Writing for the Web, Writing for Multimedia

1. Creating
Effective
Links
Dr. Nichols-Boyle
W315 Writing for the Web

2. Five Main Guidelines
1. Appearance
Color and/or underline
Set apart from surrounding
text

3. 2. Accessibility
Updated and link works
No broken or outdated links
Publicly available to audience
No sign-ins required

4. 3. Integration
Part of the sentence/list
Five words or less
Words and phrases only
No full web address:
http://www.iusb.edu

5. 4. Expectation
Linked words clearly indicate
content
No “click here” or “see web
page”
Note if video/sound

6. 5. Usefulness
Audience-oriented
Avoids obvious information
Furthers conversation
Adds complementary
information

7. Review
Appearance
Accessibility
Integration
Expectation
Usefulness

8. Examples: Effective
Writing for the Web Tips contains
further link information and
examples.
Author Mindy McAdams is a
professor at the University of
Florida, specializing in digital
journalism.

9. Examples: Ineffective
See
http://www.macloo.com/webwritin
g/index.htm for more information
about links.
Click here for more about
Professor Mindy McAdams.

10. Practice
Click on all the links in the “Link
Practice” document in the Canvas
module 1.
Note each link’s audience
effectiveness using the guidelines

11. Practice
Review the “Link Practice
answers” to test your
knowledge

12. Produce
Rewrite your defining quote
following the “Quote Rewrite”
instructions in Canvas Module 1.
Make sure you add 1-2 effective
links for this audience.