Writing Great Blogs for Impatient People
WebFox: Niagara Web Design
Whether you’re a blogger or working in Niagara web design, you’ll face the same problem—how do you make a blog both informative and easy to read? Impossible!
Depending on what you’re writing about; jargon can rear its ugly head. How do you avoid wordy messes that only a select few will understand?
Here’s a couple techniques I’ve got that help me when I do web design in Niagara.
4 Tips for Writing Great Blogs in Niagara Web Design
1: Short sentences
We should all know the basics of English at this point. Articles are made of paragraphs. Paragraphs are made of sentences. Sentences are made of words. Words are made of letters. Every sentence you write should be a complete thought. Using shorter sentences to say the same thing means it’s easier to read.
Does this make sense? You can write about anything, with any level of technical ability, and still sound intelligent. How so? Sentence length. The average sentence length in a peer-reviewed journal is 60 words.
The average sentence length in Harry Potter is 12 words. Which would you rather read? While you may not be writing Harry Potter or a peer-reviewed journal, you may end up somewhere between the two.
You’re looking for shorter sentences that still inform. Research has shown your sentences should be between 10-20 words.
8-word sentences: 100% comprehension
14-word sentences: 90% comprehension
43-word sentences: 10% comprehension
15-20 words is the average sentence length.
How can you write shorter? Here’s three tips I use in Niagara web design.
1. Fewer words: If a word doesn’t add to a sentence, drop it.
2. Fewer expressions: Wordy expressions add nothing in the long run. Get rid of them.
3. Fewer ideas: Complex sentences are best used in English class. Use one sentence for one idea. That’s it.
2: Ask and Answer Questions
I want my readers to follow my ideas while reading. How do I do it? I ask and answer questions.
Every sentence in an article should answer some question. The question this article takes inspiration from is: How can I write smart articles that are easy to read?
Think about what your readers want to ask and then answer it. This is how I come up with my ideas for web design in Niagara.
What questions did I ask in this article?
How long should your sentences be?
How to write shorter sentences?
How do I do it?
A question forces the reader to think. They may not try to answer but at least they’re thinking about it. It means they’re following my thoughts. While I have their attention, I answer the question.
3: Use the Right Word
Writers will likely tell you to use the simplest word possible. Using short and common words is the second most effective way of improving readability.
Instead of adjust use change.
Instead of accommodate use hold.
Instead of substantiate use confirm.
Instead of subsequently use afterward.
Instead of remunerate use pay.
Instead of expedite use speed up.
Instead of implement use do.
Instead of facilitate use help.
This can be good advice. Don’t take it to heart, however. Sometimes a big word is necessary for clarity. Some words simply don’t have a simpler word with the same meaning.
If you’re writing technical articles, technical jargon is unavoidable. The question then becomes, how do I know when to use a big word or a small one?
Use words that are easy to understand contextually. Even if your reader may not understand a word, they may be able to guess based on the context. Here’s an example: “Backup your computer files before updating in order to mitigate the risk of a crash.” Mitigate isn’t a common word. This sentence provides enough context to help you understand the meaning, however.
Use words tailored to your audience: Ultimately, I don’t know your audience, but I know mine. Think about the words your audience would know and use in an everyday context. It’s a helpful tip for web design in Niagara.
Use precise words: Simpler words generally have multiple meanings. For example, I would probably say I slipped rather than I tripped or fell when talking about ice. If the situation calls for detail, use detailed words.
Use the shorter word when possible: Easier words are better if they’ve got the same meaning. Don’t use the word rambunctious; use lively or rowdy.
Choose the right word for the right situation. Big words make you sound smart, but they don’t help you communicate.
4: Break the Rules of Grammar
Grammar is important sometimes. In your articles is not one of those times.
Incomplete sentences are ok.
Starting your sentences with conjunctions is ok.
I majored in English and know a thing or two about grammar. But I also know that effective communication is more important than the rules of grammar. If I need to break a rule or three doing this—I’m gonna do it.
Don’t intentionally make your writing bad or neglect editing. But don’t be afraid to throw some slang where it makes sense to your audience.
Conclusion
Readability is more important than sounding smart. Writing is to communicate your idea to another person. If you can’t do that, make your writing simpler.
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