What if you are talking to me and I am not paying attention to you?
How would you feel if I keep on nodding my head, but not actually paying attention to whatever you are saying?
What if you are saying something to me and I simply don’t give a damn about it?
Yes, that’s how writers feel when they write content for you, and you quickly skimp through it.
That brings us to our next question, so, how do we write content in a way that keeps our audience glued till the end of the post?
To be honest, writing an engaging article is no different from writing a story, the key is to keep your audience engaged by revealing little bit of information and keep them craving for more.
By the way, if you are just getting started with writing, you might want to check out, How to Start Writing and What is Content Writing? – And How To Do It Right!
Are you with me so far? Great!
So, just like there are 5 stages to write a traditional story, similarly we have Context (beginning), Conflict (main issue, problem), Climax (we discuss solutions), Closure (we finally decide an action plan, tie up loose ends), Conclude (call to action) to write a great post!
1. Beginning
- Open with an enthralling fact first
Writing a great introduction is the best way to make it exciting for your readers.
- It could be a shocking fact that will grab your reader’s attention INSTANTLY
- It could also be a joke or a hilarious fact.
- It can also start with a paradox or a part of a story (you just tell them a part of a story).
- It can start with an incident from your personal life.
2. Conflict
- Who, What, Where, When, Why
You need to answer the most important questions, who, what, where and why, remember, your audience will start skimping through the content after 250 words, if the topic fails to excite them.
3. Climax
- Slowly and gradually build up your story
Now this is a tricky part, you don’t have to give out too much information, but at the same time, your pace can’t be too slow.
Because, if you withhold too much information and go extremely slow, this can easily frustrate your readers, and they might quit reading too.
So, set the right pace for your audience!
4. Closure
Now is the time to tie up the loose ends to make your story more powerful!
- Use the Active tone
Sentences with active tone are more PRECISE and FRIENDLY. Who has time to read long sentences? For e.g., “I beat Sara at a soccer match “or, “Last night I was beaten by Sara at a soccer match” which sounds better? You decide.
- Talk about what interests your readers
Maybe, your readers want to talk about the COVID19 break out, politics, or maybe they are interested in finding out about the benefits of a Keto diet. Give them what they want, and they will stay with you in the long run!
- What’s new about your idea?
Ask yourself, why does my reader have to care about what I write?
Is the topic relevant to their interest?
Am I providing something new and unique?
Do I have some secret insight to something they want to read about?
Do I have a solution to their problem? Now if you answered yes to most of the questions then congrats! You have something they might want to read!
- Cut out the Jargons
Avoid Jargons at any cost! Just avoid ambiguities, keep it short, clear and concise!
- Avoid fluff like plague!
Don’t write just to fill the word count.
It might impress Google and search engines, but it really hurts users’ experience!
Just keep it simple and relevant!
- Use Relevant Quotes!
When you convey an important thought using an influencer’s words, it has more impact. However, make sure that you avoid misquoting authors and always link back to them!
Also, double check the spelling of the person you are quoting! And don’t quote out of the context, only quote where it deems fit!
- Be real, don’t lie!
You should never write something that’s a lie in order to write a good story
I read somewhere a mistake is different from a lie.
We all make mistakes but shouldn’t intentionally lie!
On the contrary when you share your personal stories or anecdotes, it makes your readers respect you even more! (Personally observed this).
- Don’t be a narcist
It’s a good idea to share a personal story and an anecdote.
But be careful not to overdo it, don’t talk too much about what interests you.
Make it more about readers, than about you.
Your focus should be your audience not you!
- Don’t force your opinion
It’s great to share your opinion, but it’s not cool to force your opinion upon your readers.
Show respect for their views and opinions, but they don’t have to agree with everything you state. Embrace the unique personality of each of your readers!
Even if you have to offer a different narrative, or a perspective, you shouldn’t obsess with the idea that your readers MUST agree with you!
- Have someone else edit your work!
I got my first story edited by an author even before I knew what editing was all about.
But it made me learn one thing, no matter how well you write, you always need a CRITIC.
- Someone who can review your work.
- Someone who can point out your flaws.
- Someone who helps you deliver the right message across.
- Someone who makes your writing beautiful.
- Someone who can make your work SEO friendly.
- Someone who can add more expression.
- Someone who improves your sentence construction and brings more clarity to reader.
- Proofread
Never say goodbye to your work before proofreading it. No matter how urgent it is, and no matter how tired you are!
A few spelling errors here and there can make you lose your credibility as a writer!
The rule of a thumb is to always edit your work with fresh eyes! (That’s let it sleep overnight, and edit it the next day).Again, if you are in a hurry, then you can quickly run it through grammarly!
5. Conclusion (call to action)
Don’t abruptly end your blog posts!Always leave your audience with a call to action!
It could be a free sign up to subscribe to your blog, or compel them to click on an affiliate link
That’s all for now!
If you found the piece interesting, give it a BIG THUMBS UP and let me know your thoughts!
PS: I am open to editing projects, let’s talk!
Saima Masood
Hi ya! so happy that you found your way here, Yaay! (happy dance), in case you are still wondering who am I? people who love my work most call me the 'Content Queen'. I am not your ordinary content writer, I write a COPY that generates SALES FAST. No BS, No TIME WASTING. Let me take your business to the next level. Let’s talk
I have been familiar with these stages of the story for years but never thought about these could be of so much help in writing as well. (How dumb😁!) But thanks for giving my prior knowledge a new direction. I will utilize this technique next time I write. IA
Thanks a bunch!💞💐
I am glad you found it useful! Thanks for dropping by.