Letter Count / Character Count. Tests Document Readability. A Dozen Online Writing Tips - CyberJournalist.net - Online News Association - Tips and Tools. A Dozen Online Writing Tips By Jonathan Dube Publisher, CyberJournalist.net (Also published on Poynter.org and in the book "Shop Talk and War Stories") Write and edit with online readers needs and habits in mind.
Web usability studies show that readers tend to skim over sites rather than read them intently. They also tend to be more proactive than print readers or TV viewers, hunting for information rather than passively taking in what you present to them. Think about your target audience. Because your readers are getting their news online, chances are they are more interested in Internet-related stories than TV viewers or newspaper readers, so it may make sense to put greater emphasis on such stories. Also, your site potentially has a global reach, so consider whether you want to make it understandable to a local, national or international audience, and write and edit with that in mind.
Print reporters tend to look for information. One solution is to use a "Model T" story structure. Five Copywriting Errors That Can Ruin A Company’s Website. Copywriting 101: How to Craft Compelling Copy.