The reading experience on the web is vastly different than say reading your favorite book, or even opening up the newspaper. The internet has changed how we read, and the content across your website needs to be in line with that.
Otherwise you run the risk of your visitors never reading a single word you’ve written. There are certain laws of writing for the web that lend themselves to a greater reader experience. After all, the goal of your website should be to create the best possible experience for the reader.
In this post we’re going to look at how the web has shifted writing and reading styles, and what format you can use to gain more reader attention across the web.
Reading Online Vs. Offline
There’s a lot of debate about which reading style is better. However, even if we can’t conclude the debate one thing is for certain the reading experience online is just different than reading on a book.
Because of this central difference your content needs to be written and presented in a different manner. Below you’ll find a few tips to get you going in the right direction.
1. Your Headline Matters
The headline is the very first thing your reader is going to see before deciding whether or not to read your post. If you can’t get the reader to open your post, then there’s no point writing the post in the first place.
Your headline is that important.
Great headlines promise value, then they deliver on that value.
2. Your First Sentence Is Your Hook
Your first sentence is an extension of your headline, and must continue to captivate your readers. A lot of first sentences on most blog posts or pieces of web copy are very lackluster.
Think of your first sentence s your hook. You need to hook your reader to get them interested in what’s to come.
3. Use Subheadings To Guide Your Reader
There’s nothing more unappealing than a big wall of text. This will make your user immediately press the back button.
A great way to stop this from happening is by breaking up your text through the use of subheadings. These will be smaller than your main headline and will guide your reader throughout the meat of your post.
4. Use Varying Text Formats
If you only use the basic text format chances are you’re going to use your readers. Try to mix things up with bold and italic fonts, as well as hyperlinks to other blog posts, and outside sources.
Also consider using bullet points, and numbered lists. Anything that will make it easier for your user to scan the content before they decide to dive in.
If your website or content strategy needs an upgrade, then get in touch with our team today.
