I’m happy that this has caught your attention amidst a decade of spam in the form of viagra pills, penile enhancements, and far-fetched promises from dubiously qualified pharmacists based around the world.

When it comes to getting your written content out, there are many schools of thought on how flow, style, and voice that comes to mind.

Let’s take a step back today to look at the 3 important things you should consider before you get down to it. Having the blueprint which gives you the understanding to know the right size, length, and use of space for your article will help you create content that is concise and consistent for your needs.

1) Size matters

In this case, size refers to the scope that your article is going to cover. Remember, unless its a whitepaper, or heavily researched piece, getting your content out in easy-to-read, readily digestible chunk goes a long way. Refer to your content map to define the nature of the read. I find it most helpful to break a topic down to key points and flesh out 1 or 2 easily relatable key points to be the basis of the article. Especially in the case of a blog post, where regular, new content works better than a long hiatus and occasional update every 6 months.

By picking the relatable points you’ll have greater ease in presenting your thoughts in a focused manner, and not run into the hassle of trying to connect too many threads together.

2) Length does too

What is a good sized read? Anything between 300 - 600 words is a good size, keep in mind that your readers are most likely looking through your content on a screen, be it on their mobile devices or computers. Some publications do allow pieces to go up to 800 words, but only with good reason.

Remember that with so much vying for already limited attention spans, short and sweet is the gateway that creates interest to make your readers want to read more. Only with more technical pieces or white papers should you go more, as in those cases, your readers are asking for it.

3) A bit of space goes a long way

You have your ideas and flow in mind, that’s great! Now take a step back and look at this article. That’s right, look, not read.

Learn to space your thoughts through how your paragraphing. When you have a statement, a question, comparison, or are looking to draw your readers’ attention in closer, are you giving their eyes and minds enough space to read and digest?

Avoid overly lengthy paragraphs and sentences, the use of empty space works beautifully as punctuation for the mind to process what you want your readers to understand.

Make use of pictures at the front, end, and sometimes, in-between your piece as a break or to accentuate certain points.

Have these 3 considerations in mind before you start your content creation, and you’ll find it much easier for your flow, style, and voice to follow.

And in case you were counting, 516.

Look at these cute kittens, now breathe, count to 3, write