Your blog isn’t getting as many visitors as you’d like?

You need a quick lesson in how people read on the Web!

They don’t, they scan.

Thus often size matters when blogging to get engagement.

What size does matter blogging?

With millions of posts to choose from, people are looking for the one that jumps out!

They don’t want another random “me too” post!

They look for something that hits them on the head; the one that screams their name.

Sometimes that’s about sheer size!

• It’s the size of the competition! Then you have to find a niche.
• It’s the size of the post. It sometimes needs to bigger than the others.
• It’s the size of the message. Adding fluff distracts.
• It’s the size of the chunks of text not the walls of text!
• It’s the size of the words you use not utilize. Small is beautiful!

People often engage with exceptional content that blows their mind.

How can make your content more engaging by considering various sizes?

How to entice potential readers?

Your headline and body text are the two most important things when it comes to enticing and maintaining your readers’ attention.

So, why do people still get it wrong?

Because most people still think they need to make it short – so that it “scans” better. Not true.

Just look at my headline or headlines in general.

Making it easier to scan means making it easier to understand; making it easily digestible – try it!

• Write headlines and posts using plain English.
• Avoid difficult words only experts can understand.
• Be specific and descriptive rather than generalizing. 

You are competing with millions on the Web for attention!

Tell people exactly what your post is about. Which would you prefer to read?

“How to Write Good Copy” or

“How To Write A Headline That Drives More Clicks”

“Using Comments Right” or

“Ultimate Guide To Blog Comments: Best Practices For Handling Comments On Your Blog”

“The Importance of User Experience” or

“Beginner’s Guide To The UX Design Process”

I prefer the second in each set and I suspect you also do. 

Here’s why: the words mean something – to you, to me – to the reader.

And, because they are written in plain English, and not too tricky, there is no doubt about what we should expect.

It shouldn’t surprise you that these posts come from three of the most professional blogs out there. 

I’m also hoping you noticed that all three have lots more words in the headlines.

Yes, size matters for headlines! And blogging in general.

When you take another look, you’ll see that all three also include other elements that make up a great headline:

• Promise the reader a benefit
• Include tried and true words like “How to” or “Beginner’s Guide”
• Teach the reader something

Apply the same principles when you write the body of your post as well. 

How to keep readers engaged?

Once someone has decided your headline is worth looking into, you need to maintain their interest.

Regardless of length, keep it easily digestible.

• Write in short sentences and paragraphs; it’s easier on the eyes, and the brain.
• Don’t bore your reader. Get in, say what you want, and get out.
• Deliver on the promise of your headline, regardless of length!

Just make sure you offer your visitors an enticing, interesting, easy to digest post to read.

Such a succinct writing style and conversational tone keeps readers engaged.

Ideally there is some type of call to action at the end.

This way the engagement becomes measurable beyond the “time on page” metric.

Ideally the engagement rate or bounce rate are affected positively.

Oh, and if you’re stuck for what to write about, check out this cool list: “101 Blog Posting Ideas”

This was originally a guest contribution by Lidija Davis.

I have updated it ever since a few times. The examples are new among other changes.