Giving Your Posts Curb Appeal: The Skimmer

Give Your Posts Curb Appeal: The Skimmer

Not every site visitor wants to spend their day reading the fine print on your web site or blog. Some readers only want the snapshot of what you have to offer. Then they decide if it is worth it to find out more. I call this type of reader a “Skimmer”.

Do Not Waste Time, Get to the Point

Skimmers are typically busy individuals who are time conscious. They will not likely spend more than a few minutes reading through the minutiae of your site. That is okay. You do have to be prepared to provide them with what they are looking for, though. They will likely not examine your site thoroughly for the information they want or need. This is why headers for your content are very important.

Headlines need to describe the content that is contained below it. They should indicate the context of the paragraph(s) and still be able to give enough data to stand alone. If, and only if, the headers entice will a Skimmer stop to read more. They are more interested in catching a glimpse of what your web page is all about.

Extra, Extra, Headlines Make Headlines

The headers of your content should be captivating similar to a well written newspaper. Make it interesting, descriptive and maybe a little fun. Being fun does not work for all web sites, but the average person wants to feel like they are being spoken to conversationally rather than being dry and sterile like a whitepaper or a manual would be. If, however your target market prefers precise, no nonsense communications by all means make your headlines to appeal to them.