diff --git a/help/format-your-message-using-markdown.md b/help/format-your-message-using-markdown.md
index 505d1bf150..adb68cb393 100644
--- a/help/format-your-message-using-markdown.md
+++ b/help/format-your-message-using-markdown.md
@@ -3,10 +3,15 @@
 [//]: # (All screenshots here require line-height: 22px and font-size: 16px in .message-content.)
 [//]: # (Requires some additional fiddling for the LaTeX picture, inline code span, and maybe a few others.)
 
-Zulip uses a variant of Markdown to allow you to easily format your
-messages. There is a convenient [**message formatting
-reference**](#message-formatting-reference) in the Zulip app that you
-can use whenever you need a reminder of the formatting syntax below.
+Zulip uses Markdown to allow you to easily format your messages. Even if you've
+never heard of Markdown, you are probably familiar with basic Markdown
+formatting, such as using `*` at the start of a line in a bulleted list, or
+around text to indicate emphasis.
+
+This page provides an overview of all the formatting available in Zulip. There
+is a convenient [**message formatting
+reference**](#message-formatting-reference) in the Zulip app that you can use
+whenever you need a reminder of the formatting syntax below.
 
 * [Emphasis](#emphasis)
 * [Lists](#lists)
diff --git a/help/include/edit-organization-profile.md b/help/include/edit-organization-profile.md
index 5513275b87..fdb8ffb763 100644
--- a/help/include/edit-organization-profile.md
+++ b/help/include/edit-organization-profile.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 !!! tip ""
 
-    The **organization description** supports [full Markdown syntax][markdown-syntax],
+    The **organization description** supports [full Markdown formatting][markdown-formatting],
     including **bold**/*italic*, links, lists, and more.
 
 !!! tip ""
@@ -21,4 +21,4 @@
 
 {end_tabs}
 
-[markdown-syntax]: /help/format-your-message-using-markdown
+[markdown-formatting]: /help/format-your-message-using-markdown
diff --git a/help/include/sidebar_index.md b/help/include/sidebar_index.md
index 4f9993cb17..fbbe26d791 100644
--- a/help/include/sidebar_index.md
+++ b/help/include/sidebar_index.md
@@ -58,13 +58,13 @@
 ## Writing messages
 * [Message formatting](/help/format-your-message-using-markdown)
 * [Mention a user or group](/help/mention-a-user-or-group)
-* [Emoji and emoticons](/help/emoji-and-emoticons)
-* [Start a video call](/help/start-a-call)
-* [Share and upload files](/help/share-and-upload-files)
 * [Quote and reply](/help/quote-and-reply)
-* [Code blocks](/help/code-blocks)
+* [Emoji and emoticons](/help/emoji-and-emoticons)
+* [Share and upload files](/help/share-and-upload-files)
 * [Add GIFs in your message](/help/animated-gifs-from-giphy)
+* [Code blocks](/help/code-blocks)
 * [Create a poll](/help/create-a-poll)
+* [Start a video call](/help/start-a-call)
 
 ## Sending messages
 * [Open the compose box](/help/open-the-compose-box)