Blog readers are scanners, their eyes skimming the page for interesting information. Problogger reports the average time spent reading a blog post is 96 seconds. With such a small window of opportunity, how do you engage your reader and communicate your message?
Create visually interesting blog posts!
1. Break up long blocks of text.
Long paragraphs and large blocks of text are visually boring. They’re also cumbersome to read on a monitor or handheld device. Craft shorter paragraphs with interesting transitions.
2. Include an image near the top of your post.
Images evoke emotion and connect with your reader. A captivating photo can illustrate your message and also give your reader’s eye a place to rest on the page.
(Be careful about copyright infringement and attribution. Personal photos are the safest to use, but there are many resources that allow you to use their images at no charge if you attribute the site and/or photographer.)
3. Vary your text.
Use headers, bold text, italics, block quotes, etc. to call attention to keywords and phrases. Well-placed headings and quotes communicate your main points and keeps your reader’s eye moving. Be careful not to overuse them and clutter your post.
4. Shorter is better.
Keep in mind the 96-second window, understanding you’ll lose some of your readers with a longer post (500+ words). Write “tight” when you post to your blog. If you find yourself closing in on 500 words and you’ve still got a lot to say, consider making it a two-part post.
Benefits of shorter posts?
- You’ll retain your reader,
- They’ll be invested and want to read the sequel,
- You’ll have another post and an opportunity to link within your site.
Those 96 seconds are precious, so use them wisely and create blog posts that engage and communicate.
Shareables:
Photo Credit
Boost Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Stuart Miles
We love helping your growing in your writing career.
12 Comments
Excellent points, Susan! When proofing my potential post I try to view it as a reader rather than the author. When I find a spot in the post that makes me yawn, I know it requires a change. Small tweaks make all the difference in a successful post and a yawner. (I plan to use your advice in an upcoming staff meeting, by the way.)
You’re so right, Cathy — when the author is yawning, you can bet the reader will be! You do a great job with the posts on your site, and I hope this advice translates in your staff meeting 🙂
Susan, Great information. I have cut my blog posts in half, put the important lines in bold, and always put an image at the beginning of my post. It truly helps. Lori Roeleveld gave me pointers. I am tweeting this post many times. It is much needed information. Thank you for writing it.
Thanks so much for the shares, Cherrilynn! The small, simple things really do make a difference when you’re crafting a post. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Great information Susan…I so miss blogging and hoping that I can get back to it soon!
Thank you, Kim! I hear you on the blogging. I’d like to get back to it too!
Thanks for this excellent post, Susan. I hope to share my revamped personal blog soon… please come visit often. I will always be thankful to you and Cathy Baker for your help in this effort.
I’m so happy to see you here, Dee Dee! Cathy and I are always ready to help 🙂
Great information, Susan. Thanks for sharing.
You do a great job on your site. Ginger. Helpful content + quality images = faithful readers!
Really interesting to hear that the average reader only spends a little over a minute on a post! I constantly find that my most popular posts are the ones that fall on the shorter side.
Thanks for these tips!
Tessa
http://www.christiswrite.blogspot.com
I agree, Tessa. And I’ve found the same thing to be true on my own site: shorter posts get more hits and shares. Thank you for stopping by!