NOTE: PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOW-UP TO THIS POST TO FIND OUT HOW TO CHANGE FONT STYLE, COLOR, SIZE, ETC. IN YOUR BLOG POST!
Which of the examples below is more readable? They both contain the exact same copy (words), but are done in different styles. (You may want to save your eyes & skip to the second example, but I'll leave that up to you).
Example #1
Run-of-the-Mill Post Title
I really hope everyone reads this entire thing beginning to end, because the information I've shared here is so important and necessary to those in my niche - it could really help them out. Either I'm very knowledgable on this subject, and have lots of information that could be helpful to others, or I have a funny/touching/frustrating story to tell that others could relate to, or I have to share a rant that I just can't hold in any longer. I'm thinking that if I just put it all here in my blog in no particular order, style, or fashion, that others will be unphazed by the huge block of uninterupted text and be interested enough to keep reading, even though I started with a cliche and/or un-interesting title and opening sentence. I'm hoping that, even though I use super small font size, give no visual breaks in the copy, include no images, links, bold text, bullet points, or anything else that might give my reader a break, they will realize the importance of my blog outright; perhaps by way of telekinesis. I haven't tagged it or used any important key words anywhere in the content, but I figure that readers will find my blog on their own, magically. I'm aware that this post seems a bit long, even though it really isn't, and that it's probably due to the fact that I just keep writing on and on and on and on without stopping to breathe or start a new paragraph. But, instead of doing anything that might help my readers take this post in with a bit more ease, understanding, and enjoyment, I think I'll just keep it as-is, for fun. I'm probably not thinking about the fact that these people are reading things all day long, and that I actually have to compete for their attention. I'm also a little unaware of the fact that my readers are very busy people with several things on their list to complete befor the end of the day, or even the hour. If I kept this in mind when writing my important blog, maybe I would break it up a bit with spaces or pictures or something so it would be more enticing. Oh well, maybe next time.
Example #2
Catchy Title
I really hope everyone reads this entire thing beginning to end, because the information I've shared here is so important and necessary to those in my niche - it could really help them out.
Either: 1) I'm very knowledgable on this subject, and have lots of information that could be helpful to others, or
2) I have a funny/touching/frustrating story to tell that others could relate to, or
3) I have to share a rant that I just can't hold in any longer.
I'm thinking that if I just put it all here in my blog in no particular order, style, or fashion, that others will be unphazed by the huge block of uninterupted text and be interested enough to keep reading, even though I started with a cliche and/or un-interesting title and opening sentence.
I'm also hoping that, even though I use super small font size, give no visual breaks in the copy, include no images, links, bold text, bullet points, or anything else that might give my reader a break, they will realize the importance of my blog outright; perhaps by way of telekinesis.
I haven't tagged it or used any important key words anywhere in the content, but I figure that readers will find my blog on their own, magically. I'm also aware that this post seems a bit long, even though it really isn't, and that it's probably due to the fact that I just keep writing ON and ON and ON and ON without stopping to breathe or start a new paragraph.
But, instead of doing anything that might help my readers take this post in with a bit more ease, understanding, and enjoyment, I think I'll just keep it as-is, for fun. I'm probably not thinking about the fact that these people are reading things all day long, and that I actually have to compete for their attention. I'm also a little unaware of the fact that my readers are very busy people with several things on their list to complete befor the end of the day, or even the hour.
If I kept this in mind when writing my important blog, maybe I would break it up a bit with spaces or pictures or something so it would be more enticing.
Oh well, maybe next time.
Okay, so what's the moral of this story? Woops... Okay, so what's the moral of this story? Whatever it is you have to say, no matter how interesting, must look like it's interesting in order for most people to read it.
I like it, it's definitely easier to read...I do think that smaller posts are better with peoples short attention span. The ones that get me are the people who repost the same blog over and over and over just to get blog points. Thanks for your great info!
I couldn't agree with you more. I just began posting not too long ago and my only problem so far has been to find all kinds of images. I got some from google images but a lot of them are copyright and could not been used here.
Would you share with me if you know of a site where I could download all kinds of graphics?
This post is very helpful.....there are some I see I start to read and quit because my eyes become tired when they are in the format of the example you gave.....
The second post is awesome, as long as you are a full time blogger with little else to think about. For me, it depends on who you are blogging to. If it's the rest of the world then fair enough, learn what you need to and dedicate more and more time to making your blog LOOK awesome. Other than that, if it's a group that is consistant, and you have something relevant to post, or maybe just share, I don't see the need to spend all day on it?
Chris
Chris Grumley Florida Eye Tours, LLC PO Box 69 Anna Maria FL 34216
Eye catching blogs are important. Even one little photo or piece of clip art...and spacing out your words.
I read a blog yesterday that was very interesting, but it hurt my eyes!! The words were like the first blog you posted here (and I didn't read that one:)
Funny, when we do our newsletter we use visuals. However, for blogging here we don't think about it. Presentation can be everything. There is a fine line between breaking up the print and busy. Too many visuals become distracting and I actually will stop reading.
Chuck - Great point! When it comes to actual content, it is so important to make it matter to your target audience. This point of this post, however, was about the appearance of a blog post. Thanks for commenting!
Donna - Do people really do that? Yes, I could imagine that would be annoying! And I also agree that yes, if it is just a short and quick post, there's no need to jazz it up so much. Imagine if your post were just a few sentences long and you put big white space in between each short sentence... that would look a little silly ;)
Martin - Most of mine are just clipart that I upload to our server, but I've heard about other sites, such as istockphotos, that provide royalty free photos. Good luck and keep those posts coming :)
I am not as creative.....I just want to say what is on my mind and leave to those reading if they wish to finish and comment.
If I had more time in my day to spend on this I would most likely add pics and such.....I use my time to read as many pertinent posts for me and my life, comment where I feel I have something to add and then out.....
The first post is clearly unreadable, but most people don't have an hour just to spend writing a blog everyday. I think the thing is to make it look the best you can with the time you have. If you have time to change fonts and add color go for it. If not, just leave some white space to spare our eyes.
I'm not a fan of either format for a blog. A blog should maintain the standards that have been developed for our language. This includes use of paragraphs, sentence structure and other grammatical constructs.
This is NOT a new method of communicating. The Internet and blogging is simply a new delivery system. Would you read a newspaper or book that used either format? When I see a blog with all of the cute pictures I assume that it is a sales pitch and that its content has no true value to me.
Pictures, font changes, highlighting and other tools should be used when they add value to the information being given. Too many of any of them confuse and dilute the message.
Hmmmm interesting to read the different perspectives....I happen to be a 'sucker for packaging'......People are 'sold' in many different ways..........and Visually is probably at the top of the list..........for some 'content alone' is important....but I think thats the rare person..........How do we get dressed in the morning before we go to work? Is it just our 'content' thats important....? How to we 'present' to our clients...........is it just 'the goods mam the straight goods?'.........lol.......i'm with you on this one Candice...:-)
Pam, Justin, & Tony - Thanks for your opinion and feedback. It's lots of fun to try and find that perfect pic for your blog post! And yes Justin, good point - being in the Real Estate industry, we must know about presentation!
Julie - I know! I sometimes start to get a headache by the end of the day anyway, so I don't need any help ;)
Chris - Great point! As those who are reading our blogs are pressed for time, so are we! If you can find the balance, then truly you have accomplished something.
Candis - Wonderful job, you nailed it. I read back to my past posts and see this time and again, heck I still have room for much improvement. This is going to help a lot of people here...
Interesting how many replies acknowledge the importance of what you are saying but also admit that the effort is many times beyond available time/talent. Good selling to you.
Layouts are very important. The one thing that is very distracting for me are the ones with so many light greens and reds and it's hard to read. I like your layout there with the larger font and bold highlights.....easy to read and #2 gets my vote for sure!
I am surprised that no one has commented on the "space-between-pictures-and-text" function. When the words are so close to the picture, it sometimes "feels" like there are letters behind the pictures. But, otherwise the second one is so much better than the first-----there is just no contest.
Candis...how did you get the font larger? I have always wanted to do that because my eyes aren't what they use to be. I agree the larger print is much easier to read. Is it html? Do you write on a different platform that transfers wysiwyg? I just haven't been able to make it work.
Any advice or tutoring is appreciated...Later in the rain~Deb
I like example "A"....It is plain Jane, firs in with most other peoples blog and does nothing to peak anyones interest and is basically the same old Blah Blah Blah. Who needs change or variety in a Blah world.
Actually, I would think that 98% of the people would go for example "B"...much nicer and grabs your attention.
Celeste "Sally" - I agree with you on that. While I think colorful font can be useful if used right, the very light or flourescent colors also hurt the eyes.
Patrick, Kim, & Jason - Great! It's so good to hear that this post will be helpful.
A - is plain, and if it was separated by paragraphs, it may not be too bad. B - much more attractive. I feel not to make the post too long. I am still new to this so I can't say much more...
Well done Candis!! You presented your point with excellence. You have shown that a picture really is worth a thousand words!! Good job!! I need to go back and edit a couple of my own posts!
Very well stated in this blog. Would you provide a good place to find images and perhaps tips on designing a blog. Since I am fairly new at this and have limited time, I would like to improve my blogging...thanks.
"Utah Dave" - Ha! You might be onto something there ;)
Charles - Good point. I sometimes contemplate on whether or not to put a border on pics or space before starting text for that reason. Thanks for the feedback.
Debra - Short and quick way is to put a <font size="3"> tag (for example) in the html view of your blog post.
But there certainly is a middle ground that doesn't involve a brick wall of text confronting the reader, nor scouring the internet for graphics that are legal for use.
Paragraphs and bullet points are very easy and will do wonders.
Great post with excellent examples. However, I have to agree with one of the early comments. That blog posts should not be all about me. However, I'm guessing that you were simply using that material to highlight the different styles. You seem to savvy to have a blog all about me.
Candis - great post! As I am sure you know, studies show that shorter paragraphs are better when you are writing anything for the web. Too many sentences together tend to give us "eye fatigue."
Hi Candis - Thanks for the ever so subtle suggestion to liven up my posts. You could not have used a more illustrative example. Great job, and I look forward to reading your posts in the future!
Looks like you just started on here BUT you are already attracting attention - nice entry & your points are very useful to those that thought blogging was the first type...nice job!
I just write from my heart...if no one wants to see it well then I'm just meat:) If I can get my point across then great and if the consumer likes the post...then the rest will come. I have posted with and without photos and graphics...it's really about the content you put into it and whether or not it the readers like what they see.
Agree, agree. I'm about five days into blogging and vlogging (don't know if I like that word). The next mini-frontier is to take the time to grab those images...or set up my scanner and do some original cartoons. Always enjoy your blogs.
No question which is easier to read and more eye catching. Curious how long did it take you to put the second one together. Where do you get the photos?
It's interesting and the same applys for comments, which I tend to spend way too much time on...but that's the compulsive/obsessive part of me. It sometimes takes me several hours to do a post, part of that is still
Learning, and part is wanting it to be perfect, but still need a lot
of help with the tectnatical parts. Especially the switching to HTLM. Where do you write you post? How did you get the boarder, and blue print, and fonts? I know you said you did the size putting 3 in HTLM, but do you do that at the end? Looks like you are qualified to do a tutorial on that part. If you do please let me know by notifying me on one of my post, since I never check the "notify me of new comments". My in box is crazy already, so would appreciate it if you do. Thanks for the example, and hope you enjoy my underwater photo, another hobby of mine :). Liz
Candis- I definitely like the second one better. Easier on the brain. The first one is too much like a textbook and seems boring even though they have the same content.
EXCELLENT Candis. Someone seems to think you were trying to toot your own horn. I didn't see it that way. Excellent point and well taken.
Everytime I use Frontpage to do my blog and paste the code in the blog and just never seems to come out the same. Are you posting the "code" in html mode?
Excellent post! We are linking to your post as an example for our group of bloggers. Formatting is something I have considered to be important for some time. Although, I have never shared these feelings with others. This is very helpful and comes at a great time. Thanks for the post.
What a great example! I think the most successful bloggers have posts that are fun and easy to read through even if they are longer than others. Great job!!
Cody - If you sift through the comments above, you'll find the answer :) I'll probably write a short tutorial on this question soon... there were lots of questions about it!
Natalie - Yes, you're right about that! Thanks for the compliment.
Lesly - Thanks for commenting and welcome to Active Rain!
Candis I am with you. The chances of me reading the 1st type of post go down drastically. The content would have to be exceptional! Thanks for your comments on my post :)
Bill - no prob! So far i've forwarded you're blog to others, and talked about your latest (blogburst) on Twitter. You seem to have some great info to share and I look forward to more from you!
Kathy, Rob, CHRISTINA, & Audrey - Thanks! I was really hoping to show visually the difference a little bit of "flare" can make :)
Candis - Layout is very important. I learned that while editing newsletters. I know content is of paramount important but presentation is easy on your eyes and will make you finish reading the whole thing. Too much graphics is not good if there is nothing valuable in the content.
This is so true. I've been trying to make my posts more readable, but I'm having the same problem that a lot of your commenters have, and that is finding good quality relevant pictures to add to my posts.
Great tips. Where can we legally swipe fun photos for the blog? I know, Google and yahoo, but many of them look like they were shot after three beers by a college student. I bet you have some ideas.
Mary Jo Quay...I get all my pics from iStock.com They have MILLIONS of top quality pictures of everything. You pay a small amount of money like $10 or $20 and get "credits". Then you buy a picture for like "1" credit. The larger picture of the same you select, the more credits it costs but believe me...the price of a buck or less for a good picture is worth it. You might check it out.
Lola - Your welcome! So glad I could be of service ;)
Mary Jo - I usually just use clipart and upload it to our server, but a friend sent me an article today that's supposed to reveal tons places to get free, non-copyrighted pictures that you can use on the web. When I've had time to read through it, I'll post my findings here for you.
Candis- Hi there...hey you have a feature here, and I missed it :) :) Today I am just checking out Posts I missed while doing "Floor-time" ......so I found this and gee you have one of my Posts on here .....Thanks for highlighting it :) anyway, I think you got your point across pretty well....
Now, can you please put these Posts into the e-PRO Group.....I would have found it there for sure :) :)
Kevin - Believe it or not, you're not the only one who asked this question :) I've included a follow-up link at the beginning of this post to address that issue, or you can just click here.
Terry - Glad this could help & I look forward to seeing your posts!
When we started about 6 weeks ago, your post was one of the first we read. very good advise and in our case very timely. Thanks and check us out please WWW.gwslepthere.com
Candis...great post BUT, you still didn't answer my question or a couple of others. You said that IF I used html to be in the html mode and not the wysiwyg mode. I DID THAT. I did a post in frontpage...pasted it in html mode...everything looked great until I added a pic and then WHAM, it all turned back to regular sized fonts and B&W. So the question is, how do YOU make such fancy posts?
Big difference between the two. This is a great post to show the readability difference between two exact posts displayed two different ways. Thanks! JENNIFER
David - Hi! I thought I answered this a while back, but I guess not ;) If you create your post in html view and change over to wysiwyg later (to add a picture, for instance) the html gets lost! I don't know why this happens, but it does. Your best bet would just be to create the entire post in html, pics and all, and if you need to edit it later on, make sure you do it in html view. Hope that helps!
Michael - thanks so much and I'm glad I could help ;) I checked out your blog site and it looks great! I love the look and feel of the whole thing.
Sasha & Jennifer - thanks for your feedback... glad you were able to see the big difference between the two examples. It really does help blog readers when things are broken up into different visual spaces and styles - at least this reader ;)
Nice post. Certainly highlights the importance of sprucing up the blog post..! I'm learning as I go. I'll check out your follow up post also, as I've been wondering this for a while. Cheers.
Nice post. Certainly highlights the importance of sprucing up the blog post..! I'm learning as I go. I'll check out your follow up post also, as I've been wondering this for a while. Cheers.
David - Hi! I thought I answered this a while back, but I guess not ;) If you create your post in html view and change over to wysiwyg later (to add a picture, for instance) the html gets lost! I don't know why this happens, but it does. Your best bet would just be to create the entire post in html, pics and all, and if you need to edit it later on, make sure you do it in html view. Hope that helps!
THANKS Candis for clarifying that. It was my understanding from AR that once "saved" in html you could edit in either mode, but you've confirmed what I suspected...stay in html. My problem was after doing my html that my pictures didn't carry over and had to be separately "uploaded"...but I don't think I tried doing that in the html mode.
Great point. It doesn't matter how good your point is, if the posting does not visually grab the reader's attention then they are more likely to skip over it. In a community where there are so many blogs and posts competing for your attention, aesthetics can really make a big difference.
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I'm also hoping that, even though I use super small font size, give no visual breaks in the copy, include no images, links, bold text, bullet points, or anything else that might give my reader a break, they will realize the importance of my blog outright; perhaps by way of telekinesis. 
If I kept this in mind when writing my important blog, maybe I would break it up a bit with spaces or pictures or something so it would be more enticing. 
I know the old saying goes, 
Posted by 
Yes I got it, I will pick the second one. Great job on this post... Enjoyed it and thanks for sharing...
;)
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