Some research says that web surfers actually read less than 18% of any given page. While this is sure to be a distressing fact for the writer who slaved over each and every words remember that if you want to hold your reader’s attention you may need to get down to a more personal level. While this technique is not applicable in every situation or for every subject, there are many instances when your writing should include at least a hint of your own personality. As with most writing you will do, before you begin you should have a good idea of who will read your words—the targeted audience.
Who are You Writing For?
You should have a good understanding of how serious your venue is, whether it is a blog or a website, and whether you are working with a highly technical subject or one that is familiar to most people. Whatever you are writing about, you are essentially telling a story and communicating with others. In order to make your readers want to read much more than 18% of your story, remember that human beings want to connect with others and relate to the quandaries of other human beings. So, just how personal should you get with your readers, particularly if you are not writing a blog for yourself, but writing for others as a profession.
What are You Comfortable Sharing?
Ask yourself first just what level of information you are comfortable sharing with readers and what part of yourself you would never, under any circumstances, share with others. Then try sprinkling in a few personal details in your next writing assignment—not much, just enough to make it real for your readers. You want your readers to connect with you, the writer, on a personal level and to identify with you so bring them into the story as soon as you can. If, by the end of your story you feel a little raw and exposed, sleep on the story before it is published. Distance will allow you to edit the details that were making you uncomfortable while leaving in those which make it a good story.
Personal Details in a Blog
Blog content is different from website content in that people expect a blog to be much more personal and to contain details of another’s life. Blogs are actually meant to represent people and create human connections. As human beings we hardly stay on topic all the time, and a blog is no different. While probably none of your blog followers care what you ate for lunch, they do want to know the author’s likes, dreams, opinions, dislikes and passions. In order to communicate those things, you have no choice but to get a bit personal. Most all of us respond more positively to a story in which we are led to see things in a personal, individual manner. Remember—human beings even make purchasing decisions based largely on emotions. Of course there may be a rational decision regarding the purchase made initially but in the end our primary response to a sale pitch will come from a personal place.
Think about what others like about you and try adding some of that specific personality trait into your future writing—you will be glad you did!
Tags: legal website content
