Man, You Should Really Space Out Your Paragraphs — Here’s Why
Leave Some White Space and Make It Easier for Your Readers
Paragraph spacing is done when a block of texts is separated, usually by hitting Enter on the keyboard when using a computer.
You can adjust the paragraph space in Word and Google Docs before and after the text. This comes with the option of how spaced out you want your paragraph to be.
Most of the time your readers won’t even notice the space in your paragraphs.
Too much information in a tight space might make your blog, or even the overall website, seem cluttered and chaotic.
Coming from an academic editing background I am used to seeing huge blocks of text.
Now, as an SEO writer, I am appalled by it.
Paragraph spacing & blogging
Did you know that an average reader will only hold your blog’s attention for 15 seconds or less?
There are different rules for different forms of writing, even on the Internet — how many words, the tone, and how spaced out your article should be.
One good thing about having your own blog is you can set the rules on how to use paragraph spacing, but there are factors to consider.
One tip on writing for the Internet though: always think about your readers.
Why paragraph spacing is important for bloggers
As a fellow blogger, I would never say there is only one way of structuring your blog. Some niches call for white space more than others.
If you’re a new blogger, experiment on what structure you want your articles to have. It is important, especially if you’re just creating your writing portfolio.
One main goal bloggers should have is to deliver messages clearly to readers — messages that are helpful and easy to digest.
Truthfully, successful bloggers vary in spacing out their paragraphs or their blog formats in general. Just look around.
But, there are benefits to spacing out your paragraphs:
It looks professional
If you want to write for money, more often than not there is professionalism involved in it.
That’s the truth if you want to be any sort of writer on the Internet. No one wants to read sloppy work and no company wants to hire a sloppy worker.
White space brings a more professional look to your article.
Easier to understand
Most of the time, it’s easier to just fill the white space with words to make the word count higher.
But, what are more words if they just confuse your readers?
White space makes reading feel less like work and more like reading a book. Space out your paragraphs to help your readers concentrate.
We are in the era of constant scrolling on social media, and people’s attention spans may be getting shorter.
Better reading time
Remember, you only have so much of your reader’s attention. Get to it or they’ll move on to the next blogger.
In this study, it says that if you can hold your reader’s attention for 3 minutes, they’re more likely to come back to the page.
In truth, a straight-to-the-point answer is what people are looking for on the Internet.
Don’t confuse views for reads. Getting a lot more views than reads can hurt your blog.
Puts focus on your CTAs
Minding your paragraph spacing can result in uncluttered blogs, and websites as a whole.
With that white space, it’s easier to get your message across; and with a clearer message, you can sell your products and services more efficiently.
How to use white space
It could simply just mean pressing Enter and putting spaces on your block of text.
But, it can also mean this:
- Using numbered lists and bullet points to make it easier to scan.
- Making illustrations, graphs, and images to give readers a rest. Something to put their minds somewhere else.
- Different lengths of sentences. No long sentences in a row.
Don’t take white space too literally
White space just means the negative space between paragraphs, or even letters and words.
A blogger can have an 80s-themed background and it will still be called white space.
You may be confused when I was talking about white space when my spaces were red. That just means I like a cute profile.
When you space out your paragraphs, you help readers get to know what you have to say. It helps them understand the value of your work.
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