Six Steps To Perfection
The six steps must start with content and format. Let’s face it; you can have the perfect formula in effect from top to toe but if your content is bad, no one will ever know because no one will ever read it through. The perfect formula will start with short, crisp paragraphs for scan-ability factor.
1. KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
If you can write short, informative paragraphs consisting of crisp sentences in everyday English, you have the first step down cold. Just remember KISS and you’ll be fine.
2. Seeing is Believing
3. Bold and Italics make your Point
Do not be afraid to use bold and italics to help make your point. If that is what it takes to get you where you are going with a difficult or complex explanation, it is perfectly fine and helps the scanners to stay on point. If you feel strongly enough about it… underline it as well!
4. Subheadings Rock
Too much to stomach in one go? It’s not a college admission test, you are not pleasing academics who grade you by the amount of gibberish you can fit in a single sheet of A4 paper. Want your readers to keep going? Break it down and give subheadings that tell them what is going to happen in the next 3-4 lines. And then, you may rock.
5. Avoid Useless Content
The only time you can really get away with useless content is if you are so famous that everyone is going to hang on to every word you write, even if you are an idiot, or if you write so well, and are so interesting that the rest of us cannot help but read what you write and then stand in awe afterwards, while contemplating life’s most important questions. Otherwise, useless content – like this – is against the rules. Just say no.
6. Lists Rule
Everyone loves a good list. Scanners are drawn to lists like moths to a flame, except they do not burn their wings and then flutter around on the floor for a half an hour before being eaten by the cat.
A good bulleted list accomplishes some or all of the following:
- draws the scanner’s eye
- answers a direct question with more than one answer
- promises a detailed explanation
- provides a set of attributes
- looks neat and organized
- helps fulfill a word count requirement (shh… it’s our little secret)
- inspires ideas for further material for the writer
The numbered or bulleted list is the best way to reach out from a page and draw a reader back. If you find yourself bogged down with lengthy content, which is sometimes unavoidable, turn it into a list and keep them reading.
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