If you want your readers to move through your verbiage quickly then make it easy. So, apparently, readers will give up if it becomes too difficult to read. Hm…no kidding. Now this isn’t limited to word choice but also the way the words appear. Like this…see how hard it is to read? Believe it or not, that swirly mess is the same font size as the rest of this post. No kidding. I couldn’t read more than a sentence of that mess before moving on. As an author, one of the things we must take into consideration is how our work appears on the page and how easily it can be read. How is this not common sense? Seriously.
I had a thought. Yes, I do that from time to time. If you do not have a copy of Digital Marketing All-in-One for Dummies, A Wiley Brand, no sweat. See if your local library has a copy. If they don’t have one in your branch they can reach out to other libraries in the area and request it be sent to them. If they do not carry a copy ask them to add it to their system, and believe it or not, they will try. Libraries are awesome like that. Get a card. Visit often. Support their activities. That is all. That is my PSA for the day. Now, run along and refill your cuppa and grab something healthy to nibble on. I have consumed far too many jellybeans this week and it is only Tuesday. Don’t get me wrong, I will eat more, just not today. Sugar overload.
Wanna be alluring…er…your content. Wow, that sounds bad. Do you want your site content to be alluring? – that’s better. Moving on before I stick my foot deeper in my mouth. So, studies show there are two main reading patterns people use.
- The Z pattern- this is reading left to right then down.
- The F pattern- This is reading left to right, then back, reading right to left, and down.
You can find the images at: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2015/04/design-principles-compositional-flow-and-rhythm/ <– link works- I checked. You’re welcome.
It is helpful to know how the reader will approach your page. Reading from top to bottom. Place your most important eye-catching information first, making the reader want to see the rest of what you have to say. It also helps to have an intriguing title or subject line. These suggestions can also be used in emails, memos, and social media posts.
Speed is also important. Your reader doesn’t want to read every word. That’s why you have come to me. I do the reading and give you an overview of what is important. I try to limit my posts to around 700 words. Quick, fast, and in a hurry.
This is all about the designs used to keep your attention:
- Headings and subheadings- make them clear and easily read.
- Short paragraphs-by keeping them short it allows your reader to move through quickly.
- Bullet lists- like this one. Organize them properly and they will work wonders.
- Numbered lists- I ❤ lists. We know how things are organized. Which comes first and how many steps there are.
- Type size and font color- make it easy to see. Tiny and light shades make it harder to read.
- Visuals- Add images to enhance what you are saying.
- White Space- blank space is just as important as the filler.
Some even find interactive content useful.
- Infographics
- Quizzes
- Whitepapers
- calculators
- Polls
- Videos
- Catalogs
You can gain a long-term customer by implementing some of these techniques. It can also offer you ways to gather more info on your customer base. Win and win.
Some companies to look into for help in these areas are: Ceros, SnapApp, and Ion Interactive
(This post is 635 words long, not counting what happens below. Not bad.)
Please remember that I am not trying to write this book for you word for word. I am skipping a lot of detail. I highly suggest you purchase the book and read between the lines.
Polish your sparkle and keep twirling.
Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.
I’m always looking for new friends!
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