Let’s face it: Writing isn’t easy.
Sure, a snappy headline might grab some attention, but it won’t keep it. Without a strong hook, your carefully crafted words might get tossed aside faster than you can say, “Wait, come back!”
If readers abandon your article within 30 seconds, all your effort goes to waste. So how do you keep them engaged? Here are three simple yet powerful strategies that will make your writing irresistible.
1. The 70% Rule: Give Readers What They Want Right Away
The problem isn’t clickbait — it’s broken promises.
Your readers don’t hate attention-grabbing headlines. What they despise is wasting time on content that doesn’t deliver. That’s why you should apply the 70% rule.
What’s the 70% rule?
It means giving away 70% of your article’s value in the very first paragraph.
Why does it work?
Instantly builds trust: Readers see the value upfront and know they’re in the right place.
Provides clarity: They know exactly what to expect, which keeps them invested.
Picture your readers thinking, “Finally, someone who gets it!”
This approach works like magic for guides, tutorials, or any actionable content. Give it a try, and watch your engagement soar.
2. Make Your Articles Feel Like Mystery Movies
Remember the last great mystery movie you watched? You couldn’t look away, right? That’s because mystery movies are masters of suspense, dropping clues until the very end.
The same works in writing. Here’s how:
Use the “but-therefore” storytelling pattern.
Here’s an example:
“I used to make money by commenting online.
But no matter how much I commented, I couldn’t earn more than a few bucks.
Therefore I started digging into writing tips.
But those tips didn’t work.
So I switched to marketing strategies.
And that’s when everything changed — my growth exploded.”
This works because they’ll be thinking, “What’s next?”
Mystery isn’t just for the movies. It’s the best way to keep your audience interested when sharing your personal anecdotes or tips.
3. Surprise Your Readers to Grab Their Attention
Ever notice how some YouTube thumbnails look downright weird? There’s a reason for that: They stop you in your tracks.
The unexpected grabs our attention because it disrupts our routine. It’s like walking down a quiet street and suddenly hearing someone shout — you can’t help but look.
As a writer, you can use this principle to wake up your readers. Here are five easy ways to do it:
Share a surprising fact: “93% of writers earn less than $100.”
Ask a bold question: “What if no one reads your work?”
Use a vivid metaphor: “I’m an old car sputtering uphill.”
Start with a shocking statement: “Maya Angelou slapped me in the face.”
Trigger a strong emotion: “I can’t stand Dave Ramsey’s advice.”
These tactics shake readers out of autopilot, making them pay attention to what you’re saying.
Want to dive deeper into this idea? The book Made to Stick is an excellent resource for mastering the art of surprising and memorable storytelling.
Final Thoughts: Grab Their Attention, Earn Their Trust
Readers aren’t asking for perfection. They just want writing that feels clear, genuine, and worth their time.
By using the 70% rule, adding mystery, and throwing in a few surprises, you’ll not only captivate your audience but also keep them coming back for more.
Stop begging people to read. Instead, give them a reason to stay. more article are
Generate $5000 Monthly: Unlock the Potential of an Online Writing
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