We have been working extensively in Scotland over the last nine years, training staff from 20 of the largest companies in the Edinburgh area, mainly working on e-government and financial service projects.
Although this course is not scheduled until Spring 2012, please do register your interest. With sufficient names on board and we may be able to schedule this course earlier. If not, we will let you know the date as soon as it's fixed.
Eleven years ago Malcolm Davison pioneered a system for improving text readability on screen. Malcolm has worked for most of the top financial institutions in the UK, FTSE 100 companies and many Government departments. Malcolm has just returned from web training for the UN in Norway and Rome.
Very good and professional, I can't wait to go out and put some of the ideas into practice!
"Very enjoyable, lots to take in. Wish it had been longer! Was recommended by a colleague - will be recommending it to others."
Our public course is suitable for people at all levels and experience. Webmasters will pick up the latest tricks and ideas, and hear about what is happening at the cutting edge of web content creation. While those with no web experience will be able to take the course easily in their stride.
The course not only considers communicating on websites and intranets but also other channels including social media.
Location of the course
The course is located at Edinburgh Training Centre, which is centrally located just off the High Street and The Royal Mile. Further details are at Edinburgh Training Centre (www.edintrain.com).
Course outline
The course now includes some intriguing ideas drawn from the very latest research from around the world and we show you some websites that have been transformed through the introduction of good web writing practice.
We discuss how to create concise copy that your audiences really want to read. Written exercises test the principles discussed and we ensure that everyone gets constructive one-to-one help.
The course material
You get 70 pages of course material (20,000 words). This includes sample web text, exercises, model answers, a reference manual, web site links, bibliography and useful utilities.
A broader view
By taking part in practicals you will learn how to write more effective headlines and explore navigational techniques to ensure readers will find your material and take the links you intend.
We tackle the thorny issue of downloadable material and consider better ways of accessing information and encouraging interaction and feedback.
Are your messages getting across? Are you achieving the objectives you have set yourself? We look at apparently good web pages that have failed to deliver and discuss ways to turn them around and revitalise the content.
You will take back details of software tools (most of them free) that can be used to analyse your websites and copy. Drawing on our experience in major banks, government departments, the UN, EC and elsewhere, we introduce ideas that will give your web work the edge.
We also consider:
- applying simple rules to make all your web pages look great
- making your website user-friendly
- accessibility and ensuring our content is compliant
- dealing with legal material and international audiences
- the importance of quality control and accuracy
"This course met all of my objectives and more. The tutors were very knowledgeable, encouraged questions and were very supportive. My confidence has increased and I have learnt so much that I can't wait to put it into action."
At our public courses we do our best to give advice on participants' web projects but, due to pressures on the day, individuals will not receive so much personal attention as on a tailored inhouse course. But we can continue to discuss topics by email and phone.
We know that you will have an enjoyable course, in good company, with an excellent lunch and will return with clear priorities and a structured approach to producing effective web and intranet pages. Several people have said that this is the best communications course they have ever attended.
Please note: Numbers will be limited to ensure that you receive individual attention.
Price of the course - (last minute deal!)
Places are £450 + VAT (£540). Second and further places at 10% discount - £405 + VAT (£486) for the one day course. We provide a computer - but you can save £15 (+ VAT) on the course price if you bring your own. Prices include 70pp of comprehensive manuals and a lunch.
Email us this completed booking form
Download a booking form in Microsoft Word format. Booking enquiries to Malcolm Davison on 01444 254780.
More feedback from course participants
"The course on web writing and editing exceeded my expectations. Hardly anything was not of direct relevance. It will give our whole team a great platform on which to build."
"The trainers were both superb and I particularly liked the way they supported their teaching with solid research findings."
"The course was very professionally led. All the key web writing communication principles were covered, along with lots of worthwhile hints and tips."
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