Start with the most important information

Start your content with the most important information and be direct. When people scan web pages, they tend to start in the top left corner and scan to the right and down. As they move down the page, they scan less and less to the right.

Organize your content using an inverted pyramid structure to:

• Guide your audience to the information they need to complete their task
• Place supporting and relevant details toward the end of the text

Get to the point

Omit background information and messages that welcome people to your program or site. These kinds of messages get in people's way when they're trying to accomplish a task.

Write direct statements.

Example: Using direct statements

Write: Present your passport to the border officer.
Don't write: According to Canadian legislation, you're required to present your passport to the agent who will welcome you into the country.