Scannable web content allows a user to make a decision within a split second – without having to read the text ‘word for word’. This decision comes from the ability to immediately assess a screen of information, to either seek out more of the same, or point to a direction of potential interest.

Achieving Scannability
‘Scannability’ is achieved by the way the words, links and white space are combined to enable immediate comprehension and decision making by the user by incorporating the following:

• Use of specific words – choosing the right words has the ability to hold a reader like glue – the use of active voice and second voice also draws the reader in assists to  personalise their experience
• Using meaningful links – this serves as an alternative to the existing page
• having information clearly displayed and visually separated – to allow for simple decisions to be made quickly

Print copy is still being lazily substituted as web content – unsuccessfully. When preparing web content, use these top 10 methods: 

• Write meaningful headings & subheadings to tell a story
• Remove unnecessary words to reduce the overall word count
• Use active voice & second voice
• Use numbered and/or bulleted lists
• Use meaningful link names
• Break up text with relevant images
• Be consistent – use a style guide
• Use tables to display/convey data
• Use white space to group or separate information

Make the first five words of each paragraph engaging.