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TL;DR

Writer's picture: Lou RooneyLou Rooney

Updated: 4 days ago

The More You Write, the Less They Read

Ever walked into a museum, glanced at a long-winded caption, and thought, nah, too much effort? You’re not alone.


Research suggests that visitors read, on average, just 20% of the text in any exhibition, spending about two seconds per caption before moving on.


The more text there is, the less of it gets read.


This isn’t just a museum problem - it’s a writing problem.


And if you’re in the business of copywriting, content creation, or marketing, it’s a lesson worth paying attention to.



Why Less is More (And More is Ignored)


Our brains are wired for efficiency. When faced with a wall of text, we instinctively scan, skim, and skip.


The longer a message, the more effort it requires to digest—and the more likely people are to disengage.


The Attention Economy is Ruthless


  • People are bombarded with information. They don’t have time to wade through unnecessary words.

  • Long, dense copy feels like a chore. If it looks like too much work, people won’t bother.

  • The faster your message lands, the more effective it is.


Information Overload is Real


Every day, we consume the equivalent of 174 newspapers’ worth of content. To survive this flood of information, our brains have developed shortcuts:


  • Skimming for key points.

  • Ignoring fluff.

  • Tuning out when something feels “too long.”


If you don’t respect your reader’s limited time, they’ll find someone else who does.


How to Write for the TL;DR Generation


Want your words to actually be read? Here’s how to trim the fat and make an impact.


1. Get to the Point. Fast.


Put your main message up front, not buried in paragraph three. If they only read the first sentence, they should still walk away with the key takeaway.


Example:Our company has been a leader in innovative solutions since 1999, dedicated to providing high-quality services that meet the needs of our diverse clientele.We solve complex problems. Fast. Here’s how.



2. Keep Sentences Short and Punchy


Brevity isn’t laziness. It’s clarity. Shorter sentences are easier to digest, making them more likely to be read and remembered.


Example:Our solutions offer businesses the opportunity to streamline operational efficiencies and optimize productivity through advanced technology.We help businesses work smarter, not harder.



3. Headlines and Subheads are Your Best Friends


Break up long text with bold, clear headlines. They act as signposts, guiding readers who scan rather than read word-for-word.


Example:


  • Instead of: A dense paragraph about email marketing strategy.

  • Try:

    • Step 1: Hook Your Reader

    • Step 2: Get to the Point

    • Step 3: Keep it Concise


4. Cut the Fluff


If a word isn’t doing real work, it doesn’t belong. Be brutal.


Example:In order to achieve success in marketing, it is essential to prioritize audience engagement.Marketing success starts with audience engagement.


5. Use Bullet Points


Why? Because they work.


  • They break up walls of text.

  • They make information easier to scan.

  • They help people find what matters—fast.


TL;DR (Yes, We’re Doing This Again)


If you want people to read what you write, say it quickly, say it simply, and say it smartly.


  • More text = less engagement.

  • People skim, they don’t read.

  • Shorter sentences = stronger impact.

  • Headlines, bullet points, and white space help.


So, whether you’re writing a blog, ad, or email campaign, remember: If it’s too long, they won’t read.


Need help making your words work smarter? Let’s chat. Visit LouRoo.com and let’s create copy that actually gets read.


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​Tel: 078 0316 4657

​Email: lou@louroo.com 

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