Concrete tips

• use a large font (I'd recommend size 3)
• specify typeface (I'd recommend Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif)
• write short, clear sentences
• write short paragraphs with only one idea per paragraph
• use meaningful headers
• use an informal, conversional tone ('talk' to the reader)
• highlight keywords
• use active tense
• use bulleted lists
• start with the conclusion (inverted pyramid)

• use a black typeface on a white background (any light color on a dark background makes reading slow)

Why?

Research* shows that online, 80% of the people scan text. They don't read word for word.

Reasons for this are

• It's tiring to read on-screen
• It's 25% slower than reading paper, so people don't like to read lengthy articles
• People are impatient. They want their information fast and simple

Ecademy is a social business network, so you'd expect Ecademists to be interested in your profile. And they are.

But it's important to remember the tips I've listed.

Improve the readability of your profile text and the people that you contact will really appreciate it.

Change your writing style and presentation

When you're writing for the web you have to change your writing style and presentation, if you want your text to be as readable and effective as text on paper.

People read in a F-pattern on-screen*. They read two horizontal lines and then they scan downwards.

Tip: Make your statement in the first two paragraphs (the horizontal lines of the F). So you need to put the important content where it will be read:

make your statement in the first two paragraphs, which are the horizontal lines of the F. These lines will probably be read.

Start with the conclusion

Start each sentence with significant words. Only the first two words of a sentence are going to be read. Words like The, A, This, While are not significant.

Elevator story

Your profile is like an elevator story. It's a short story where you give people an idea of

• who you are
• what you do
• the added value that you bring.

You can read about this in Let's Connect, by Jan Vermeiren.

Your purpose is to tempt the reader to contact you. so you need to:

• get the reader's attention
• make them ask questions.

You'll also make it easier for them to introduce you to their contacts.
Write about what the reader needs to know about you!

* Reasearch done by usability guru Jakob Nielsen: useit.com

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