Scannable Content: Techniques to "Summarize" Content for Easier "Scanning"

💡 As attention spans shorten and content consumption speeds up, we need to create summary content for quick consumption.

Today, I'm sharing tips on creating more effective content, including a technique I seldom discuss: creating Scannable Content. This means making content that can be quickly "scanned" through. Let me explain and elaborate.

The concept of Scannable Content is straightforward. It's about making the content we create easily digestible at a glance. This could mean having key points visible in the title or creating bullet points at the beginning of an article, a common practice in many online articles today. This approach simplifies content consumption by allowing readers to grasp the main points quickly without delving into details.

This technique has become increasingly popular and evident, partly due to the nature of online content consumption, which often involves scrolling through screens or seeking quick, concise information. This trend has somewhat diminished the importance of long-form content, prompting creators to find ways to make long-form content accessible and digestible, even for those not inclined to lengthy, detailed consumption. This style is akin to creating an Executive Summary or book summaries.

Does this method work? It helps make lengthy content communicate effectively with an audience that doesn't want to spend a lot of time on content consumption. Especially nowadays, when many people have shorter attention spans and a tendency to quickly "scan" rather than read in detail, Scannable Content meets this need.

However, it's crucial to remember that Scannable Content has its limitations regarding details. Moreover, those summarizing the content must ensure they accurately capture the essence without causing misunderstandings or deviating from the actual content.