12 small things you can add to your writing today to guarantee more engagement
People worry that writing and publishing online is a waste of time.
But these concerns are understandable if your writing rarely resonates.
Over a decade of writing online showed me minor tweaks you can make that have a significant impact on how your readers respond.
Here are some great examples:
1. Create curiosity through strategic questions.
What does this title mean to you?
That there is a strategically placed question designed to hook a reader's attention.
We switch on when asked questions.
That's what you're looking for. Use these questions like video game power-ups to create momentum as you go.
2. Start with a personal story or experience.
Dive right in with a story involving some conflict. It needn't be that unique, as long as a main character experiences trouble that they overcome or learn from.
We are wired to pay attention to stories, so use them, even tiny ones.
3. Make bold, clear statements.
Nobody is scrolling obsessively for ideas that don't challenge or entertain them.
Be bold in your assertions, even if you aren't 100% sure about an idea. Follow your gut and then slap it on the page.
People are looking for those with the courage to lead.
4. Write as if having a conversation.
Thesis-style writing is great for your PhD application.
Not so good for hard-hitting online writing that sucks a reader in.
You're in a pub with a friend, not a faceless cyborg at a concrete convention.
5. Be outrageous.
Leave average writing for Nancy, whose writing strategy is never to attract criticism.
This isn't about intentionally upsetting people. It's about taking the path least travelled and owning the points that move people.
Most of us have no idea how cocooned we are in a nest of conformity.
Break free, and show us that this is the choice you've made. It's magnetic.
6. Value your reader.
You can couple assertive writing with empathy. Show how you understand your reader's struggles. Show them your own.
But then show them a way through.
7. Include specific examples and details.
I say this continually because it makes so much difference.
Always ask yourself: 'Did I explain myself here with a clear picture?'
If not, go back in and provide tactile, juicy, and visual examples to explain your points.
8. Don't tell stories.
I know, it's a paradox. Everyone is telling us to tell stories.
Which means there's an opportunity here to go against the grain. But think in terms of the context of your own writing portfolio.
You don't need to write story after story. You can start with a bold claim. You can write a list. You can share a quote. You can write a poem. You can smash all the rules.
Because then you're unexpected and unexpected sells.
9. Think in transformations.
Every article, post, sales page or chapter you write should show a transformation of some kind.
This might be your own or a client's, or it shows the reader what a change looks like. Again, we're painting pictures, not merely telling people and hoping they get what you mean.
What does success look and taste like?
10. Use clear metaphors and comparisons.
Our brains not only light up when we see things explained with clear, visual or numerical examples, but they stick to metaphors, similes and analogies like tar to a feather.
What's an interesting metaphor you can use to explain your point? What difficult concept can be explained better with an analogy?
Can you find the simile in the above?
11. Start with specific obstacles and challenges.
Don't shy away from going deep on describing a problem.
People respond to threats in their environments with a far greater sense of urgency than anything else. So, address real frustrations.
This starts by understanding your audience. It's not all about being positive (initially).
A problem gives you something cutting that can be solved (transformation).
12. Give immediate, actionable steps.
Great writing should move your reader.
They must be moved to act in some way. But you need to make the next step clear for them. Every block of writing can be closed off with a call to action of some kind.
People are more likely to be moved to act when they are plainly told to do so.
If this stirred you to write, I encourage you to write at least 200 words today.
And if you'd like help with your online writing that will catapult you into the top 5% of writers, you'll want my Online Writing Alchemy course.
This isn't your average writing course. It will save you years of frustration from posts that flop. Let me be your guide, so you know exactly what works for powerful brand-building writing.
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Some good points here.
I think asking questions is a good thing. It makes the reader immediately start to think about the topic.
And bold clear statements. This is not time to be vague.
And having a conversation. I think this is very important. I read something somewhere that you should write something as if you are in a bar with a friend and about to tell them something. The tone is then very conversational and relaxed.
Good points here, Alex, thanks!
Love this - strategic questions are going to be the next thing I try and add more of!