Write to the web

Headings

Headings should be brief yet descriptive enough to clearly convey the topic of the text.

Subheadings

  • Subheadings help describe the content of the section and break the text into logical segments. Ensure that all subheadings follow a consistent style. They can take the form of a question, statement, imperative sentence, etc.
  • Typically, insert a subheading after every 2 to 5 paragraphs.

Summary

Place a summary of 2-4 lines at the top of the text. It should clearly indicate what the reader can expect from the content, ending with a period.

Content

  • Long sentences can tire the reader, so sentences should be short, clear, and concrete. Break the text into short paragraphs of about 3-4 lines to make it easier to read on the web.
  • Each paragraph in the body text should consist of 2-3 text blocks with a maximum of 5 sentences per paragraph. Content considerations always outweigh form. Avoid filler words, information density, passive verbs, and the use of italics, as italics are difficult to read on screens.
  • Follow Danish spelling rules. Limit the use of hyphens and abbreviations. Periods and dashes make readers pause, which disrupts the flow of the text.
  • Whitespace quickly creates an overview and improves readability.

Quotes

  • Use quotation marks for quotes, not dashes.
  • Remember to include whitespace before and after the quote.

Lists ease reading

  • Lists provide an overview by enumeration.
  • Lists are easy to scan visually.
  • The items should be consistently phrased (language, typography).
  • Text in each line should be short and without a period at the end.
  • Your lists should not be too long; aim for 3, 5, or 7 items (maximum).

Numbers and Links

  • Write numbers as numerals for easier scanning.

  • Avoid link texts like “Read more” or “Click here.” Instead, use descriptive link texts with 7-12 words to clarify where the link leads.

Target Audience

  • Ensure the text is relevant 

  • Consider its difficulty level and tone based on the target audience.

Proofreading

  • To maintain high quality, have a colleague review the article before publishing. Use Siteimprove’s "Check single page" feature to find broken links, spelling errors, and assess readability (LIX) post-publication.
  • Your attention to detail here is truly admirable! Following these best practices will undoubtedly result in well-structured and engaging content.