If you are a Steemit blog post writer struggling to keep your readers glued to your content, this is for you.
So, you have created an eye-catching image for your thumbnail, then paired it with a compelling headline that makes readers stop scrolling. But you need guidance on how to keep your readers' interest piqued after they open your post.
I would share some simple tips that have worked for me on all platforms in the last one year.
First on the list is your Hook.
A hook is that opening sentence that captures your reader's attention and motivates them to read on.
Traditionally, writers place it as the first sentence to create a suspense or spark the reader's curiosity. I would recommend you do this as well.
Hooks can be a:
- question
- quote
- relevant anecdote
- strong statement, or
- fascinating statistics
Let me give you some vivid examples.
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Writers often begin by asking a thought-provoking question to challenge a reader's beliefs or make them reflect on something important. This sets the tone for the rest of your work, since the average readers would love to dig in to discover the answer to the question. If you have used this hook before, bravo!
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Quotes are very common hooks in essays and books, but you would find it helpful in blog posts as well. These are words extracted from a text or speech made by another person, particularly experts or popular public figures like Shakespeare, etc. It could be something you formed like the one in the example above.
Writers use quotation hooks to introduce a powerful idea. While quoting other people, do well to cite your sources accurately. Also, remember to enclose them in quotation marks.
Anecdotes are short accounts of a interesting real-life event. My favourite style is infusing humour into it. Check this out.
| Figure 3 |  |
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Before writing your anecdote, think about the fact of the story.
i. Does it appeal to any of the 5 human senses?
ii. Is it relevant to your prompt?
iii. Would it compel your audience to keep reading?
If you have 3 YESES, then you can proceed to the next phase.
| Figure 4 |  |
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Strong statements or declarative sentences are my go-to hooks. They are easy to craft. You just need to think of the problem or issue related to the topic. Then present your thoughts in active voice.
The active voice makes your sentences concise and easy to understand. You could try this and share what you came up with in the comment section.
Back in secondary school, I enjoyed starting my assignments and essays with fascinating statistics. This gave me credibility and rose me to the rank of a nerd.
Now, back to the post.
Statistics make your post more convincing. Remember to quote from a reliable source.
Before I close my tab, there are some common misconceptions I would love to address.
- A hook is not a clickbait.
- It does not give fake promises or false hopes.
If you have stayed glued to this point, I hope you found this helpful.
Imagine you were the author of this post, what hook(s) would you have used to keep your readers captivated? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I wish you all the best in your Steemit writing journey.