When perusing books in a physical store, you might leisurely pull them from shelves, read dust jackets, and thumb through pages. Online demands a different approach. Readers engage with online content amidst various activities like chatting, checking emails, and watching videos simultaneously.
Understanding this dynamic is crucial for crafting articles that capture your audiences attention, ensuring a speedy and satisfying experience for them AND you.
Here are 5 tips for crafting articles tailored to online audiences:
Optimal Length: Aim for 400-700 words.
Capture readers' attention by presenting the beginning and end without excessive scrolling. Online readers value time, and a concise format enhances engagement. I'm not saying people won't read longer ones but this length is optimal for SEO benefits AND keeping your reader long enough to get the info they need without overwhelming (or boring) them.
Bold Headers: Use bold headers for visual cues.
Make comprehension easier for readers skimming your article. Bold headers help them understand the article's structure and maintain focus.
Plain Language and Text: Maintain simplicity and clarity.
To uphold credibility, keep articles concise and grammatically sound. Use plain text (non-formatted HTML text) for most of the content, reserving HTML for stylistic enhancements like bold, emphasis, and underline.
Controlled Linking: Limit self-serving links to two per submission.
Avoid overwhelming readers with numerous links, which can lead to frustration and off your page. Provide two highly relevant links in a "Resource Box" to maintain transparency and guide readers effectively.
Quality and Relevance: Focus on original, high-quality content.
Online audiences are educated and have extensive access to information. Prioritise quality, relevance, and originality in your articles to meet their expectations.
Maintain a writing mantra centred on quality and relevance to engage a highly interactive online audience. Adhering to these tips will not only draw more exposure and traffic to your platform but also foster a connection with an invested audience. While longer pieces can be suitable for certain mediums, always prioritise meeting your readers' expectations with thoughtful and valuable content.
Share your insights on maintaining quality in your articles to meet reader expectations. Your comments and suggestions are welcome!
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