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Will You Read A 2,500 Word Post? Entertain Me | Please Don't Work Me!!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired 104763

 

People Do Not Read. That’s a simple statement that bloggers and marketers eventually learn.  When blogging, a catchy title will grab the reader’s attention.  Posting an eye catching graphic or photo will keep them interested. Highlighting the first sentence of a paragraph will give them the general message of that paragraph.

Why is all of that necessary? It’s Necessary Because People Do Not Read.  When bloggers are dealing with impatient people who want the bottom line without reading a 2,000+ word post, you’d best hold their attention long enough to get them through 250-300 words.

Do you write blog posts for those who have the intellectual capacity to read through a 2000-3000 word post, or do you write for the average reader?  I want immediate gratification when I read a post.  I want the bottom line without having to read every single word.  The general flavor of the post needs to be relayed with the highlighted first statement of each paragraph. 

The remainder of the paragraph will be skimmed, and if there are important phrases, they should be highlighted, too. My eyes will go right to them.  If the post is of great interest to me, I will go back and read every word. If not, it’s a “skim job.” Make it easy folks.  Write for the “average reader.”

Wouldn’t highlighting words and phrases; using a contrasting font color; using a large font that’s easy to read; providing a different sized font in the middle of a thought; and keeping the paragraphs brief all add to one’s success with this task? Think about the posts that you like to read, and follow suit.

Just another thought for the moment…..

 

 

 

Posted by

 

 

Barbara Todaro, Great Grandmother to Caleb, Santino, Aiden and Gianni       

Todaro Team - Retired

508-918-9148

               

             Copyright © 2009 - 2021 Barbara Todaro

                               All Rights Reserved



 

Comments(105)

James (Jim) Lawson, DBA
DomainRealty.com LLC - Bonita Springs, FL
Broker Associate, RSPS, BPOR, HI & PE

Some blogs can be significantly condensed without deleting one substantive point the author makes.

When I was teaching college students how to write business term papers I would break the class into groups and give them a 1,000 word paper to condense. The high-performing groups invariably got them down to 350-400 words and included every point in the longer piece.

Aug 08, 2016 03:08 PM
Gerhard Ade
eXp Realty - Seattle, WA
What sets me apart, will set you apart.

Eventually, all people will have time for is a bunch of emojis.  I imagine that's why action has taken the place of good writing in Holywood. On the other hand, and forgot who said this: "I'm sorry I didn't have the time to write you a shorter letter. 

Aug 08, 2016 04:02 PM
Barbara Todaro

no need to apologize, I just skimmed through it anyway!

Aug 08, 2016 11:51 PM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Barbara Todaro, for me it depends on the subject if I want to read a 3000+ word post. When it comes to real estate, is it really necessary to have that many words? Depends but I know I won't be writing a post over 400 words, it will bore me. I love your suggestions when writing a post. 

Aug 09, 2016 04:37 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Thanks, everyone, for all of your nice comments.... they're always appreciated....

Aug 09, 2016 04:41 AM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Barbara:

I have to remember what you say about readers wanting immediate gratification.  I tend to write longer posts than I should.  Thanks for the reminder.  I do want my posts to be read so I should consider brevity my watch word now.

Aug 09, 2016 08:37 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

My typical post is about 300-400 words.  I don't read the really long posts.

However, saying that, my post today was 930 words!  It was longer than my usual, but had really important things to say. 

So there!

 

Says he, with a wink.

Aug 09, 2016 09:12 AM
Peter Mohylsky, Destin BeachPro
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Great post and great comments.  I see a mixed bag of responses.  I tend to think that everyone is correct to a degree.  I can't imaging cranking long blogs on a steady basis likewise the topic is really important when writing long posts. 

Aug 12, 2016 08:04 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Barbara Todaro - well, 2000 words blog post! I rarely have that patience! 

Aug 13, 2016 04:57 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hi, Barbara!  I included this post on today's Last Week's Favorites list.  Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

Aug 13, 2016 11:02 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

thanks so much, Patricia Kennedy 

Aug 13, 2016 11:50 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

I work to a no nonsense style and my words are few but pointed.  I don't think I know 2500 words

Aug 14, 2016 11:30 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Barbara, I TOTALLY agree with you...I live in cow country and competition is low here.

Aug 14, 2016 12:14 PM
Cari Patterson
VANCE ELLIOTT REALTY - Austin, TX
Real Estate Broker Austin Tx San Marcos Kyle Buda

I totally love this! Thanks for all the insight, it's most appreciated!!

Aug 14, 2016 02:32 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Barbara Todaro ,

i had to stop back..so glad to see Patricia Kennedy feature your post in her hi-lights for the week. I really liked your thoughts and totally agree with you!

Aug 15, 2016 10:07 PM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Coldwell Banker Realty

Barbara Todaro "When blogging, a catchy title will grab the reader’s attention.  Posting an eye catching graphic or photo will keep them interested. Highlighting the first sentence of a paragraph will give them the general message of that paragraph."

Right on target - and - re-blog!

Jan 09, 2017 04:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning @Barbara Todaro ,

Now I know why I missed this post..I was gone in August! I caught it when Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers re-blogged. Excellent..I couldn't agree more with you!

Jan 09, 2017 06:00 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.

Dorie Dillard  I missed it too thanks to TOny & Suzanne I am here as well, Endre

Jan 09, 2017 10:28 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Barbara Todaro you know I love you dearly but this is HORRIBLE ADVICE!

Lol this is the exact reason so many real estate agents waste their time on here.

You will never reach anyone writing a 300 word post.

The proof is in the pudding when your blog averages over 50000 visits a month and people are consistently calling for interviews. All my articles are around 2000 words and consumers read them!

Do you want business or have fun on AR.....you decide.

 

If you want business from real estate blogging you should read this article. So many people waste countless hours on here networking and having fun - btw that is perfectly fine if that's why your here but please stop with this non-sense.

Barbara - professional writers don't bold face sentences in every other paragraph either. This looks amatuer and totally unprofessional.

Jan 09, 2017 07:01 AM
Barbara Todaro

I'm sorry I made you so angry.... I'm not a professional writer.... nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn.... I'm here for fun....love the networking.... many of my posts on AR are found.... I don't want buyers....I complement my offline marketing for listings with posts online... 300 words covers it...  I don't work for a living anymore.... I make the phone ring with new listings and land.... subdivisions coming.... one to be fully approved by april.... one in plainville .... two in franklin.... and two out of our immediate marketplace....


 

Jan 09, 2017 03:05 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Barbara. You're right. I won't read a 2000 word post. Great title and focused posts are the best.

Jan 09, 2017 07:35 AM
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

So true,  Barbara Todaro . And many don't get past the first sentence. BTW; where were you going with this?

Jan 09, 2017 08:29 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Barbara the average  person's attention span does not even focus on the Subject matter of an email... quite frankly the "long post" advocates do this for ulterior reasons. BTW getting interviewed does not get listings either:) good old fashioned knowledge does. Great advice and a great post, Endre

Jan 09, 2017 09:58 PM