Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of writing with the reader in mind to foster a sense of mutuality and engagement, while also considering the writer's personal motivations and the platform's dynamics.

Abstract

The article "What Happens When You Write for the Reader?" discusses the significance of crafting content that resonates with readers, suggesting that mutuality between writer and reader is key to successful writing. It advises writers to respect their audience by making their writing accessible and engaging, and to understand their readers through analytics and feedback. The piece also touches on the importance of writing for personal fulfillment, the potential for making a difference, and the necessity of marketing one's work to increase reader engagement and economic value, especially on platforms like Medium. It acknowledges the emotional impact of writing and the value of sharing personal stories, as well as the need to write about pressing issues like school shootings. The article concludes by encouraging writers to diversify their platforms and seek freelancing opportunities to strengthen their readership and improve their marketing strategies.

Opinions

Writers should strive to create a connection with their readers by writing content that is both meaningful and accessible.
It's important for writers to maintain respect for their readers and not underestimate their intelligence or interests.
Writing with the intent to make a profit should be balanced with the desire to make a positive impact on readers.
Writers benefit from understanding their audience through analytics and direct feedback, which can inform their choice of topics and writing style.
Engaging readers often involves writing about topics of interest, such as true crime or technology, and can be enhanced by an emotional connection or personal storytelling.
The article suggests that reader engagement is crucial for economic success, particularly on platforms where member engagement directly affects revenue.
Marketing one's work is an essential part of a writer's role, alongside writing and reading, to attract and maintain a dedicated readership.
The author believes that writing for different platforms and exploring freelancing opportunities can lead to greater success and improved marketing skills.

What Happens When You Write for the Reader?

The potential for mutuality grows between you and a reader

While I strive to write for readers first, I’m also writing for myself. Otherwise, why would I be writing? Writing and creating mutuality with a reader becomes my goal. Always have respect for your readers — don’t underestimate them.

Aside from wanting to generate a profit, I believe writers also strive to make a difference in the world. As such, they may try to reach readers on a personal level.

Make your writing easy to follow. No matter how philosophical you want to be, you have to leave some of that stuff in your handwritten notebooks. Not all readers want to learn a new word and they certainly don’t want to read a complicated sentence.

Have an understanding of your readers

Look at your writing stats. Figure out which topic gained you the most readers. You can also learn about your readers through any comments they leave you. Thank your readers.

Remember, too, what might be successful on one platform, may not be on another. The moment readers click on your article, they’re looking for interesting content.

Part of that interest can come from you, the writer. When you’re writing, pretend the reader is sitting on the other side of your desk. You write what you want to say, and the reader responds by reading the whole story and leaving a comment. That’s a nice conversation.

Why readers engage with your article

On platforms like Medium, you might wonder if readers only read your hoping it will be reciprocated. There is some truth to that. We know some followers practice this action. On the bright side, though, I know a lot of readers are actually engaged in the work of writers. There are many, many writers on Medium.

There are multitudes of readers interested in a variety of specific topics. A big attraction for readers is true crime stories or technology.

**You can affect readers.** Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

What is your tone with your readers?

When you’re writing, do you ask yourself how your writing might affect a reader on a personal level? And if you can affect one reader, do you look for topics that might affect a wider audience?

There’s value in being emotional and sharing personal stories. It’s also helpful to you to share your story as well as connect with a reader who was or is similarly situated.

There are problems everywhere to read and write about

Readers who like to be informed also engage in truthful events. The school shootings are ongoing and earn attention. It’s not an uncommon act anymore, and always worth writing about.

Cogs in the writing wheel

On Medium, members rely on members to engage with their writing. Reader engagement raises economic value. How do you get that engagement to increase? You have to market your articles.

So, you’re juggling your writing day schedule. You’re trying to write engaging articles for readers. You’re trying to develop a marketing strategy to attract readers. You join publications, which is a positive move to gain more readership. Of course, you’re also trying to read articles and stories.

The mutuality that grows from returning readers is satisfying in itself. If you’re looking to make a profit from your writing, it’s essential you write on different platforms, or reach out for other freelancing opportunities. These choices will also help gain strength with your readership. This will help you improve your methods of marketing your craft.

Write, self-publish, and self-market your work. Go.

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