Blog
The writing frame that’s almost always positive
Positive language makes your writing clearer, friendlier, shorter and more actionable. Most of the time. Find out when a negative frame can work for you.
Plain language writing tips
Plain language is all about reaching more of your customers or clients by creating content your user understands quickly, easily, and completely.
Can you prove your website is accessible? Soon, you’ll need to
Proposed DDA changes will reverse the burden of proof – agencies must prove accessibility, not users prove discrimination. Here’s what you need to know and do now.
What bingeing BritBox crime shows taught me about user research
The user research work we do at TNC mirrors the high-stakes world of homicide investigation. Less gore but more cat butts.
The compliance crisis hiding in your intranet
Uploading PDFs without guidance makes policies hard to follow. When staff can’t make sense of a 40-page document, they’ll create shortcuts. That’s when confusion and non-compliance happen.
How to give feedback on content
Outsourcing writing is like getting a suit tailored. If you wanted something to wear straight away, you’d pay $50 for a Kmart special, all shiny and baggy around the elbows.
How pair writing solves business problems
The idea of two people finding time to sit down together can feel like a big ask for busy organisations. Here’s why it’s worth it.
Three words and phrases that should (usually) be banished forever
Whatever you’re writing – a brochure, a website, a wedding speech – you want it to connect with people. For your writing to connect, people must be paying attention.
Do you need a separate website?
To build a separate website or not to build a separate website – that is the question.
How to make smarter communications decisions | Northstar Framework
You’re standing at the crossroads, utterly bamboozled. Out of all the directions you could take with your comms and marketing, which one should you take? Coming up with ideas isn’t usually the problem. With an hour or two’s brainstorming, anyone can come up with ideas. But are they the right ideas?
Making your pages easy to find: how many clicks to get there?
If you’ve ever planned a website, you’ve had to decide how you’ll link the pages together. Should everything be right there on the homepage, or should you break it into stages?
A new model for content strategy
There are a few content strategy models, but many feel too niche: they speak to the profession, not to the people we’re trying to reach.
Catch attention with this one word secret
You’re sitting in a crowded café, waiting for them. Around you, the chatter of conversation, and on the shelves is a scattering of hipster knick-knacks. Then, cutting through the noise, you hear them.
‘Hey, you!’ It’s your friend, coming towards you, carrying a present.