Article Writing Tips: How to write an article that keeps your readers reading
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The most common mistake that web writers make
The Solution -
- Understand how users read on the internet.
- Learn to write in a web-wise style that makes it EASY for users to read your content.
How Users read on the Web
The way users read on the web is different from the way they read printed pages. People rarely read word-by-word on the web. Internet users scan a page until they find something of interest, and then they read.Research results
In his article on How Users Read on the Web, respected usability expert Jakob Nielsen summarises the results of research which shows that :-
- Over 79% of Internet users read by scanning rather than reading word by word
- Users tend to skim the first one or two sentences of each paragraph when scanning text
- Users tend to scan until they find something interesting and then they read
How do YOU read on the web?
Vote by secret ballot
Web usability studies [conducted John Morkes and Jakob Nielsen (1997)] found that over 79% of internet users do not actually read: instead, they scan the text.
Keep your readers on your page longer
Make your article easy to read and scan. This will keep your readers on your page for longer.Today's savvy internet users are often busy and impatient for results. They find reading from their computer screen is tiring. They tend to suffer from information overload. So they want to be able to assess your web page quickly for areas of interest. By making this easy for them, you will keep them reading longer.
Simple but POWERFUL technique
- Your users will find your articles easier to read and scan
- This will keep them reading for longer - which can translate into more sales
Tip
Arrange your content
so that users can ignore
large blocks of text
at a time.
Help your readers keep reading
Write content that is easy to skim and scan
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1Start with your conclusion
Start your web page with your conclusion. Make your introduction a concise overview of your article. -
2Use Meaningful Headings
Arrange all your content under meaningful headings so users can quickly skip to the next section of interest. -
3Make every paragraph easy to skim and scan
- Limit each paragraph to one key concept.
- Summarise this key concept in the first sentence or two.
This way users can safely skip a paragraph without missing a key point in your article. -
4Use Bullet points and lists
Users find it easier to read when content is presented with bullet points and lists.
3 B's to make your article easy to read
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1Be concise
Reduce your word-count to about 50% of what you would write for print - this is all that users are prepared to read on the Internet. -
2Be factual
Avoid jargon and marketing fluff. Users prefer a style that is factual and objective. -
3Be direct
Come straight to the point. Where appropriate, address your reader directly as "you".
Test your knowledge
10 questions
Are you ready to write scannable content?
Putting these tips into practice takes a bit of effort. Writing in this manner does not come naturally -- it requires a disciplined approach. The best approach is to keep reviewing and refining your article content, looking for every opportunity to improve a sentence here, a paragraph there. Keep referring back to these guidelines. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Amazon books on Writing Content
Do images enhance or detract from readability?
What do YOU think?
What do you think, for example, about the number of images in this article? Too few? Too many? Are they relevant? Do they make the article easier to read?
How many images should you include in articles? Lots?
Yes, users love images. The more the merrier, as long as they are meaningful, relevant and attractive.
golfspice says:
I think you have the balance just right - glad I found your lens!
DavidGS says:
To me, images make or break the presentation of web material. They should of course be meaningful and relevant to the text, not just decorative. They are even more of an improvement if they illustrate some aspect of the subject material that is difficult to put into words. Images, yes, yes, yes!
janabrech says:
I think users like to see images breaking up long tracts of text. Text alone is boring. The important thing is that the images are relevant or helpful in some way.
No, too many images are a distraction. Keep them to a minimum so users can focus on your text.
Bill Cobb says:
Images will always spruce up a presentation - but with the warning that there can be too much of a good thing. Obviously, when the image illustrates a point, it can help the reader. There can be no 'ruler' for how many images there should be. It is a matter of taste. And, what works for one reader might turn another off.
Two other points I would make about images: They can bring out an emotion that can move the reader closer to the subject at hand. Also, they can be an opportunity for the reader to pause - a slight rest. So long is the image isn't distracting, it can refresh the reader and help them return their attention to the article.
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Your comments on how to keep your readers reading
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bloomingrose
Nov 28, 2011 @ 1:08 am | delete
- Thanks - and a great lens that taught by example, this was easy to read and memorable.
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SquidooKimberly
Sep 21, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
- Knowing how people research and read topics of interest on the web is definitely helpful in building effective lenses. Looking forward to reading more!
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howtocurecancer
Jun 7, 2011 @ 4:44 am | delete
- A wise lens, I like it.
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linhah
Jun 5, 2011 @ 5:30 pm | delete
- Great. Very helpful.
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golfspice
Jun 3, 2011 @ 8:32 am | delete
- Excellent lens - Thanks for sharing your expertise. I just need the ability to put your advice into practice.
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janabrech
Jun 3, 2011 @ 7:19 pm | delete
- Thank you for the feedback. Of course you have the ability to put this advice into practice :)
If you like, I can help you get started. Select a segment of an article you want to work on and send it to me with your comments. Contact Me!
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DavidGS
May 28, 2011 @ 8:31 am | delete
- Great article that practices what it preaches. In time, you will eventually have the whole of Squidoo busy re-editing their work!
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by janabrech
Hello, my name is Jana Brech. I am a usability consultant - I review websites for usability - that means ease-of-use, web-wise content and other featu... more »
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