Boosting Reading Time and Engagement

Four key strategies

Image source: Canva Pro

Believe it or not, a mere 30 seconds might not sound like an eternity, but in the fast-paced world of Medium, many readers don’t even dedicate that much time to our articles.

How can you make sure your readers stay on your article once clicked?

1 — Answer Burning Questions

Readers click on articles in search of answers.

They might start with a Google search and dive into your article that promises a solution to their problem.

To attract readers, make sure your article addresses common questions in your niche.

Where can you find burning questions?

  1. Quora
  2. Reddit
  3. Answer the public

Don’t forget to craft titles that mirror these questions for better visibility and clarity.

Be Clear, Not Clever: The Best Headline Writing Advice I Got as a Beginner

2 — Solve Problems

Similar to burning questions, your readers seek solutions to their problems.

Write content that tackles the issues in your area, in your niche. It’s always a good idea to back your solutions with credible sources to build trust. That credible source could be

  • You — tell your story, how you overcame a similar issue
  • A borrowed credibility — tell someone else’s story, how that person solved the same problem

3 — Leverage Your Expertise

People are drawn to writers with experience.

When you start your online writing journey, no one knows you, and it’ll take time to establish yourself as an expert in your field.

What I like to do is share what I’m learning. I don’t claim that I’m an expert in online writing, but interesting things happen when I share everything I know and learn while building my writing habit.

Guess what?

It resonates with people!

People love stories. Just genuinely sharing your experiences will boost your reading time and engagement.

4 — Offer Value

Readers want value they can apply immediately right after finishing your article.

There are multiple ways to offer value

  • Starting with a concise summary so readers know what to expect
  • Including takeaway paragraphs after each section in your blog post
  • Concluding with a final paragraph that ties everything together

Conclusion: Your ability to answer questions, provide solutions, leverage your expertise, and consistently deliver value will keep your readers engaged in the whirlwind of online writing, so give it a go!