Write Not to Be Read (Yes, You Read That Right)

07 Apr 2026 #writing

Almost nobody reads online.

We don’t deserve attention, especially when content is free and abundant.

Smart Brevity says we have a few milliseconds to earn attention:

• Write an attention-grabbing headline.
• Open with strong first line. Or jump straight to your main point without preamble.
• Write short pieces or break longer ones with subheaders.
• Use short paragraphs with short sentences.

Most people will only read your headline, subheaders, and bold sentences. Tell them what they need to know if that’s all they do.

Christopher Butler writes in Earning Attention,

“Here’s another 80/20 framing–80% of your audience will never do more than scan your information; 20% will go on to read it.”

Write as if nobody is reading, but everybody is skimming.