Hey Reader,
Happy June 😍
It's been scorching in Palm Springs. One of my besties and I met at a mall yesterday to get our steps in (in AC) and it felt like we were in high school all over again — browsing stores, trying things on, getting Jamba Juice, and gossiping about random stuff. Oh, I miss those simpler days!
Today, I submitted my first assignment with a new client. Onboarding is always a bit stressful as it is, and that first piece still gives me major impostor syndrome even after 10 years in the game. Can you relate? 😅
The rest of the week will be spent in Encinitas — I'm ecstatic about cooler weather and look forward to celebrating 10 years of love with my partner!
WAVE OF THE WEEK: Beautiful design makes writing shine brighter
While researching home foundation types for an article I was writing, I came across a promising source.
It had decent information... but the formatting was an absolute nightmare.
No headings. No bullet points. No images.
Just paragraph after paragraph of dense text.
It got me thinking:
How many readers bounce from blogs because the content is too overwhelming or difficult to read?
Truth is, even the most brilliant writing can fall flat if it's not presented in a visually appealing way.
Think about it...
When you walk into a beautifully designed store, you're more likely to spend time browsing and buying something.
The same principle applies to your content.
If it's:
- Well-organized
- Easy on the eyes
- Pretty (yes, I said it)
...people are more likely to stick around and come back for more.
So, how do you create blog articles that look as good as they read?
Here are 6 tips that have worked wonders for me:
- Break up your text with bullet points, especially when you can list items or steps. It makes the information 10x easier to digest and helps readers quickly find what they need.
- Use headings (H2s, H3s, etc.) to break up your content and guide readers through your post. These help readers navigate your article and get info quickly. Use H2s for main sections, H3s for subsections, and so on. This hierarchy makes your post more scannable and user-friendly.
- Add relevant photos and infographics throughout to add visual interest. While stock images can work in a pinch, original graphics are always more impactful. Aim for 2-3 visual elements per 1,000 words. Infographics (I make mine on Canva!) are my go-to for drawing eyes to step-by-step guides and SME insights.
- Keep your paragraphs short and sweet. Attention spans are short — write 3-4 concise sentences per paragraph to keep your readers engaged. Any longer and you risk losing them.
- Use FAQ sections to address common questions or subtopics. This makes it a breeze for readers to find what they need without wading through a wall of text.
- Put yourself in your readers' shoes. They want accurate information, and they want it fast. Get brutal in editing mode. Cut the fluff to deliver value in a concise, readable format. I like to strive for 7-8th grade readability on Hemingway.
TL;DR:
Creating great content is about more than just writing well. It's about designing an experience that keeps readers interested from start to finish.
By focusing on substance and style, you'll:
- Build credibility
- Attract a loyal following
- Make a bigger impact with your words
So the next time you're ready to hit 'publish,' take a step back and ask yourself:
Is this post as visually appealing as it is well-written?
If not, put on your designer hat and give it a makeover.
Because a little design goes a long way in making brilliant writing shine even brighter.
ICYMI: New by me 🎉
Summer is near — and the last thing you want is your AC conking out during a massive heatwave.
But if it does...
Will a home warranty save the day (and your wallet)?
In my recent article about home warranties and HVAC coverage for CNN Underscored, I cover:
- What's covered (and what's not)
- The pros + cons of HVAC coverage
- How much it costs and if it's worth it
- Tips for choosing a home warranty for HVAC
...and more.
If you're a homeowner wondering if a warranty could be right for you...
Give this a read!
WAVEBREAKER: A helpful tip
Inconsistent blogging is a common trap many companies fall into.
I've had startups hire me for a couple of months to deliver 10+ blogs per month... then I won't hear from them again until a year later. They intend to beef up their content quickly in one go. While this may sound productive, it's actually costing them readers, rankings, and authority.
In a recent LinkedIn post, I share 7 proven strategies for maintaining a steady publishing schedule and keeping your audience engaged:
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