How to write clearly for a less informed reader (than you) on LinkedIn

If you are a writer on LinkedIn, you have likely noticed two main types of readers:

1. The expert (skilled & experienced reader)

2. Non-expert (Less informed reader than the writer)?

A Non-expert reader is one without specialized knowledge in a particular subject. Or they are some years behind you in knowledge about a subject. They need you to simplify the subject for their understanding. If you don’t simplify the topic for them, you are on the verge of losing them.

Here’s how to make your content clear enough to be understandable by less informed readers than you.

?1. Avoid jargon, acronyms, and abbreviations

Don't use acronyms & abbreviations that the reader would not recognize quickly. If you must use, define your abbreviations first to enable your audience to keep up with your writing.?

Examples of abbreviations:

ICP ? ideal client profile

CTC ? call-to-conversation

PAS FORMULAR ? problem-agitation-solution

I know in every topic there are technical words. So, using jargon words in your content makes it hard for readers to read and understand. So, simplify these technical words but don’t over-simplify for the reader is not that dumb.

Use a dictionary to get simpler alternative words, easy to understand for the reader.

2. Check your competitors

Read other people’s writings on the same subject to see what worked. If it worked, then it resonated with readers and can work for you too.

Knowing what works for your competitors gives you an idea of which words or styles to use in your content.

3. Use examples or story

People learn best through stories and examples. The easiest way to explain a complex idea is the use stories or examples. Stories and examples help the reader connect well to the main points.?

Stories increase the levels of clarity of the content.?

?This example from Hema Pentakota shows the reader what it's like to create content without a strategy.

?Here is the link to the post:?https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/hemapentakota_personalbranding-digitallyhema-founders-activity-7064562706694950912-yIJl?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

This other example shows the reader why they need to sharpen their skills.

Here’s the link to the post:?https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/linda-kimonyi_6-skills-that-will-upscale-your-writing-activity-7029003232576188417-y0VQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Bonus point: If you know anyone who fits your target audience, you can ask them to read your content and get feedback.

- Did they understand the content?

- Was it interesting?

- What did they want to know more about or get clarity on?

- Let them underline any unclear words.

Getting this feedback helps you to write clearly for your readers.

Well, that's it for today. I hope this helps you to write clearly for less informed readers than you on LinkedIn.

If you find this newsletter valuable, the best thing you can do is share it with someone who will enjoy it.

That’s all for now. See you next week.

Created by Linda Kimonyi.

I can help you:

1. Understand LinkedIn to make the writing journey here easy.

?2. Scale up your writing skills daily by 1%

If you feel you need any of the two help, DM me.?

?If you want to get notified about my next content piece–hit the bell on my profile. ??