Will People Really Read Your Small Business Web Site
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Small Business.
Will People Really Read Your Small Business Website?
Introduction
Surprisingly, most visitors won't read your entire website. A 1997 study by Jakob Nielsen and John Morkes found that 79% of users scan rather than read word-for-word. So, how can you craft your website content to increase readability and engagement?
The Challenge
With about 4 billion websites online, the competition for attention is fierce. You have just seconds to capture interest. Research indicates that visitors leave a site that takes longer than 7 seconds to load, and the average visit lasts just over a minute. So, how can you make them stay and return? The key is compelling content.
Retaining Visitors
To convince visitors to come back, regularly update and modify your content. Adding new pages, and occasionally splitting lengthy ones, can maintain interest. Yet, content alone isn't enough. Let's explore effective strategies to engage readers.
How Viewers Engage with Websites
Most users don't read websites completely. Instead, they scan. To enhance scanability, use:
- Highlighted keywords
- Meaningful sub-headings
- Bullet points
- One idea per paragraph
- Inverted pyramid style
- Concise language
W3Schools confirms this pattern, advising short sentences and dividing information across multiple pages.
Inverted Pyramid Style
Traditional writing often saves conclusions for the end. The inverted pyramid flips this approach: start with key information and details follow. This format encourages scrolling, keeping readers engaged longer.
Writing's Impact on Readability
Nielsen and Morkes tested five writing styles:
- Concise writing (half the word count): 58% improvement
- Scannable layout: 47% improvement
- Objective language: 27% improvement
- A combined approach: 124% improvement
Tracking Eye Movements
The Eyetrack III study reveals that users follow a Z-pattern?"starting from the top left, moving right and down. Dominant headlines in these areas grab attention. Interestingly, smaller fonts encourage reading, while larger ones promote scanning.
Building Credibility
Credibility is crucial. High-quality graphics, clear writing, and outbound links enhance trust. Users prefer straightforward information without exaggerated claims. According to a study by B.J. Fogg and colleagues, here are top factors for credibility:
1. Design look
2. Structure and navigation
3. Content breadth and depth
4. Admirable motives
5. Information usefulness and accuracy
6. Reputation
7. Balanced advertising
8. Neutral writing tone
Key Takeaways
While content is vital, design significantly influences credibility. Well-organized, professional layouts with fast load times (under 7 seconds) are essential. Place your logo and an engaging headline in the top left area to capture interest.
Content Tip
If writing isn’t your strength, consider hiring a professional. Use concise, scannable, and objective styles. Write in a straightforward and friendly tone, ensuring information is useful and accurate. After writing, revise and eliminate any hard-sell language.
Conclusion
To succeed online, balance engaging content with professional design. By following these insights, you can enhance readability and credibility, encouraging visitors to return and engage with your small business website.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Will People Really Read Your Small Business Web Site .
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.