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To compete in today’s digital publishing market as a content provider, you should pay attention to the structure of your publications. Consistent structure, in this regard, means having your content follow a preset layout in every publication you produce. It has to be effective and adapt to your reader base when needed. Examples include having specific sections, headers, and labels in uniform locations throughout your publications.
Content structuring
You’d be surprised to know that a lot of publishers (including your competitors) underestimate the importance of structure consistency. Let’s take a look at some reasons why you shouldn’t!
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In psychology, the mere-exposure effect describes the preference people develop for things by becoming familiar with them. So, the more often readers interact with your consistently structured content, the more likely they’ll come to recognize your model and develop a preference for it. This is MUCH harder to do with content that is randomly structured.
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Readers don’t necessarily read every word on a page; 55% of them spend fewer than 15 seconds on one! Instead, they’re more likely to scan pages for familiar words and word shapes. Don’t worry, though, because they will (after repeated interactions with your publications’ structure) develop the habit of scanning for content that is relevant to them. They’ll use those precious 15 seconds to find and use relevant information because they know where to look for it (thanks to your structure).
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Having a structure that is consistent and works well also saves you time and lets you focus on other areas of your publications, like creating high-quality content. Also, if you’re part of a business, structured content can help cut costs and labor. How? Since you already have a working framework of your structure, you won’t need additional employees to change it every time you’re creating a publication. You can become a more efficient publisher by streamlining the creative process!
And there you have it—3 reasons why consistently structuring your content is a great way to make a name for yourself in the digital publishing world. Keep them in mind the next time you’re creating your masterpiece!
FAQ
Why does having a consistent structure matter?
Answer: A consistent structure helps readers get familiar with your content's layout, making them more likely to prefer and enjoy it. It's easier for readers to find what they need quickly, which is especially important since many people scan rather than read every word.
How does a structured approach impact reader engagement?
Answer: Since readers often scan content, a predictable structure ensures they can quickly locate the information they care about. This makes your content more accessible and engaging, even for those who only spend a few seconds per page.
Can a consistent layout make publishing easier?
Answer: Yes, sticking to a set layout streamlines your publishing process, saving time and reducing costs. You'll spend less effort on redesigning and can focus more on creating quality content, making your workflow more efficient and cost-effective.
