How Can You Improve Writing Content for Your Readers?
Arrest attention spans of your readers
Remember the last time you actually sat down and read a good book without any interruptions or distractions? For example, I get lost inside stories I read without the TV on, without my phone dinging with a notification — without any noise.
You know what it takes for anyone’s writing to seize your attention, so now you need to figure out how to grab your readers’ attention. Sometimes it’s challenging to find engaged readers, and if they read your work once, the hope is they’ll return. So you need a strategy to create amazing quality content, establish a great voice, and manage a smooth-flowing read.
Some people say a reader’s attention span doesn’t go beyond four minutes or less. Don’t be afraid to create beyond a four-minute read. Great stories worth reading will fulfill someone’s attention span regardless of the number of minutes it takes to read them.
The explosion of content on the internet
If you’re a good writer, you already know that strategy is key for writing online. You’re also aware there is so much material posted online — it’s like standing in a crowded room and all these hands are in the air saying, “pick me, pick me.”
Part of your strategy will have to blow the minds of your readers with your kicking content. If you can do that, they’ll come back for more. Similarly, you return to read the work of writers who impress or sway your reading mind.
Dig deep into your thought processes to come up with content ideas that snag someone’s attention. Those who write on platforms like Medium want to create content that’s earning them bucks. You can create a workable strategy for success and claim readers’ attention, but it takes work, building trust, and patience.
To be a great writer, you have to read a lot
When you read books, you will come to know the author’s voice and writing style. Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a good example of a writer having a unique writing style and voice. If you read Love in the Time of Cholera, then you know what I’m talking about.
- You learn writing techniques also by reading the works of other writers.
- You learn not to be wordy — you get to the point.
- You learn to stop using unnecessary words like “that.”
- You discover your own voice, develop your own style, and get routine readers.
Remember, you know what you think when you read content with errors and poor grammar. Make sure that’s not happening with your work.
Write everyday
I write every day and rotate that with reading. If it’s a good writing day, I keep writing. I know there are differing views on writing every day; it’s something I do.
If you want your passion to become worth a buck, you have to put a lot of work into it. If an idea for a story pops into your head and you don’t have pen and paper, send a text message of the idea to yourself. I do this a lot.
Jot down notes in a journal. I also have journals on my desk I’m always putting notes into. When you’re writing, tune everything out so you can write with clarity.
Let the seasons help dictate your flow of language. For example, in the autumn, open the window and listen to the wind blow the leaves across your lawn. Listen to your next story. Then, find the soul in your writing content.
Be clear with your content
Don’t go off into wordy town as I know I can do which is easily cleaned up with editing.
When you finish writing your story, proofread it like you clean your kitchen. Make it pristine. Revise as necessary.
Make sure you have clarity because, without this element, you’ll lose the reader’s attention. Don’t get carried away by forgetting what you’re supposed to be writing about. That’s what I mean about getting too wordy — you can distract yourself with words that do not belong to the point you’re trying to make.
Put your idea at the top of the page. Then make an outline. In your writing, think of it like this — you’re speaking to someone. Be genuine with your content. See the quality of your content. Be real with your words.
Thank you for reading.
© Cathy Coombs
About the Creator
Cathy Coombs
Earning a B.A. in English Journalism & Creative Writing confirmed my love of literature. I believe every living experience is tied to language, and words influence us all.
Website. Write, self-publish, and self-market. Go.
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