Do you woo your readers? Good writing is intimate and giving. It creates a relationship between the blogger or writer and the reader.
Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, your work must cleverly assess the reader’s needs and find a way to meet them. You could do this by writing in an informational, recreational, or motivational manner as long as you create a connection and form an emotional bond.
I was reminded of this concept while evaluating the works of Nicholas Sparks, my favorite author and novelist.
I always find his books and films touching and gratifying on many levels.
It’s no surprise that his books garner a legion of fans worldwide. And this writer truly knows his way around a love story.
How does this apply to you and your blog or blogged book?
Connection Counts
Even if your book, blog, or blogged book is not a steamy romance novel, “connection” counts.
When your keep your readers stimulated, cater to their needs, and ensure they feel satisfied, they are much more likely to enjoy a long-term relationship with you (and your blog or book)–even when other bloggers “whisper in their ears.”
According to Marketingprofs.com, two million blog posts are written and published daily.
As a multi-genre writer and relationship columnist, I’ll share a few insider’s tips to help you to keep your readers faithful and committed long past the courting stage.
5 Ways to Woo Readers (chocolate optional)
1. Get personal.
Know your target audience and demonstrate it through your writing.
It’s impossible to please everybody simultaneously. Success comes as a result of accurately defining your “intended.” Men or women? Stay at home moms or career women and solopreneurs? Generation X or baby boomers?
The clearer you are about your audience and the more selective you become in your approach to who you want to attract to your work, the more skilled you become in choosing the right language, tone, and references for their tastes and interests.
2. Know your strengths.
What is your strength? Is it your sense of humor, attention to detail, or characterization? Maybe you have research skills that rival those of a detective or can claim SEO expertise?
To find clues about your strengths, reflect and assess. What do editors often compliment you on in your submissions? What comes easily for you in the creative process?
Not being aware of your “powers of seduction” can prove to be counter-productive and anti-climatic.
3. Remember first impressions are important.
“Have them at hello” by creating strong opening lines and compelling titles for each post. With today’s busy reader, a connection has to be made quickly to hold their attention and maintain their interest. According to StaticBrain.com, the average attention span in 2015 was only 8.25 seconds.
4. Pace yourself.
Build momentum. Strike the “write” balance. Don’t rush through important scenes and relevant details.
Don’t hold readers “hostage” either by taking too long or withholding relevant information.
Your work doesn’t have to be the equivalent of War and Peace to be substantive. Satisfy, but keeping readers wanting more.
5. Appeal to all the senses (and emotions).
Woo readers by finding ways to make their experience more pleasurable and relatable. Tap into the sense of touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound.
What does the main character’s body smell like? How does the bedroom look in the opening scene? What did the publisher’s rejection letter sound and feel like? What was the expert’s tone of voice and demeanor?
Consider and incorporate language
and details that help readers relate to what you write with their senses and feel an emotional connection to your work.
To attract and keep readers, make the time your words spend with them count.
Keep their needs ever-present, and write from your heart.
If you do, you’ll develop a long-term and loyal relationship with each. Plus, you’ll create a fulfilling writing career that mirrors your favorite romance novel.
How do you woo your readers?
About the Author
Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, relationship columnist, ghost writer, award-winning blogger and author. Her work has appeared in various online and print publications including:.ProBlogger, Men With Pens, Write to Done, Tiny Buddha, Women on Writing and the Well-Fed Writer E-zine.
Banks is the managing editor of Coffeehouseforwriters.com, where she also teaches creative writing classes. When she’s not at the keyboard, she loves cooking, reading, “Jeopardy,” music, and shopping.
Find out more about Jennifer here: Penandprosper.blogspot.com/
Photo courtesy of rudall30/123RF.com
A salesman wonders how to get his next sale. A mentor cares about his students. He wants to help them get ahead and live a more fulfilled life.
Your reader will immediately notice whether you’re an eager salesman or a mentor-style blogger.
Take the mentor’s role on your blog and you’ll win more business.