Writing For Increasingly Shorter Attention Spans

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According to statistics it's said that the average millennial has an attention span of only 8 seconds! This is because of the never ending surge of information that they have received most of their lives.

In our business of affiliate marketing we need to capture peoples attention and hold for as long as possible. Here are somethings that we can do with our articles that will help keep millennial on our sites as long as possible.

Captivating Headlines


We need to make sure that our headlines are as captivating as possible. They need to be compelling and catching the eye is very important.

Relevance


Your headline and article need to be pinpoint relevant because if it isn't your reader will not stay long. Millennial want relevant information that's easy to digest. This generation especially won't think twice and will move on to what they are looking for because there is so much information out there.

It needs to be not only relevant but unique as well.

Paragraph Length


Paragraphs should be short and to the point. No more than 3 sentences long.

Use Images & Video


Images should be used to explain important points in your article. They also help break up the information you are presenting which makes it more reader friendly.

The use of Infographics are becoming more popular. They help explain the more complicated topics in your article.

Emojis are another option that are being used more and more. You can add to your articles where you see fit.

Use video in your content wherever possible. Video is becoming a popular form of information getting. Studies show that a video within your content increase your visitors time on your website.

I recommend adding a video about half-way through your content. But can be added anywhere you find it useful.

Conclusion


The attention span of people are just going to get shorter as time goes on. We will have to keep finding ways to grab their attention. It would be well worth your time to use these attention getting techniques.

If you make use of these techniques you will be able to hold your readers attention so that they will find value in your articles and eventually purchase your products or services.

Attention Grabbers:

  • Captivating Headlines
  • Relevance
  • Short Paragraphs
  • Use of Images & Video
  • Emojis

My question to you is:

What are some things you do to help grab peoples attention in your content?

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Recent Comments

48

Great information!
I know personally I like articles that get to the point quickly. I really dislike reading an article that starts with two or three paragraphs of irrelevant information, I'm out of there quick.
I think I also prefer reading a short article rather than having to watch a video. I can skim an article for relevant points and facts whereas with a video I'm stuck until usually the end for relevant points and if i'm looking for info quickly, this just simply won't suffice. Pictures are always welcome, especially ones that convey relevant information.
I like the idea of putting all your points or facts all together before your article even starts. Say I'm looking to buy something. I like to see an article with a captivating title, a picture of the product, and then bullet points with price, pros, cons, etc. Then the article can begin after this, detailing each of the bullet points. This way you catch short attention spans (such as my own) early on with just the facts and then if they have more time they can read the whole article, even if it's a little lengthy.
Just my two cents, everyone will have a different opinion!

As did I re-reading it :D

Spot on! I wish I could convince Google that people are not looking for a 2,500 word post! Everyone disagrees with me, but I totally agree...grab me quick, hold me for a few seconds and sell me. Don't make me read your life's story!
All my life I have swam upstream and everyone disagrees with me, but I find that exactly like you say is the way to do it.
Joe (short attention span)

thanks for sharing your valuable tips ! ... Alex :-)

Clarity and structure is importnt on first sight
If it is not obvious or too cluttered, people,will leave also

Very True. Precise and to the point, in the beginning, is an important element to have.

Many thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

They are very needful things to aid the success of our business.

Wishing you all the best.

Segun

Yes, the attention span us getting shorter, and that:s why videos are becoming so popular. Personally I prefer to read. Thanks for this information. Jim

Thank you for sharing such useful information Cory.

You are welcome, Linda!

Cory,

Great subject matter and a great actionable post as well for what I would call the traditional online marketing approach using websites, blogging, keywords, SEO, etc.

As to the specific question at the end of your post, I use ClickFunnels and the approach of filtering the audience by "placing" the funnels in front of a warm or hot traffic audience which has been proven to have interest in the niche or subject matter.

By design and intentionally, funnels and the like, deal in part with the ever so shrinking attention span in the instant results world we live in, a trend which is not likely to be reversed, ever.

Blessings!

I agree. Funnels are big right now in part because of the shorter attention span. I don't have much experience with funnels but I see that I will need to start incorporating them into my content and advertising in the future.

Cory,

Reach out to me via PM if interested in finding out some more from my own experience using funnels.

Blessings!

Great article! I ask for comments, questions and opinions. If they have related experiences I want to hear it.

You did such a good job I cannot add anything more. I will search for relevant videos to my article in Wealthy Affiliate and add the affiliate link. That will be an interesting experiment.

Eventually I will be making my own videos. Still a lot to do in adding to my written posts.

Cheers.

Edwin

Asking for comments and questions is another good example of keeping people engaged with your content. Making your own videos is another great way but I know not everyone is comfortable with doing that.

Eventually creating videos is going to be necessary for this business.

I agree. Do you know of software that you can use to make screen videos together with voice recording? In this way I can make videos about my blogs and later start getting into the video myself.

Thanks.

Edwin

Good afternoon my friend, you are absolutely correct, the only thing I don't do but you have mentioned my paragraphs are usually four to five sentences long, however everything else I pretty much will do. I think this was good information for everyone. May you have a very successful week.

Thanks, Earl. You too.

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