Writing Style - How to Engage Readers

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From all the reviews, feedback, and comments I've given here on WA over the past month, I've come across a lot of good websites.

But more often then not, a beginner's writing style is always sub-par or even distracting from the quality material presented in the article itself!

Please consider reading this entire article. Though everyone has an opinion, I have written plenty of 20-page research papers, reviews, and educational papers over the course of my seven years in college. As a private music teacher of over 8 years, I've learned how to teach (at least I hope so!). So without further ado.

What this article will cover:

  • Engaging writing styles

  • What not to do

  • Examples

What this article will not cover:

  • Grammatical rules

  • Writing rules (like the Elements of Writing booklet)

  • Color usage, bolding strategies or layout ideas

Engaging Your Readers

Want to learn how to write engaging content? AWESOME.

Let me show you some examples as I explain how (2 birds, 1 stone!).

Writing a blog or engaging content is nothing like school papers or textbooks (boring!). Always compare to your normal conversational speech.

Most likely in a conversation, you won't be speaking in long drawn out sentences that never seem to end even when it's appropriate to do so regardless of the age-old phrase, “ignorance is bliss,” because honestly doesn't this single sentence make you feel just a bit anxious since, as a human instinct, you're trying to make it to the end of the sentence without stopping or pausing?

I mean honestly. Run-on sentences never help anyone and usually occur when the writer wants to appear “sophisticated” - ooh, look how many words I can type without stopping.

Just stop.

In the natural flow of conversation, most people are not “intellectual” enough to plan a large, constructed sentence. Therefore, readers will most likely lose their train of thought while reading heavily packed sentences.

Writing for affiliate marketing is all about getting your message across. Most of the time, the amazing rule of “less is more” applies in every aspect. The “message” is more powerful when in a smaller sentence structure. Look at the sentence above when I wrote, “just stop.” I could have written, “just stop writing run-on sentences altogether.” The extra information in this phrase takes away from the emphasis - it's already assumed I'm referring to run-on sentences. I referred to them in the previous sentence!

What Not to Do

Apart from run-on sentences, there are a few others things I will mention. Let's take the opposite of run-on sentences shall we, because this happens far more often.

You want the reader to feel a flow in the writing. Just like good poetry, you should keep in mind that the reader is affected just the same. Small sentences add a pause to their thought process, whereas long sentences don't allow them to think about the material your writing.

Only use short sentences a few times though. Most likely only when a point is being made. Otherwise, the effect is lost. Your reader will get annoyed too. Connect ideas. Don't just plop them down. You can't always rely on the reader. They won't always connect the ideas of two different sentences together. Not everyone is a critical thinker. So it's best not to assume. Better safe than sorry. And also, short sentences are annoying. Aren't they? Okay, okay. I'll stop. But it does get fun. It's like I'm a robot. Bee-boop.

There is always a balance - whether its art, nature, or lifestyle, there must be a balance in order to offer the best “comfort” for the reader's experience. My biggest suggestion is to read A LOT. Find styles you like and steal a few strategies. The best artists and composers throughout history have done and continue to do the same, just ask John Williams (Star Wars for ex.).

One of my biggest pet-peeves when I'm reviewing sites is that people assume they'll read their content. THIS IS NOT THE CASE.

You have to write as though it's a screenplay or a movie. That's what people are used to nowadays. Most of your audience won't be looking for a scientific explanation with unknown terms that are strung together for the “impression” factor. No. People want friendly articles that flow well and are easy to read.

If you're still reading this article, then I must have done a good job so far! (Yay for me!).

Also, to continue this rant, I'm sick of people taking themselves too serious. Let me give you an example by referring back to the “conversation” idea.

Imagine two people who do the exact same job as Data Analysts:

  • One person introduces themselves as a professional data analyst that interprets data through algorithms, filters, and conditional formatting in order to bring more comprehensible information to the company.

  • The second person introduces themselves as a guy who works on the computer.

Which person might you feel more inclined to continue a conversation with? The worker who explained themselves as a professional? Or the worker who mentions their work in simple terms.

I would think most people would choose the second person! And it's not like it would be inappropriate for the second person to explain in more detail if asked, but the extra information would sure be more inviting to the listener at that point.

So I guess I've made two points: don't be too serious and leave the more “intense” information toward the end of your articles (when the reader has already chosen to read more in-depth).

In other words, don't come on too strong!

It's like asking someone out on a date. Mention the idea in passing - nonchalant and “cool.” As if it doesn't matter either way if they say yes or no (even though in our case, we need them to say YES to make a sale).

So to further make my point, I'll give a few specific examples.

Bad/Better Examples

First example:

  • Bad

    • I'm excited to share with you today an amazing product that cleans the toilet with every flush! Never forget to clean the toilet again because it will always stay clean thank to this amazing, yet cheap product. We highly recommend it!

  • Better

    • Sometimes i'm so embarrassed by my dirty bathroom that i don't invite people over. i'm so busy i just don't have time to clean everyday! But thank goodness i came across this product that actually cleans the toilet for me. I'm so happy i don't have to worry about it anymore.

The bad option sounds like an advertisement. The price is immediately mentioned by the word “cheap” and the product is the main focus.

The better option sounds more personal, like a conversation with a friend. The reader might relate to the problem mentioned at the start which helps bring them to a certain frame of mind (more open, lets say, to solutions). The product is mentioned only as a “find.” Won't the reader be happy to also find out about this solution? The benefits of the product is almost self-explanatory. Two birds one stone (again)!

Second example:

  • Bad

    • I love my new jacket. It looks so fashionable and cute! I'm so happy i bought it before the sale ended, but if you're interested, the sale is still going on! Hurry now to buy this jacket before it's too late!

  • Better

    • My budget almost never allows for new clothes, but my newest addition didn't break the bank! This jacket seems to even catch my friends eyes and lucky for everyone here, i'm not selfish with where i go bargain hunting! Click here to check out where to buy my newest favorite jacket!

The bad options attempts to be more conversational, but is too quick to mention the “sale.” Certain words like these have bad connotations and seem like “ad language.” And also, it's a very transparent manipulation tactic by telling the reader to "hurry up."

The better option again highlights a relatable problem and then proceeds to offer a solution, which just so happens to be at bargain price. The “solution” is already the hook. The “sale” price is the sinker and it sounds like a friendly solution. There's even an action described in the last sentence (“click here”).

Conclusion

I hope this article gives everyone here on WA something to think about. I'm not an expert in marketing, but I do tend to be far more analytical than most and after years of teaching, I do love showing people my perspective.

Let me know your thoughts! Please share in the comments below and I promise to read everyones comment and reply with an “engaging” comment ;)

If you're curious of my most recent project (as of Feb 2017), here's my newest website: http://musicalgrowth.com

Thanks again for reading and I look forward to hearing from you!

Chase

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Recent Comments

8

Hi! I happen to come across your post.. i was engaged.. beautifully done.. thanks for sharing:)

My pleasure Hanna! I hope you found it useful, or at the very least, thought provoking. Best of luck with everything here on WA.

Hi Chase. Your views captures the importance of writing from the reader's perspective as an enticement toward action.

Thank you,
Lovetta**

Thank you! I hope this article helps people in the end. Appreciate the feedback. Thanks Lovetta

Thank you for this post. Really helpful!

I do hope you think so! Thanks for reading and best of luck with your own writing!

Hi Chase,
Thank you for this your blog. It is very informative. Just as if you are writing only for me. I know I do write things as they come to my mind without thinking how to twist it to make different.
Thanks

Well, thanks for reading! I hope it gives you a bit to think about as far as writing approach. Good luck with everything on your end!

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