of the popular URL shortener services in the market. It’s the most complete and reliable link management platform. Their solution provides the easiest way to create, measure, and manage short URLs with a custom domain name.
You can buy your domain name using Rebrandly, tag your URLs using UTM tagging, allow social media pixels to optimize for conversions, and more.
It’s expensive compared to other solutions.
5. eg.gd
eg.gd is a new URL shortener service that offers the same as rebrandly but for free. It was launched last year when bit.ly service was blocked in Egypt.
How To
How to include current URL in a Webflow form?
![How to include current URL in a Webflow form?](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/webflow-tricks.jpg)
In the course of my professional endeavors, I consistently inquire about the origins of information, the methods by which our audience discovers us, and the roots of potential leads. These inquiries, among others, are integral to unraveling the complexities of the marketing funnel.
A commonplace challenge encountered by numerous marketers on a daily basis revolves around a pivotal question: which blog post proves most effective in generating leads and conversions?
If you have a blog on Webflow that includes a lead gen form or a newsletter form in all blog posts, when you receive an email from one of the forms – of course, you have to find out the URL of the respective page. This way, you can detect the top converting posts.
I’ve been searching for a solution here and there and finally found it. So, I thought to share it here.
How to automatically include the current URL in the webflow form?
- Add an embed code before the submit button of your lead generation form or any other form type – make it hidden, and insert the following code into it then save.
- The javascript code you need to make this work:
<script type="text/javascript"> window.onload=function() {document.getElementById('pageurl').value = window.location.href;} </script> <input type="hidden" id="pageurl" name="pageurl" value="pageurl" />
3. Once published, any new form submission will have a new column called “pageurl” so you can detect the source page of this submission.
Follow us for more Webflow hacks.
How To
Google’s E-E-A-T Principle Explained for SEO Success
![Demystifying Google's E-A-T Principle for SEO Success](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/google-e-e-a-t.webp)
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. One essential factor that often flies under the radar is Google’s E-A-T principle, which stands for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This principle, now upgraded to E-E-A-T to include Experience, plays a pivotal role in enhancing website credibility and user experience.
In this article, we’ll delve into how understanding and implementing E-E-A-T can significantly influence your search engine rankings.
Unearthing the Essence of Google E-E-A-T
E-E-A-T is an acronym that encapsulates the qualities Google values when assessing the quality of online content. While it might not be explicitly mentioned in Google’s 200 known ranking factors, it holds undeniable significance in the eyes of quality raters and SEO professionals alike.
Expertise: Mastering Your Domain
Expertise is the cornerstone of E-E-A-T. It revolves around showcasing your in-depth knowledge and proficiency in your niche. To demonstrate your expertise effectively, consider these strategies:
1. Comprehensive Subject Mastery: Your content should reflect a deep understanding of your subject matter, leaving no room for ambiguity.
2. Credentials and Qualifications: Display relevant qualifications and credentials to bolster your credibility.
3. Proven Track Record: Highlight your past accomplishments and successes, as they can instill trust in your audience.
4. Research and Data: Stay updated with the latest research and trends in your field and back your content with accurate data.
5. Niche Specialization: Focus on a specific niche to establish yourself as an expert in that area.
6. Active Contribution: Contribute to your field by publishing content, and research papers, speaking at relevant events, or joining professional organizations.
Experience: Real-World Application Matters
Experience complements expertise by emphasizing practical, real-world application. To convey your experience effectively, consider these tactics:
1. Practical Application: Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios and showcase your problem-solving skills.
2. Case Studies: Present real-world examples and results to illustrate your expertise in action.
3. Success Stories: Share stories of achievements or satisfied clients to instill confidence in your abilities.
4. Portfolio Display: For creative fields, such as design, art, or writing, showcase your previous work to demonstrate your experience.
5. Knowledge Demonstration: Stay updated with industry best practices, trends, and new developments, and share your insights through blog posts, articles, or speaking engagements.
6. Customer Testimonials: Positive testimonials from satisfied customers provide social proof of your expertise.
Authoritativeness: Building a Trustworthy Reputation
Authoritativeness centers on establishing your website as a reliable source of information within your niche. To enhance your authoritativeness, consider the following strategies:
1. Backlinks and Citations: Earn backlinks from authoritative websites in your industry, a strong signal of your website’s trustworthiness.
2. Awards and Recognition: Credible recognition, such as awards and certifications, contributes to your reputation.
3. Thought Leadership: Demonstrate authority through original research or innovative ideas, and engage in industry discussions.
4. Collaboration with Experts: Collaborate with recognized experts in your field through co-authored articles or speaking engagements.
5. Strong Social Media Presence: Engage with your audience on social media platforms to establish yourself as an authoritative figure.
6. Consistent, Relevant Content: Create high-quality content consistently to build credibility with users and search engines.
Trustworthiness: The Bedrock of Credibility
Trustworthiness is the final piece of the E-E-A-T puzzle, focusing on the credibility of your website’s information. To foster trustworthiness, adhere to these guidelines:
1. Transparency: Be transparent about your brand, contact details, business operations, and the purpose of your content.
2. Provide Accurate Information: Ensure your content is factually correct and up-to-date, and avoid misleading practices.
3. Ethical Practices: Follow ethical guidelines, respect user privacy, handle sensitive data responsibly, and comply with relevant laws.
4. User Experience and Security: Create a positive user experience and prioritize website security with HTTPS connections.
5. Customer Testimonials and Reviews: Genuine testimonials from satisfied customers bolster your website’s trustworthiness.
6. Customer Support: Offer prompt and helpful customer support to engage with your audience effectively.
7. Disclosure of Affiliations: Clearly disclose any affiliations or sponsorships that might impact your content.
While Google’s Quality Rater Guidelines may not explicitly mention E-E-A-T, adhering to these principles can significantly improve your website’s credibility and user experience. Remember, achieving higher SERP rankings requires a holistic approach, and understanding and implementing E-E-A-T is a valuable piece of the puzzle.
If you need expert guidance, consider enlisting the support of professional SEO services to help you navigate this ever-changing landscape.
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