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#69 – 👓 Writing Confluence Content That’s Easy to Read 🕶️
Matt Reiner
Create Content That’s Easy to Read
It’s the second issue of our biweekly content series where we cover the 5 phases of the knowledge sharing lifecycle.
This week we’re covering part 2 of 5, the authoring phase. ⬇️
Creating content that's as delightful to read as a Sunday morning comic strip doesn't have to be a Herculean task. By embracing clarity, structure, and a sprinkle of personality, you can transform mundane information into engaging narratives. Let's embark on this journey to craft content that not only informs but also entertains.
Understanding the Sender-Receiver Tango
Every piece of content is a dance between the sender (that's you!) and the receiver (your audience). To lead gracefully, you must know your partner:
Who's Reading? Identify your audience. Are they tech-savvy developers, curious customers, or perhaps your grandma trying to understand blockchain? Tailor your language and depth accordingly.
What's Their Jam? Align your content with their interests and needs. If they're looking for quick fixes, don't bore them with the history of your company mascot.
Structuring Content: The Blueprint to Brilliance
A well-structured piece is like a well-built sandwich—layers in the right order make it irresistible. Consider these models:
Pyramidal Structure: Start with the main point (the juicy protein) and follow up with details (the lettuce and tomatoes). Perfect for how-to guides and executive summaries.
Funnel Structure: Begin with broad information (the top slice of bread) and narrow down to specifics (the bottom slice). Ideal for storytelling and case studies.
Making Your Content Lovable
To ensure your content doesn't end up in the dreaded "TL;DR" pile, make it scannable and engaging:
Headings & Subheadings: Guide your readers like signposts on a highway.
Bullet Points: Break down complex information into digestible nuggets.
Visuals: A picture is worth a thousand words, and a meme is worth a thousand laughs.
White Space: Give your content room to breathe; nobody likes a cluttered page.
The Power of Templates
Consistency is key, but that doesn't mean you have to reinvent the wheel every time. Templates are your trusty sidekicks:
Why Use Templates? They ensure uniformity, save time, and reduce errors. Plus, they free up brainpower for more creative endeavors, like pondering why cats love boxes. 📦🐈
Creating Effective Templates: Identify common page types (like FAQs, tutorials, or product descriptions) and design templates that cater to each. Include placeholders for essential information to maintain consistency.
Review and Revise: The Secret Sauce
Even Shakespeare had editors (probably). Revising your content is crucial:
Fresh Eyes: After writing, take a break. Return with a clear mind to spot errors or awkward phrasing.
Peer Review: A colleague might catch mistakes you've overlooked or suggest improvements.
Read Aloud: Hearing your words can highlight issues with flow and tone. Plus, it's a great way to practice for your audiobook debut. 🗣️🎙️
You’ve Got This 👉 👉
Creating content that's easy to read doesn't mean dumbing it down; it means smartening it up. By understanding your audience, structuring your information, and adding a dash of flair, you can craft pieces that educate, engage, and entertain. So, grab your metaphorical quill and start writing content that would make even your high school language teacher proud.
For many more tips and tricks on mastering the art of content creation, check out the full article.
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