Writing articles or posts is not that difficult particularly if you follow some of the advice we have provided in previous posts. This post continues this advice with a list of blog content no-no’s - tactics often used that really do turn readers off from reading.
Paragraphs Too Long: While there is no hard and fast rule, paragraphs are best limited to less than 100 words. Any more and the reader is likely to switch off before getting the point. A paragraph should have a single train of thought and make a point or set a scene, then move on.
Links: Limit the number of links within a paragraph. Too many links act as a distraction to the reader. If you think about a link, it’s aim is to point elsewhere. Do you want you reader to finish your article, or to head of elsewhere during the first paragraph. Use links only where necessary.
Content Ads: A big turnoff in this day and age. Advertising companies have become a little too clever to the point they annoy readers. Many reader use the mouse to follow text as they read. In content ads often have attached pop-ups which pop up as soon as the mouse touches the link. One or two links maybe acceptable. Any more and its a nuisance - goodbye reader.
Overuse of Formatting: Use format tools such as bold or italics for affect. Overuse takes away the importance of the affect and becomes meaningless. If you feel that a word or sentence needs highlighting then use one of these tools. If a second block of text also needs enhancing, reword your paragraph so that the second block can be placed into its own paragraph, or consider listing the points.
Yelling: A term that is often used in emails and relates to the overuse of capitals. This can be particularly irksome if also mixed with bold formatting. Generally speaking, a writer should follow the basic rules of English which limit the use of capitals. The occasional yell for effect is acceptable; filling paragraphs with yells will not be.
I am sure you can think of other turnoffs. As you visit other sites, make a note of what you find distracting and a turnoff. Look at your own blog content and ensure that you haven’t included any of those item. The reality is, if you find it distracting or a turn off on another site, readers will find it the same on your site. Blog content is not difficult to produce - it is just finding the content for your content that requires some thinking.
