Testing every part of a new website or other project is crucial; finding out where users trip up or get frustrated can provide you with a way to make it more certain that your project will be successful. It’s not just the user interface or the design that needs to be tested, though: even the content needs to be seen by someone who doesn’t already know the results the content is supposed to create. But how do you user test content?

  1. Find a tester who has as little knowledge about the project as possible. If you can find multiple testers, preferably from both your target market and from broader demographics, it’s worth your time to run multiple tests.
  2. While there are technical testing systems out there, if you don’t have access to them, just watching your testers read your content can give you an idea of what phrases, concepts or words trip them up. If you see them going back and re-reading, you’ll have a clue that you may need to simplify some text or otherwise rewrite it.
  3. Ask your testers to complete any tasks included in your project: if there are any instructions listed in the text, it’s crucial to see what the actual end results are if someone follows them.
  4. Have your testers summarize text back to you. If they can explain any content you’ve written in a way that is fairly similar to your own understanding, you’ve communicated your ideas and knowledge effectively. If they can’t, it’s time to revisit the text. Listen carefully to any questions they have about the content, as well — you may be able to spot where errors are creeping in.
  5. Debrief your testers. Ask them questions about their experience, and see how comfortable they are with it.

I have a few favorite content testers, including one or two who enjoy poking holes in every project I send them. I’ve found it particularly useful to have several readers who are less technically-savvy than I am — I know I’m more familiar with certain types of tech than your average Joe, making it a little harder to remember to write for audiences who are less familiar with online conventions.