Do These Things and I’ll Always Read Your Article

I follow a lot of other writers on Medium. 24,331 to be exact. I follow so many other writers because I follow the maximum I’m allowed to follow each and every day. That’s 120 new people I follow daily. I like building my following in this way.

With that many other writers I’m following, my feed of articles is varied and plentiful. Not a lot of blogs and articles stand out, generally speaking. But I do tend to notice certain ones in my travels, and I’ll always read those.

If you’re anything like me, you REALLY want other writers to read your blog. You’re hoping to get an above-average amount of views and reads. Perhaps you are looking to land your next “big fish” article. I’m always hoping to write the next one that breaks my record.

So what are the characteristics of any given article that makes me have to read it? There are usually a number of reasons. When I see an article that has one or more of these traits, I’ll jump in and read. I’ll almost always read it until the end and clap for it as well. Here are the things that catch my attention enough to stand out and be read.

1. It Has a Curious, Intriguing, or Controversial Title

This is the main numero uno reason I will stop scrolling and say, “Oh, hey now. What do we have here?” Further investigation is required on this one. A title that catches my eye always will pause my scrolling.

It can be funny. It can be intriguing. It can make me wonder enough about it to stop scrolling and click it. Once I click an article, I tend to read it all the way to the end.

And since I made it that far and it stood out at least that much, I’m going to be a good guy and give it 50 claps. I might even comment on it if I have a comment that I feel the author will appreciate or laugh at.

One other aspect that really grabs my attention and will make me click and read something is a controversial title. Something that hits a nerve. Often, I will click something if it has a curse word in the title or some sort of sexual innuendo. Those types of titles always stand out.

2. If Someone Comments On My Article, I’ll Usually Read Two or Three of Theirs

I don’t know if it’s just good manners or what, but when someone comments on my blog or article, I feel an obligation to check their page and read at least two or three of their writing pieces. I feel that it’s the polite and grateful thing to do.

I’m generally glad I read their writing. Most writers on here seem to write interesting, cool stuff. Once in a while, I pick up some new writing tip or some useful knowledge about a completely unrelated topic. I love to learn and reading is the best way to keep on learning.

Even if I don’t get much out of the two or three I read, I’m ok with that. They took the time to read mine and left what is typically a kind and encouraging comment about my work. I’m cool with trying to return the favor and then some by reading at least a couple or a few of theirs.

3. If you join my publication, Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs, I’ll read your submission, every time

This is a 100% guaranteed way to get me to read your blog or article. If you join us to be on the writing staff of Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs, it’s a given. I’ve read every one of the articles submitted over the past three months that BBB has existed. And I’m sure other writers from the publication have, as well.

I love reading my writing staff’s submissions. Most of them have been terrific. A few may have needed work or didn’t make the cut, but I truly gave them all a thorough read and left some claps and comments on them. Our team supports one another and I know that it starts with me proofreading them and evaluating if they are good enough to make the cut. Most are.

4. If Your Article is Related To Something I’m Interested In, I’ll Read It.

This is just the way things work sometimes. If I see a topic being discussed that I’m interested in, I’ll always click it and read it. I’ve clicked on topics related to sports, politics, gaming, family, relationships, and countless other subjects.

Writing about topics that a broad range of people are interested in increases your chances of getting an article that will be well-received and read by a lot more people than average. Writing about a topic that isn’t common to many people will work against you.

You might find it fun to write about the new season of your favorite obscure anime series, but don’t be surprised if that article doesn’t go viral simply because not many people know about the series. Writing about a well-known series could increase the number of reads of your article.

The Bottom Line: I WANT to Read Your Articles. I Really Do.

But there are only so many hours in each day. When I’m not busy trying to write at least two solid blogs every day, I’m playing catch-up with an absurd number of comments on my writing, which seem to be increasing daily.

I want to make time for those wonderful people who took their time to comment on my work. It’s the least I can do, besides reading some of their writing, as well.

When your writing stands out in the ways I’ve mentioned above, it helps me find your writing ahead of all of the other writing that’s available to read. I’ll always do my best to read your stuff if it falls under the parameters I’ve outlined above. Thank you for reading mine! &:^)