Site after site, poor web copywriting continues to obstruct user experience. The problem is most businesses and organizations tend to treat copywriting as an afterthought.

While reading a newsletter posted by Icograda, I was directed to a poll with the following copy:

Current Opinion

State your opinion. Share your views. Vote on the weekly Opinion poll. Then view the collective results. Just click the check box beside your selection, then click on the “Vote” button.

The role of the designer is evolving and with that come changes in the designer/client relationship. We want to understand mo about how you feel about your relationship with you best clients.

What does your best client expect from you?

This convoluted message actually makes the simple task of picking one of three options confusing. The poor readability tarnishes the website’s usability.

Using some of the same text, a clear message can be conveyed:

State your opinion

The role of the designer is evolving and with that come changes in the designer/client relationship.

What does your best client expect from you?

That brings the original word count of 73 down to 27 – a 73 per cent reduction. The edits provide a concise message that’s easy to read, comprehend and retain.

It’s unfortunate poor web copywriting like this comes from a long-established, world-class graphic design association such as Icograda, with professional members around the globe.

In fact, distinguished organizations like Icograda need to take a leading role to help advance the Web on all fronts. Good web writing and good web design must go hand in hand to promote positive online experiences.

Editor’s note: Who writes your web copy? Please tell us on our online poll.