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10 Steps on How to Get More Readers on Wattpad

How to get more readers on Wattpad

By Jakayla ToneyPublished 3 years ago 6 min read
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Jakayla Toney with her camera and Wattpad pen

Starting out on Wattpad is super fun. You get inspired by stories then end up writing your own book. Some time passes and you aren't getting anyone to read your stories. You feel like you've tried everything. From promoting your works to updating every day.

I've been on Wattpad since 2015, won The 2016 Wattys, became a Wattpad Star amongst other things. After realizing what it took to bring attention to myself and novels, I've been teaching and mentoring aspiring writers for over 5+ years and helped thousands of people reach their true writer potential.

Let's hop right into the point.

There's never going to be a perfect start on Wattpad unless you're already published and experienced. In all honestly, most of the best writers on there had been writing for a long time before they even got noticed. I'm on that list of writers who started off really bad then made my way up.

Tip 1: Presentation

Your novel is a part of you. You don't have to try to separate yourself from your books. Don't leave an empty bio. Don't just write-interact, post on your profile, be active, and be yourself. Share some of us with you.

You don't want the Wattpad fame. You want readership. Don't lose sight of that.

I would ask questions on my wall and ask people to comment on their favorite "such and such." You want the attention and you want to do anything to drive people to look at your profile and who you are. It's like putting on a show but for the people on Wattpad. You can do it! Never sell yourself short. Share some cool things about yourself in your bio next time!

Tip 2: Consistency

If you're not going to update often, then comment, like, and linger around. As we know, Wattpad readers don't like waiting forever for updates though we all have our own lives at LEAST check in with them.

Instead of saying, "I can't update this week. Sorry," say "Hey all! I won't be able to update but leave some questions and I'll answer them on my wall! Let's chat:)"

GET TO KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. These are your supporters. Give them books, they'll read them. Give them support and kindness, they'll be loyal forever. And you have to be passionate about this one. Your supporters and the people you inspire can help you in many ways and you can do the same. There are no limits there.

Remind yourself to check in Wattpad once in a while if you can't once every week. Message two people a day if you're starting off small. Read and vote for a chapter and comment on something. Make someone's day!

Stick around! We just want to know you're alive.

Tip 3: Appearances

Don't know how to make a Wattpad? Don't know what to name yourself? Don't know what to write about?

When I joined Wattpad as a writer, I changed themes so many times. I've changed my name. My covers. My bio. It happens. We have to experiment in order to find what our hearts want. The same goes for things like this.

When thinking of your username, think of something that relates to you. Something memorable. Meaningful. Look up some synonyms and use those. Like me for example. I like horror. I use the name Ms_Horrendous. It's perfect for me and memorable. I'll forever be Ms_horrendous on Wattpad and don't find myself changing it anytime soon. So be creative. The only limits are the ones we create for ourselves.

When it comes to covers, remember YouTube has great tutorials for free cover websites you can use like Canva.com. Sometimes you have to do the homework in order to succeed. No one said it'd be easy but it's doable.

Tip 4: Stay in your lane

It's so easy to look at someone on Wattpad and think they're so lucky for having thousands of votes. It's easy to get discouraged and think that you'll never be as Wattpad popular as someone else.

Truth is that we're all popular, we just haven't got there yet because we're still trying to improve. What I mean by that is, writing is a working and learning process. The popular writers who are now doing amazing, once doubted themselves. They looked up self-help books for writing. Some people paid for classes. Some went to school to better themselves.

Everyone has a different way that they will reach the top on Wattpad but the real ones know that being themselves and doing their own thing IS what makes their writing UNIQUE.

You shouldn't try to be something you're not. For example, I had a friend who wanted to be Wattpad famous so bad so she checked what's trending and wrote in that genre. Her book was great! But no one checked it out. She was focused on the fame of having a book online instead of writing for a reason or passion. You should be enjoying what you do! That passion you bring out and express comes to life to the others that read your works.

Don't overthink it. If your story means a lot to YOU, then it'll come out the way you want. You just have to work to improve.

Tip 5: What do you want from writing?

Remind yourself why you started writing, and remind yourself of this often. Did you know that writer's block sometimes comes from forgetting the reason we're writing?

We forget why we made our main characters and their plot. Maybe you were trying to inspire someone through your novel? Did you want to show people what's happening in a certain part of the world? Did you want to provoke fear into readers?

We forget!

Remind yourself what inspired you to write. Go back to old sources. Revisit locations. Whatever sparked your inspiration to write, go back to it...

6: Own your story

OWN IT! That's right. Practice telling yourself that your story is amazing just the way it is and it'll get better through time.

Authors, let's normalizing being confident about starting off. Remember, you're ONLY a bad writer if you QUIT.

Everyone sees a different vision when they're imagining someone's story. It's YOUR story, we're just cruising through it. Own it.

7: Join Conversations

Next time you visit your favorite writer's profile, scroll down their wall, and check out the conversations. If you see someone who asked that author a question such as, "Where's your third series to-" if you know the answer, comment on it and then let them know you're there if you have more questions.

Being nice and easy to approach is key. You don't want to appear scary when you're starting out or when you're more out there. Remain humble. Remember that you may be better than someone at something but that person has time to get to your level or higher with time. So be humble.

8: Ask yourselves questions

Make up some questions for yourself and answer them. Here are some questions that helped me out.

Why is this chapter not interesting?

If I add or kill of a character would this make the story less boring?

Can this have a happy or sad ending?

Is this story a part of me?

Does this story have an inspiring outcome?

Do I know much about the year and location I'm writing in?

Chapter 9: Reply to all comments and messages

When starting out people neglect replying to people. If you're not doing it now with a small then what makes you think you'll do it when you're more popular. The time to start is now.

If you have confidence you'll be a great writer, then practice right now! Respond to comments like you're big because you already are! You just have to journey to where you want to be.

Check messages and comments often. I've missed opportunities by letting things slide away.

Tip 10: Criticism is an option, not your future

Lastly, never let opinions and critics make you come out of character. Stay true to yourself while remaining open to new changes and comments. Everyone will have an opinion and some will be heartbreaking, but if you let those stop you from writing then you are inviting people to stop you from your dreams.

Keep the faith in yourself because starting off, you're going to need it.

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About the Creator

Jakayla Toney

When not immersed in the realms of horror and mystery, I also work as a bartender in the bustling city of New York. You can find helpful articles on bartending, writing, and photography on my page.

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