Created in Midjourney

A Truth Writers Don’t Want To Hear

Modern readers only scan

2 min readMar 27, 2024

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First, let’s get the ugly truth out of the way. Due to infinite content options and a woeful lack of time, modern readers don’t read online articles. They scan them for useful information.

As a reader scans your content they’re subconsciously performing a real-time cost/benefit analysis to determine if it’s worth their limited time and mental energy.

You can use this information to craft content that compels them to stop scrolling and pay attention.

Let them know it’s for them

Readers are busy and goal-oriented. They want to know if your content directly addresses what they’re looking for.

Let them know with your headline who your article is for and what problem it will solve.

Let them know what’s in it for them

Humans are wired for rewards and you need to tap into their reward center. Always assume the reader’s main question is “what’s in it for me?”.

Promise useful solutions to their biggest problems. The key is that you then have to deliver.

Make them want to save it

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Using my mind garden to build a business writing online. Get your free Mind Garden Starter Kit at http://growyourmind.org