What type of blog readers are you trying to attract? Do you know how to write your posts in order to attract your target audience?

As most of our readers are small business owners, time is something they don’t have a lot of so they will tend to skim through posts to find bits of information that will help them. That’s why we keep things short and simple and let the infographics do the talking.

But who are your target readers? And how should you write to attract them? Audience Bloom wrote this awesome post that explains all, we gave it the infographic treatment below.

 

In the vast landscape of the internet, where countless websites compete for attention, it’s crucial to understand that not all online readers are the same. People have diverse preferences, interests, and reading habits when it comes to consuming content online. As a blogger, understanding and catering to these various types of online readers can significantly enhance the reach and impact of your blog. In this blog post, we will explore seven distinct types of online readers and offer insights into how you can tailor your blog content to resonate with each of them.

1. The Skimmer

Characteristics: Skimmers are the speed readers of the internet. They quickly scan through content, focusing on headings, subheadings, and bullet points. They’re looking for key information that can be consumed in a matter of seconds.

How to Cater to Skimmers:

• Use Clear Headings and Subheadings: Break your content into well-organized sections with descriptive headings. This makes it easier for skimmers to find what they’re looking for.
• Bullet Points and Lists: Present information in lists or bullet points. Skimmers can quickly grasp the main points without having to read lengthy paragraphs.
• Highlight Important Text: Use bold or italicized text to emphasize crucial points or takeaways. This draws the skimmer’s attention to the essential information.
• Concise Writing: Keep your sentences and paragraphs short and to the point. Avoid unnecessary fluff or lengthy introductions.

2. The In-Depth Researcher

Characteristics: In-depth researchers are highly analytical readers who are seeking comprehensive information. They’re willing to spend time on a single piece of content as long as it provides detailed and accurate insights.

How to Cater to In-Depth Researchers:

• Provide Citations and Sources: Include references to credible sources and studies to support your claims. In-depth researchers appreciate well-researched content.
• Long-Form Content: Create in-depth, comprehensive articles that thoroughly cover a topic. These readers are more likely to engage with lengthy, informative pieces.
• Use Visuals: Incorporate charts, graphs, and infographics to illustrate complex data and concepts.
• Structured Content: Organize your content logically, using a clear structure with an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

3. The Story Lover

Characteristics: Story lovers are drawn to narrative and storytelling. They enjoy reading content that engages them emotionally and takes them on a journey. They often connect with the author’s personal experiences.

How to Cater to Story Lovers:

• Anecdotes and Personal Stories: Incorporate personal anecdotes and stories that relate to your topic. These can help create a deeper connection with story-loving readers.
• Emotional Appeal: Use emotional language and storytelling techniques to engage the reader’s emotions. Share experiences, challenges, and successes.
• Character Development: If appropriate, develop relatable characters within your narrative to keep the reader invested in the story.
• Conversational Tone: Write in a conversational tone to make readers feel like they are having a personal conversation with you.

4. The Visual Learner

Characteristics: Visual learners prefer to consume information through images, videos, and other visual content. They find it easier to understand complex concepts when they are presented visually.

How to Cater to Visual Learners:

• Infographics: Create visually appealing infographics that summarize key points or data.
• Video Content: Consider incorporating video content, such as tutorials, demonstrations, or interviews.
• Image Galleries: Use high-quality images and organize them in galleries where appropriate.
• Use Visual Aids: In your written content, include relevant images, charts, and diagrams to enhance understanding.

5. The Social Sharer

Characteristics: Social sharers are avid users of social media, and they love sharing interesting content with their networks. They’re more likely to engage with content that is shareable and has a social impact.

How to Cater to Social Sharers:

• Shareable Content: Create content that is inherently shareable, such as listicles, infographics, and thought-provoking quotes.
• Social Media Integration: Make it easy for readers to share your content by including social sharing buttons on your blog posts.
• Engage on Social Platforms: Be active on social media platforms yourself to interact with social sharers and promote your content.
• Encourage Sharing: Encourage readers to share your content by including a call to action (CTA) at the end of your posts.

6. The Debater

Characteristics: Debaters enjoy discussing and debating various topics. They are more likely to leave comments and engage in discussions on your blog.

How to Cater to Debaters:

• Encourage Comments: Prompt readers to leave comments by asking open-ended questions or inviting them to share their opinions.
• Engage in Conversations: Respond to comments and engage in meaningful discussions with your readers.
• Present Multiple Perspectives: When discussing controversial topics, present different viewpoints to encourage debate.
• Moderate Effectively: Ensure that debates remain respectful and civil by moderating comments as needed.

7. The Problem Solver

Characteristics: Problem solvers come to your blog with specific questions or issues they need help with. They are goal-oriented and appreciate content that offers practical solutions.

How to Cater to Problem Solvers:

• Clear Solutions: Provide clear, actionable solutions to the problems or questions your readers may have.
• Step-by-Step Guides: Create step-by-step guides or tutorials that walk problem solvers through the process of solving a particular issue.
• FAQ Sections: Include a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to address common queries.
• Case Studies: Share real-life examples and case studies that demonstrate how your solutions have worked for others.

By recognizing and catering to these seven types of online readers, you can create content that resonates with a broader audience. Keep in mind that some readers may fall into multiple categories, so it’s essential to offer a variety of content types and styles to engage them effectively. Ultimately, a well-rounded approach to content creation will help you build a loyal readership and establish your blog as a valuable resource on the internet.