Let’s be honest: your readers are swamped. They’re juggling deadlines, meetings, errands, and a never-ending stream of notifications. So even if your content could change their life, the big question is—will they read it?
Probably not. At least, not in the way you hope.
These days, readers don’t curl up with nonfiction; they scan it. They skim, scroll, and search for the golden nuggets. If you want your ideas to land, you need to meet readers where they are—short on time, high on intention.
Here’s how to write for today’s busy (but brilliant) readers:
1. Keep It Short. Then Shorter.
Less is more. Whether you’re writing a blog post, article, or book, use only as many words as you need—then cut 10%.
“Omit needless words.” – Strunk & White
2. Make It Scannable.
Busy readers don’t read—they skim. Help them out:
- Bold key ideas
- Use short sentences
- Break up long blocks of text
3. Love the White Space.
Give your ideas breathing room. White space lets your words land—and gives readers a moment to think.
4. Lists Are Your Friend.
- Lists get straight to the point
- They’re easy to digest
- They help readers remember what matters
- Use parallel structure so your points don’t feel clunky or inconsistent.
5. Speak Directly to the Reader.
Use YOU language. Instead of saying, “Authors should consider…” try “You might find…”
Better yet: invite them in.
“Maybe you’ve had this experience…”
6. Cut the Clutter.
Skip the academic footnotes and nested parentheses. Instead, weave in your sources naturally:
As Jim Collins notes in Good to Great…
7. Use Visuals.
Charts, illustrations, and pull-quotes make content pop—and stick.
A well-placed pull-quote can draw the eye and spark curiosity.
8. Use Headings That Guide (Like These!)
Readers love knowing where they are. Subheads create a clear path through your content.
9. Box It, Highlight It, Feature It.
Boxed text and highlighted tips help readers zoom in on what matters most—without breaking the flow.
Bottom Line:
If you want busy people to read what you write, don’t just deliver content—deliver clarity. Make it quick, visual, and relevant. Respect your reader’s time, and they’ll reward you with their attention.