How to Keep Your Readers Engaged – Really!

Keep your readers attention

Not everyone is a writer – it just seems that way these days with the wide-open world known as the internet.

Once upon a time – not so long ago, actually – the only writing samples available were found either in newspapers, magazines or books. So we had access to professionals, who had studied and practised their trade and had gained some level of stylish expertise.

Those days are gone, though, and now everyone and their brother punches out content for the online maze.

The trick, then, is to find a way to stand out; to nurture a following. And, yes, there are marketing ploys to draw readers in, but the quality of the prose will eventually make or break a writer’s appeal.

Nothing – and I repeat, nothing – tops solid content

Right off the top, an edge is given to anyone who has a professional background in traditional journalism. I’m sorry, but there is credibility there, and the more high-profile the experience, the better.

Not every Tom, Dick or Harriet blogger has that advantage, of course, but anyone, at any level, can tap into some of the writing tricks of the trade, just the same.

The first thing any writer/blogger has to do is ‘grab’ or ‘hook’ the reader

This is essentially a tease. It could be a deft turn of phrase. It could be something titillating, or gossipy, or humorous. It could actually be breaking news. It could be a tip, or some other information the reader would value.

Don’t be boring or predictable

Good, clever writing will also keep your readers coming back for more. If you entertain them, demonstrating that you have a way with words, then they will probably want more of the same.

Combining the ‘hook’ with good writing will likely satisfy most readers. But if you really want to clinch the deal – make sure they’ll come back for more – then it always helps to offer up some way to prolong the conversation.

How to do that?

Sorry, but you’ll have to wait and see.

To be continued …