The 80/20 Rule That Transforms Your Writing

Writing online is simple.

Doesn't mean it’s easy.

Your job as a writer is to keep your reader’s attention.

My advice to you to increase that chance:

Varying sentence lengths.

Why Sentence Length Matters

Imagine you’re reading and every sentence is about the same length.

I think you’d get tired of it pretty quickly.

What you read in that case feels predictable and robotic.

Whereas if you read a piece well-balanced with:

- Short sentences.

- Long, flowing sentences that add depth.

- And everything in between.

Then it reads smoothly.

Varying the length of your sentences makes your writing feel alive.

There is a way bigger chance that people stay engaged because they do not know what’s coming next.

The result is a reader who stays.

The 80/20 Rule of Sentence Length

The formula I try to apply:

• 80% short sentences.
• 20% long ones.

Overusing long sentences only overcomplicates the text. Readers will then drop out more quickly. They want what they read is easy-to-consume.

Therefore, the 80/20 rule is what keeps readers captivated.

• Short sentences create speed & simplicity.
• Long sentences slow things down.

Without variation, people simply do not feel the message you try to convey.

How to Master This Skill

Start your article with short sentences.

Grab attention right away.

Add some longer sentences here and there.

For example to elaborate or build tension.

Read your own article out loud.

If you don't think it sounds natural, your reader probably won't either.

Cut the fluff.

Every sentence should serve a purpose, earning its place.

Examples of Sentence Variation

Before (No Variation):

Writing is about holding people's attention. Every sentence should have that purpose. If you don’t, people stop reading. Variating your sentences helps with this. Without variation your writing feels boring.

Every sentence has six words and no whitespace in between.

It reads so boring.

After (With Variation):

Writing is all about one thing:

Keeping your reader's attention.

You have to choose every word carefully to keep that attention.

If you don't, your reader will click away.

That's why variation and whitespace are so important.

Without it?

• No growth.
• No attention.
• No audience.

See the difference?

When I read it, I felt it right away.

Writing Online Is an Art

If you want your writing to stand out, you should treat it like an art.

Because writing is art.

Play, experiment, and remember to vary your sentence lengths.

Try 80/20 (approximately).

Such a simple tweak which makes your writing:

• Look better.
• Feel better.
• Read better.

I'd say, write something today.

See how your readers react and let me know in the comments!