Are you interested in learning how to organically grow your audience as a writer? Whether you’re an amateur blogger or a professional content marketer, writing engaging articles is key to catching and keeping the attention of your audience. Captivating your reader starts with understanding the techniques that make writing compelling, as well as how to implement them effectively. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to write an effective article, including tips for how to make your writing stand out.
Hook Your Audience
How engaging your content is will primarily depend on your intended audience. Ask yourself who you’re writing for, e.g., an academic audience, young adults, or parents. Before you begin writing, research what your readers are looking for and plan how best to address their needs. Create a detailed outline so you have a better idea of how you’re going to present the information.
Since the headline is the first thing most readers notice, it has to be engaging enough to encourage them to read through the rest of the article. In fact, according to some surveys, most readers do not typically read past the headline. For an eye-catching headline, make sure it’s clear, not too long (typically not more than one line), and intriguing. Include strong action words and descriptions to draw readers’ attention.
The first few lines of text below the headline also need to be captivating and entice your audience to keep reading. Give them a reason to continue with the article by sharing an interesting fact about your topic, asking a thought-provoking question (either a rhetorical question or one that’s answered in your article), or sharing a related personal anecdote. You also need to set the stage by introducing your topic and explaining why it should matter to readers (e.g., it helps solve a problem they’re having).
Use a Clear Structure
To improve the readability of your article, break it into a clear and visually appealing structure. After the headline and introduction, include the body paragraphs, with each section under a relevant subheading. Bullet lists within the main content can help break up the text and make it easier for skim readers or readers on mobile devices. At the end, include a conclusion that summarizes the article without introducing new information.
Readers are more likely to remain engaged throughout the article if it’s easy to read, so avoid large blocks of text and ensure paragraphs are all roughly the same length. If relevant, use visual images to illustrate your points, and check that your formatting elements (e.g., font choices, colors) aren’t too distracting. Keep the focus on your main text and use these features to complement your writing.
Write in an Authentic Voice and Provide Valu
A truly engaging article is written with an authentic and relatable tone of voice. Depending on your audience, you may be writing in a conversational tone, relying on humor, or using formal language. However, no matter your tone, try to relate to your audience. Avoid overly complex or unnecessary technical jargon and use language that feels natural to your reader.
In addition, audiences are looking for content that provides value. Depending on your topic, this will mean different things, but you should always back up statistics or statements with facts whenever possible and avoid “fluff.” If your topic is addressing a specific problem or issue, be sure to offer a solution by the end of your article. You can also include relatable stories or examples for added substance.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you want to write an engaging article, focus on meeting the needs of your audience, structuring your article in an easy-to-read way, and writing with an authentic, relatable tone. These techniques will help you refine your skills as you become a more experienced article writer.
