When you sit down to start your article, you have to take into account that there’s a great deal of competition for attention out there. So, how do you make it engaging enough to make readers want to click on the link and read the piece? Start by asking yourself two questions: Is this story worth my reader’s time? What am I telling them that they don’t already know?

Once you have an idea in mind, it’s time to begin crafting a dynamic, attention-grabbing piece that will be a magnet for readers across the web!

Controversy

Everyone has an opinion. Just take a look around Facebook or Twitter. One post can garner hundreds of responses, some of them very passionate.

Controversy draws your audience into the conversation. They want to know what you have to say. Do you share their philosophy? Or are you in opposition? If you’re wading into an existing issue, like the #StarbucksRedCup whirlpool, what do you have to say that hasn’t been said before? Is it is all silliness? Or is Starbucks supplying caffeine-laden ammunition to the war on Christmas? Be bold. Be brave. Strong statements garner strong responses.

Titles

We all know that a good title is where it all starts. Isn’t that why you stopped by here? You wanted to know my 4 Steps to Writing Attention Grabbing Articles because you’re open to the possibilityI might have some insight. Lists work. Okay, so they likely will never winyou a Pulitzer, but they generate click-throughs and they are easy to share.

Use short, catchy phrases with action. I chose "easy" because we all work hard enough, who wants to work harder? I know I don’t! And attention grabbing is exactly what you want an article to do – reach off the screen and grab the attention of your reader, enough to make them want to read what you have to say.

Expertise

Stand out fromthe crowd. You are unique and your insight is unlike anyone else’s. Share that with your readers! Let your readers know that you are the go-to resource for all things Dancing With The Stars, or the GOP political debates. Think big...and small. Some of my most successful piecesare the ones whereI write about small, unfamiliar customs or characteristics about Japan.

So, what is your area of expertise?

Write well

Writing is a skill. Learn your skill and master the tools of your trade. Know the rules; know when and how to break them. Haven't we all started reading an article only to get a few lines in and then leave it forever? Poor writing can not only kill your current article, but readers won’t be interested in coming back for anything you have to say next time. What kind of articles do you like? Are they chatty and familiar? Try writing in that style yourself. Do you prefer traditional long-form pieces? Then, that may be your milieu. Whatever your style, stick with it. Develop your voice and cultivate a following of readers along the way.

At the end of the day, we write because we have something to say and we want people to hear us.

By implementing these few steps you’ll be well on your way to increasing your readership.