The inverted pyramid formula was invented by print journalists over a century ago. In addition, it is a style of writing that lends itself for content for the web.
As an example, it has been adopted by web journalists, mobile journalists, and others. In other words, the inverted pyramid formula is a good formula.
Also, it is also good for B2B writing, web press releases, and product descriptions.
The inverted pyramid gives the reader important information quickly, therefore makes it much easier for the reader.
Advantages of an Inverted Pyramid style of writing
You organise your story or content in the most comprehensible manner when using the inverted pyramid.
You have your main facts come first, after which the less important facts follow; and the least important is at the end.
Above all, your resulting structure is like a pyramid with the broadest part of the triangle forming the top and the pointed one making the bottom.
The advantages of such writing are:
1. Easy understanding
You organise your content logically. Therefore, you starts with the key point and ends with the least important, making it easy for the reader to quickly grasp the main points of the story.
2. Reduces reading time
The visitor need not spend too much time on the story. Above all, it is organised to give him the main points quickly.
3. Best for scanners and skimmers
Several readers don’t savour every word. However, they scan web reports. The inverted pyramid is ideal for such readers. Besides, It gives them information without stressing them. Most important, they can leave the story at any point.
In the end, the story organisation allows them to gather the main points at the top.
Elements of the Inverted Pyramid writing style
1. Intro / Lead
It forms the first paragraph of the web story and must communicate the most valuable information.
Therefore, it must focus on the five Ws and the H – Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.
Often, web writers try to have all the five Ws in the intro.
This must be avoided.
Above all, it is important to focus on Who and What as the primary Ws. Sometime, why and how may be great starting points.
(Read: Why Kipling’s 6 honest men are important for news)
2. Body
The supporting details form the body of the content.
Above all, they build upon the main point and should be organised in the order of importance.
They can include quotes, explanations, description, backgrounding etc.
3. Tail
This comprises the least important facts.
Therefore, they are relevant for only the most involved or most interested reader.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we highly recommend using the inverted pyramid when writing content for the web, your blog posts, and other content too.
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