Writing for your reader

When it comes to getting through to your readers, competition is high these days with all sorts of gadgets and gizmos fighting for people's attention.

So how do you cut through the noise and reach your audience?

Hit them with the headline

Grabbing someone's attention and pulling them in is the first step in engaging your readers. The art of the hook is a way of getting people excited about what you are writing.

Use statistics that have an impact or express empathy to draw your audience in and ignite curiosity.

Knowing what your readers will respond to – whether it is exciting, thrilling, shocking or otherwise – will help command your audience to then take on the full message within your writing.

Captivating content

Once you have their attention, you need to encourage your audience to keep reading. Paint a picture with your words to help your reader visualise what you are talking about.

Set the tone to deliver immediate impact, while also remaining authentic in your speaking voice. Being able to relate to the information you are presenting is important for your audience to feel what you feel.

Help your personality to shine through by writing directly to your audience, thereby making your reader feel close to you as a writer.

Wrap it up nicely

Once you have managed to get your reader to the end of your piece, your conclusion should tie up your main points, as well as giving a glimpse into the article as a whole. This also helps to give skim-readers a quick overview of your writing.

Having a well-worked conclusion can also help to evoke a desired reaction. Do you want your reader to take a certain action going forward? Now is your time to tell them!

A conclusion is your chance to have the final say and demonstrate the significance of your piece of writing. Give your audience a take away that is both relevant and enriching.

Continue the conversation

Your writing needn't end at the full stop. Think about how you can keep the conversation going by asking discussion questions and inviting dialogue.

Encourage interaction with your audience through avenues such as comments and social media. This lets your reader know that their input is valid.

Cultivating lively discussion then compels other readers to join in. Continuing the conversation is a way of involving and recognising your audience.

How do you engage your readers?