The F Rule
Some people read information from beginning to end, and others skim quickly, looking only for what’s immediately relevant to them. Skimmers generally “read” copy in the following way (The F Rule):
1) They read the first line (that’s the top of the F)
2) They read the first word or two at the beginning of each line (that’s the vertical part of the F…see where I’m going with this?
3) They scroll 2/3 of the way back up the page and read halfway across
So what? You need to write your copy for both the thorough readers and the skimmers. So, put the really juicy stuff, the stuff you want all your readers to know, in some part of that F, and there’s a better chance your message will be understood by more people.
Do you follow The F Rule?
About the Author:
Jessica Oman is the owner of Write Ahead Consulting, a business plan writing, copy writing and editing firm in Vancouver, BC. Jessica confidently delivers the straight talk clients need to ensure the success of their businesses. She’s also an avid Canucks fan, Whitecaps season ticket holder and obsessive cyclist. (www.writeahead.ca)
Jessica Oman – who has written 13 posts on Owen's Byz Blog.
