Web users scan-read.
They’re not going to wade through streams of blah-blah-blah. If they don’t find what they are looking for quickly and easily they’ll leave and move on to the next website.
They’re not lazy. When people browse the web they are looking for quick answers and they don’t want to read the whole page to find it.
That means you have got to scrap the long blocks of text. They’re scary, and people will skip them because it’s too much work. You’re probably scanning this article right now, which is why I wrote it with short paragraphs to help you out.
Tips:
Engage your readers by using:
- Short paragraphs
- Simple language
- Lots of headings and subheadings
- Bullet points
- Bold, italics and pops of color
Remember, on mobile devices especially, short paragraphs are important in helping users read quickly.
Where possible on your website try to use the following design elements to make your website more readable.
HEADLINES
As much as possible, use every section headline to communicate something
Instead of "About Us", title that section: "We Help You Save Time & Make Money" (Success).
Instead of "Our Services" say: "How We Help You Accomplish Your Goals" (Success).
BOLDED TEXT
As much as possible, try to limit big blocks of text. Paragraphs should be 3-4 lines at the most, or visitors will skip right over them. If you do have a lot of text, pick out a few words or phrases to be bolded. If you do it well, someone could only read the bolded text, they would understand the whole paragraph.
LISTS
On the internet, you don't have to use complete sentences. In fact, there are many times when you just SHOULDN'T. A good bullet point or icon list can communicate more information quickly and is more likely to cause a viewer to stop and read.
- Bullet points arrest "scanning"
- They allow you to use fewer words
- Much more impact
- Get more people to read the content that you've spent so much time crafting.
CALL OUT BOXES
Set content apart by using boxes with a border or different color backgrounds. These are great for testimonial quotes:
"Call-out boxes are a good way to highlight a particular idea within a page."
-Calling Attention To Me