ShakespeareWhen you have a CMS (Content Management System) website then you have the power and the opportunity to create your own content. However, with great power comes great responsibility, (I heard that somewhere). Before you start to create your content you should consider the following points.

Who are you talking to?

There is a tendency for organisations to talk to themselves. Sentences start with ‘Our objectives are...'; ‘We have our ethical...'

Your target audience will guide the content and the way in which you use language. Are you talking to:

• Funders
• Clients
• Staff
• Potential staff and volunteers
• Trustees
• Local authorities
• General public
• Why are you talking to them?

Create a strong first paragraph,

If the first paragraph is weak, then people won't read the second one. Try to keep the page text below 600 characters.

Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.

Remember that average reading age in the UK is about 14. Some people suggest that when reading off a screen there is a slight drop in reading ability.

Use bullet points.

• Make your key points easy to scan
• Keep each point short
• Use positive language

Have a call for action.

What do you want people to do having read your page.

• Email me!
• Volunteer!
• Donate!
• Write to your MP!

Finally please spell check your document before you release it to the world.