Most of us spend time crafting quality content for our websites and social media activities, but is the writing being read?

We know the algorithms on platforms like Meta and TikTok reward fresh content, forcing everyone to pump out new creative constantly. Without frequent updates, traffic certainly will suffer and that defeats the purpose of having “businesses” on the internet.

On the web, things can sometimes work awkwardly. You present the content but is it BEING read or just scanned?

You may have already learned from writing style guides or articles here found almost everywhere, that the following factors help retain readers’ attention:

• Keeping paragraphs short

• Combining shorter and longer sentences

• Using bullet points

• Adding relevant illustrations   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

However, according to research, most people primarily “scan” online content rather than reading it word-for-word, meaning they quickly skim through the page to pick out key information instead of fully absorbing every detail So how does that affect the impact of your writing on the reader?
Are they getting your messages?

‘Scanning’ is actually searching. The reader’s behavior when scanning might seem to be pure laziness, but it’s not. It’s an efficient strategy to seek out and filter information. Scanning also allows readers to avoid informational overload.

According to many research projects, most people primarily “scan” online content rather than reading it word-for-word, meaning they quickly skim through the page to pick out key information instead of fully absorbing every detail.

But always keep in mind when people read online, they are NOT just scanning—they are mostly searching for answers. They do not read for pleasure (except for fiction readers ~~smile), but to find the information to resolve a task they have in mind. For example: How to make cookie dough? Why am I so interested in other’s people opinions? When was Henry VIII born?

Questions, questions… The text of your article/post must provide answers.

So did you Scan this or Read it?

Share your experiences below