As a reader of blogs, I have found the author's use or non-use of the Insert More Tag directs the type of experience I have on his/her blog. As a writer of blogs, I have seen readers more engaged in conversation, social sharing, and reading more posts since I started using the Insert More Tag.
Here are my five reasons I use the Insert More Tag.
With the Insert More Tag:
1) I can refocus my culturally-induced short attention span:
For long posts, if there is no abrupt interruption in the blog that forces me to click a “more” link to get the rest of the post, my mind can wander off as I scan down the post. This may not be a big deal for some people, but I suspect it is more common that we think. Being required to click the more link helps me refocus on the message of the post.
2) I am more likely to participate by commenting:
If the entire post is on the home page, I do not have a visual that there is a comment conversation going on. Sure, there may be a comment link, but seeing the conversation can pull me into it as a participant.
3) I am better enabled to help your post go viral:
Depending upon the formatting of the blog site, I may not be able to see the social sharing icons on the home page. However, when I click the Insert More Tag, I do see the prompts to entice me to share this story with my social networks.
4) I am not overwhelmed by several long posts on one page:
By using the Insert More Tag on every post, your home page is cleaner and not as overwhelming. I am more likely to read the content.
5) I am more likely to stay on your site longer:
Provided you have a plugin tool like nelate (not affiliate link), I will easily see other posts you have written similar to this one and stay on your site to read them also.
Finding The Insert More Tag:
So the Insert More Tag is like the trailhead inviting me, the reader, on an exciting adventure through your site.
To learn more about how to use the Insert More Tag, see this WordPress article.
Community Questions:
- What benefits do you see to using the Insert More Tag?
- If you use it already, how has it helped your traffic and reader engagement?
Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.