Readers today have short attention spans. They skim, scroll, and look for quick takeaways. That’s why TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) has become essential in blogs, newsletters, and even LinkedIn posts. A well-written TL;DR can pull readers in and help them grasp the main points without reading every word. But many writers get it wrong. A poorly crafted TL;DR can confuse readers or turn them away.
If you’re new to the concept, you may want to read my earlier post on how to write a TL;DR before diving into the common mistakes people make.
TL;DR (Why You Should Read)
- Keep it short and clear.
- Highlight the key takeaways, not the fluff.
- Use bullets or short sentences for easy scanning.
- Don’t add new points that aren’t in the article.
- Always place it where readers can see it.
Top 10 Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Making It Too Long
A TL;DR should act like a snapshot, not a second article. If it runs into paragraphs, it defeats its purpose. Limit it to three to five bullets or a short paragraph. The goal is clarity, not coverage.
- Being Too Vague
Saying “This article is about writing better TL;DRs” isn’t useful. A TL;DR should summarize the main ideas. Think of it as answering: What will the reader walk away with? Avoid vague lines and focus on the specific lessons your article provides.
- Ignoring Structure
Walls of text discourage readers. TL;DRs should be easy to scan. Use bullet points or crisp one-liners. Each point should stand on its own. For example, instead of “Summaries need clarity and keywords,” write:
- Keep sentences short.
- Use keywords naturally.
4. Leaving Out Key Points
Some writers summarize only the introduction or conclusion, missing the middle. A good TL;DR should capture the most important insights across the whole article, not just one section.
- Overloading With Details
Numbers, quotes, or side stories belong in the main article. The TL;DR is about the big picture. Don’t crowd it with examples or data. Focus on what matters most.
- Adding New Information
Never use the TL;DR to sneak in new arguments, facts, or promotions. Readers expect a summary of what they’ve just read, not fresh material. Stick to what’s already in the post.
- Skipping Keywords
If you’re writing for blogs, keywords matter. Forgetting them in your TL;DR is a missed chance to rank higher in search results. That’s why writers who understand why TL;DR in content is so powerful always pay attention to how it supports visibility as well as readability.
- Using Jargon
Avoid industry-heavy terms or buzzwords that confuse readers. A TL;DR should be simple and accessible. Write it as if you’re explaining it to a friend who’s new to the topic.
- Forgetting the Reader
Some TL;DRs read like notes for the writer. That’s not the goal. Always think: What would a new reader need to know in 30 seconds? Make the summary for them, not for you.
- Placing It in the Wrong Spot
A TL;DR hidden at the end of the article often goes unread. Place it right after the opening paragraph, where readers can see it early. That way, they know what to expect and whether they want to read further.
To Sum Up
A TL;DR is a promise to your reader: “Here’s what you’ll gain without spending too much time.” If you keep it short, clear, and focused, it will build trust and encourage more people to read the full piece. Avoid the common mistakes—too long, too vague, or poorly placed—and your TL;DR will do what it’s meant to: make content easier to understand.
And remember, a TL;DR isn’t just for articles. It’s tied to how you approach what is a blog in the first place. If your blog exists to serve readers, the summary should always honor their time.
Key Takeaways
- TL;DRs work best when short, clear, and structured.
- Avoid vague summaries, jargon, or unnecessary details.
- Always reflect the article’s main points, not just one section.
- Use keywords to support SEO and SGE readiness.
- Position the TL;DR where it’s visible, ideally at the start.
Quick FAQs
Q1. How long should a TL;DR be?
A TL;DR should be short—ideally three to five bullet points or a short paragraph.
Q2. Where should I place a TL;DR in an article?
Place it right after the introduction. Readers should see it before they decide whether to continue reading.
Q3. Should I use keywords in a TL;DR?
Yes. Keywords help your summary rank better and match search intent, but use them naturally.
Q4. Can I use TL;DRs on social media?
Absolutely. TL;DRs work well for LinkedIn, X, and Threads posts, where readers prefer quick takeaways.
Q5. What’s the biggest mistake writers make with TL;DRs?
The most common mistake is making it too long or too vague, which defeats the purpose.