A Catchy Title or Debatable Topic? How To Get The Reader's Attention
Getting the most views
We all wonder what the key to success is on a writing platform, while most of us are here strickly to put our words out to the masses, an extra buck never hurts. It can be frustrating to chase the all mighty dollar, so here are a few things I have learned during my years on Medium.
Popular News Is Everywhere
You were not the first to consider writing an article about Johnny Depp and the recent court trial. To ‘report’ on popular news, you have to keep a few things in mind…
- Everyone is doing it. Even if there aren't a thousand other articles like it, this news has flooded the market.
- You have to offer a different perspective. Choosing a title and content that differs from the popular opinion will usually turn some heads.
- Offer a unique perspective. Write like you are involved or somehow viewing your subject matter from a different view. Even if you are just omitting popular news stories and going straight at the article with fresh eyes, that doesn't happen very often.
Your Title Goes A Long Way
Chances are if you trigger someone or offer an unpopular opinion, some people will read your whole article just to tell you that you're wrong. No, this is not a bad thing.
I like writing articles that force a different perspective and make people scratch their heads. People by common accounts are stubborn. you probably won't change a lot of opinions, but you may very well provide insight into the other side people have not seen or considered before.
Any Publicity Is Good Publicity
People will always disagree with you. I have one article that got the most views simply because someone disagreed with my theory so much that she shared it, a lot. I didn't complain one bit.
Both Ways Work
Your title will always be the first thing people see, but the content has to be there as well. Sparking a debate or offing an outlandish theory works well, people, by nature, love to learn. An article that takes them away from a normal train of thought into a place where they have to think differently is usually a welcomed thing.
Write with your heart. If people wanted the news, they would be reading BBC. When I am reading, I want your opinions, I want to see what you see and look through your eyes at a situation.
I will honestly pass up a “How To Make A Million Dollars In 5 Minutes” anytime over a conspiracy theory or ‘outside the box’ article with no hesitation… it's just about finding your audience and putting your work in front of them.