9 tips for a lean, readable blog..

So, you are looking for information, you Google it, and get a list of links to various blog posts containing the info that you’re seeking. Imagine, there are 20 links, and you explore them one by one. Would you be reading the entire content of the blog post(s)? Well, I wouldn’t be doing that, especially since ‘m a no-patience guy. It’s a fast-paced world, and the no-patience tag applies to the blog audience as well. Who has got the patience to read an entire article, and then move on to the next?

Hence, the audience would like to quickly skim through the text, and look for relevant points that may be of use to them. This skimming operation requires that your post be lean, organized – easy to read. Well, cut the fat and write to the point.

So, you may take note of the following points:

1. Write in short paragraphs – try not to exceed 100 words a paragraph
2. Write a very short intro – not like an encyclopedia (the audience is generally intelligent)
3. Stay under 500 words – not like an epic novel, unless otherwise it’s a tutorial of some sort
4. Try to use bold and italic for certain words/phrases – a little deviation from the monotony of the black font
5. Hyperlink to external posts (and make them open in a new window) – instead of trying to explain what’s contained in the link, in your post
6. Add a pic at the top of the post. Or, add small 200 x 200 pics to the left and right of the post – make your post attractive, engaging the audience (don’t forget to optimize images)
7. Use bulleted list to list items – don’t comma separate lengthier phrases
8. Use block quotes when quoting speeches/sayings, thoughts, or content from other blog posts
9. End the article with a question, or provocative thought – you must always try to listen to the audience, than just talk and broadcast your thoughts

That’s it. Just 9 tips. Why should it always be top ten? Of course, you can respond with a new tip, and ‘ll include it in this post with your name, with a link to your blog or website.

Go lean to take your blog to next level!

Pic from Flickr