Did You Finish Your Post?
Hi. As a writer I always need to ensure that I've wrapped up my plot and any sub-plots that are in my stories. Unless I'm writing a serial I need to make sure that I've resolved the conflicts and given my readers a complete story and answered their questions. I want them to leave feeling good about the story...and come back for more.
Your website posts should do the same. This is not just a call to action but also making sure that you've answered any of the questions you've raised or that your reader has. Go back to your opening premise, what your post is about. And then make sure your conclusion wraps everything up. You shouldn't leave your readers wondering "what happens next"...your post is not a cliff-hanger.
Your conclusion should not be too long, either, that's what the body of your post is for. Present your arguments (your story) in the middle and then finish strong by making sure your reader has the information they came looking for. It's easy to lose focus on what the post is about so do this: your opening statement or question tells your reader what the post is about, the middle presents your rationale or research, and the conclusion states the answer in a simple yet powerful way that ensures your reader found the answer they were looking for. The conclusion should stand on its own, which works for those readers who like to scroll down and "read the ending first".
Don't leave your reader guessing...finish your post and leave them happy.
Recent Comments
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Good post, Rick. I'm still learning to write better and I may have done this on a few of my posts. I'll have to go back through and check them.
Writing is always a learning process and as you write more you will improve...as will I. Thanks for reading.
You're welcome. I think it's always important to finish...and let your reader know you've finished and we don't leave them with further questions. Thanks for reading.
Rick… It's been fun watching you grow as a writer. Look at you Now! I know you have worked very hard to get to this point. You have earned every bit of it! Thanks for the post. I will absolutely follow your advice.! Take care. Julie :) (to think we were once possums!) wink...
Hey, we're still possums. Perhaps we can create an upside down world and invite people to visit.
Put on your brainstorming hat...this is intriguing. Does the world look right when looked at upside down? :)
For me it does…. looks interesting from the upside down perspective. how about you? (wink)
Thanks, Ken. I'm trying to share with the community things that I learn with my writing. There's a lot of similarities so hopefully it helps.
Good point when you remind us that our conclusion should stand on its own. I think that is really important. Thanks Rick!
I think this helps your visitor remember what you said and, hopefully, brings them back for more.
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A very important part. Leave them with what they came for.
Exactly. Like a good story, they need to remember the end of your story.
Was reading a bit on headlines the other day. It seems that this also works well for headlines. The start and end of the headline is the most important part (for memory) So, place the main thought either at the beginning or the end but not the middle to enhance the message.
good point. That should also make them want to read the post..and thereby get to the conclusion :)