You Can Only Be A Better Writer If You Know What Your Readers Want
Here’s what you can do to get their attention
Writing could be frustrating when it feels like no one is reading. Sadly, everything we write will not resonate with everyone all the time.
The truth is, people read differently, depending on what catches their interest. As writers, we may feel that we have the perfect ways to convey our ideas and express ourselves. However, this isn’t always the case. Our readers are the ultimate judges because they see a lot of things we may not see.
A recurring question I always ask myself is this: How can a writer exactly know what a reader wants to read per time?
Indeed, there is that subtle contract between a writer and a reader. It is called the 'reader’s expectation’. Before the reader begins to read, there is an anticipation of a peculiar reading experience. When the writer’s output falls short of what the reader expects, it could build feelings of disappointment.
Reading techniques adopted by readers
The following categories of reading techniques exist: skimming, scanning and detailed reading.
Skimming
Skimming helps a reader grasp the general idea or gist when reading.
For skimmers, they simply flip through pages. They can digest every information they require by merely turning over pages as fast as they can. Sometimes, they only stop to read when something arrests their attention or could be of immense benefit to them.
Skimming brings a reader to the main point or gist of the matter, nothing more.
2. Scanning
Scanning lets you locate precise information for quick knowledge. Just like skimming, scanning is not active reading, but scrolling through to identify key messages and subjects.
3. Detailed reading
This is done by thorough readers that are well detailed and meticulous when reading. They completely absorb each word, sentence and paragraph so that they can have a good idea of the writer’s intended message.
The success of any writer is largely dependent on his audience. This is why it is crucial to know more about your readers and what their potential reactions could be towards your writing.
It may not be completely possible to know what your audience fully wants, but here are some ways to keep them glued to your written pieces:
1. Focus on providing solutions
The easiest way to get readers to stick around is by showing them what really matters. And quickly too.
If you can give workable, helpful and systematic strategies that readers can personally implement, they will keep coming for more.
Show them that you are their ultimate problem solver or that they can’t leave your article without being more enriched and enlightened than they were prior to reading.
Everyone wants a quick “how-to” or “what-you-can-do-to” because it teaches them what they may not know ordinarily.
2. Communicate as clearly as you possibly can
People love to read an easily understandable story that flows with their thought process. No bumps, no curves. This is where it becomes important to also find your voice as a writer if you want to build dedicated, loyal readers.
The primary aim of any written communication should be to provide clarity to anyone that comes across it. Syntax, punctuation, word choice and organizational accuracy make it easy for readers to go with any writer’s flow.
“People aren’t likely to be influenced by a message they can’t remember. Be clear, concise and clever" — Dianna Booher
3. Write with the desire to educate, entertain or inspire your readers
People love to read entertaining pieces. If it makes them laugh or causes them to have some sort of deep thinking or reflection, your writing will get the desired attention.
While many people seek to get new information every day, they will most likely read something inspiring that gives hope and new energy to get through each day.
Sharing life experiences could be a way of involving readers in situations they can relate to.
Help people change their lives and watch as you grow to become a better writer.
4. Engage the readers
Enhancing reader engagement is an important aspect of writing.
Many writers want readers to get excited when they read their work. This is why writers are daily searching for tips to catch the attention of their readers. It’s even easy to catch anyone’s attention, but enough must be done to keep that attention for a longer period.
Mary White, a communications expert and writer suggests that one way to keep readers is by letting your enthusiasm shine through your work. Describing your personal experience(s), using a conversational tone and efficient storytelling are helpful techniques towards improving reader engagement.
“It just takes a few minutes to turn an overwhelming mass of text into a post that engages the reader and pulls her in". — Pamela Wilson
Some other ways to attract reader engagement are by:
- Including vivid imagery that captivates the mind;
- Using simple language that carries the reader along;
- Being as accurate as possible;
- Exhibiting some extent of vulnerability.
Knowing what readers want could be daunting. However, using the right tone, language and style could make them stick around, provided it is within their area of interest.
