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Writing for Impatient ReadersIt feels like the pace is quickening in the world. People feel busier. We have more choices, but less time in which to exercise those choices. So when someone comes to read your articles, they are going to FEEL like they have little time in which to get the message. There are specific skills which web writers learn, which make it easier for impatient readers to wade through the vast amounts of information that is available to them. 1. If you write an abstract title, then your first sentence better draw them in, otherwise you'll lose them. A teaser title can be effective, but most of the time online, use a title that tells them what it is about, in the least words. 2. Get to the point. Make it clear in your first paragraph just what the article is about. 3. Keep it clean and clear. Good spelling, and clear writing are essential. Spelling and grammar errors make it difficult to read, and impatient readers will give up in disgust. 4. Write for scanners - that means, break things up into logical sections, bold the important parts, indent the especially interesting tidbits, use bullet points and numbered lists to enhance understanding. 5. Organize your topics logically. You can organize an article with headings, a website in logical sub-topic groupings, a book by logical chapters. 6. Say something decisive and unique. Generic information is available anywhere. People will come back if you give them something unique, with character that they like, and an opinion they can identify with. Good web writing makes sense whether you are in a hurry or not. It makes it easy to tell whether the content the reader wants is really there or not. Writing well for the web means you do not waste the time of your reader. They'll appreciate you for it if you do it well, and they'll come back for more. And that is a writer's bread and butter! Written by Laura Wheeler |
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