There are different types of readers. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your extensive and detailed text will be read from beginning to end with the same concentration as a book. It is widely accepted that internet reading behavior differs significantly from that of print media. Understanding these differences and their implications is crucial for effective communication. Knowing your target audience is paramount to any marketing effort or campaign. Only by understanding your customers, users, or readers can you effectively engage with them and avoid ineffective communication. This insight is just as important in writing. Beyond demographics and interests, it is essential to comprehend how your text is consumed. This understanding can guide your writing approach and ensure that you effectively address your readers. Furthermore, this knowledge is valuable in developing personas and optimizing your content for the digital medium.
- The Skimmer: Scans texts to get an initial impression, important for text creators to make key points stand out.
- The Scanner: Seeks specific information within a text, values detailed reading of important sections.
- The Headline Reader: Often relies on headlines for information, a phenomenon that can be exploited in professional contexts for engagement.
- The Squirrel: Prefers engaging and simple content, often distracted by novelties.
- The Inquisitive Reader: Searches for detailed and academically rigorous texts, challenging to satisfy without alienating other readers.
- The Loyal Reader: Values trusted sources and consistently engages with content from them.
The Skimmer
Skimming, a valid reading strategy, is commonly used, even in academic books. However, it seems that skimmers are more frequently encountered on the web. When skimming, a reader quickly scans the text to gain an initial understanding, pausing at significant parts. Here’s where you, as the text creator, come into play: determining what is important. To enhance readability and reduce density, the text must be well-structured. Consider highlighting sections or words. Any technique that makes the text more reader-friendly is beneficial. Incorporate visual elements like images, tables, bolding, lists, or anything else that aids comprehension.
The Scanner
The scanner and skimmer are closely related reading techniques. However, their goals are vastly different. A skimmer seeks a general overview of the text, while a scanner searches for specific information. The scanner already possesses knowledge of the information they require. Upon locating the relevant section, they thoroughly read that portion. Subheadings and bold text are of utmost importance for scanners
The Headline Reader
It’s common to encounter individuals who, upon hearing about a new development or a political decision, remark, “Hey, did you know the price of beer in Germany is on the rise?”. Surprisingly, many of these individuals haven’t actually read the article in question; instead, they’ve merely glimpsed a headline on Facebook. While this behavior can be frustrating in a personal context, it’s not as detrimental in a professional setting. While it’s unfortunate that well-crafted content might go unread, the reality is that a compelling headline can be sufficient to garner likes and shares, making it an effective strategy for gaining attention online.
The Squirrel
Nuts? Which nuts? When it comes to capturing and maintaining the attention of the “squirrel reader,” it is essential to create engaging and straightforward content. The squirrel reader, a term coined to describe readers who are easily distracted, can be entertained and focused using humorous memes or GIFs. These visual elements serve as effective attention-grabbers and help break up the monotony of text-heavy content. It’s important to note that “squirrel reader” is an informal term chosen for its fittingness.
The Loyal Reader
In conventional marketing parlance, the consistent reader is referred to as a repeat customer. Initially, gaining their attention can be challenging. The selection of texts by dedicated readers is significantly influenced by the source. The goal is to establish yourself as one of the go-to sources for a specific topic. Once this is accomplished, they are likely to revisit your content regularly and potentially read your texts in their entirety.
The Inquisitive Reader
Academic background often shapes inquisitive readers. They seek high-quality tutorials or detailed research articles. Catering to such readers is challenging. Not all educated individuals enjoy only highbrow literature. Even professors crave lighter reading experiences. Therefore, a highly educated target audience may not always fit the “inquisitive reader” category. Another concern is that overly complex writing can alienate many readers.
