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Content Principles

Start with User Needs

Think about who will read your content.
Ask yourself:

  • Who is this for?
  • What do they need to know?
  • How might they be feeling?

Make it easy for people to find what they need. Guide them step by step.

Do the Hard Work to Make it Simple

  • Use plain language and short sentences.
  • Be clear, not clever.
  • Make your writing easy to understand.

Write for Everyone

  • Respect that users have different backgrounds and experiences.
  • Be open to who might read your content—it may surprise you.

Build Trust

  • Write like a real person.
  • Be honest and direct.
  • Use positive words and real-life examples.

Start Small and Iterate

  • Test your content to see if it works.
  • Don’t be afraid to start over if needed.
  • Write a draft, get feedback, and keep making it better.

indianaffairs.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of the Interior

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