WRITER’S STORIES
The core principles of engagement remain the same: deliver value, invoke curiosity, and foster interaction.
As someone deeply involved in the intersection of technology and communication, I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my career to understanding how digital platforms can enhance interaction and engagement.
My journey as an academic and now a CEO specializing in IoT has taught me the nuances of capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention.
Today, I want to share my insights tailored explicitly to writers on Medium, focusing on how you can get readers to not just click on your articles but stay engaged beyond the crucial 30-second mark.
Understanding the Medium Landscape
Medium is a platform rich with diverse content and an equally varied audience.
To capture the attention of these readers, it’s essential to understand the platform’s core mechanics.
Medium measures engagement through ‘reads,’ not just clicks, which means a reader has to stay on your page for a significant amount of time, usually over 30 seconds, for a visit to count as a read.
Achieving this isn’t just about improving your earnings; it’s about making a meaningful impact with your content.
Selecting a Topic
Choosing the right topic is your first critical decision.
It must resonate with a broad audience unless you target a specific niche.
As Mazlan Abbas, I often draw from my experiences in IoT and smart city innovations.
However, when I write, I aim to find a universal angle – perhaps focusing on how technology can improve everyday life, which appeals to a broader audience.
The goal is to find a topic that interests you and will spark curiosity among your readers.
Crafting the Headline
Your headline is your first impression.
Make it count.
It should be intriguing enough to draw readers in and reflective of the content they’re about to read.
Avoid clickbait.
Today’s readers are savvy and can feel betrayed by headlines that don’t deliver, leading them to bounce quickly off the page.
Engaging Introductions
The opening of your article should immediately engage the reader.
I like to start with a personal anecdote or an insightful observation that sets the tone for the discussion.
This approach humanizes the content and establishes a connection with the reader.
Here’s how I might begin an article on IoT:
“Last week, as I walked along the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, I was struck by the seamless interaction between diverse IoT applications and urban life. Integrating technology and daily activities is no longer futuristic – it’s our reality.”
Delivering Value Through Content
Once you’ve hooked your readers, the challenge is to keep them.
This is where the quality of your content plays a vital role.
It should be informative, well-researched, and, most importantly, offer a new perspective.
Even in fields as complex as telecommunications or IoT, the key is simplifying concepts without dumbing them down.
Ask yourself, “What new information or perspective am I offering?” This is what will keep your readers engaged.
Personal Opinions and Authentic Voice
People connect with people, not just words on a screen.
Sharing your personal opinions can make your articles more relatable.
However, remember to use facts and experiences to maintain credibility.
Encouraging dialogue by addressing potential counterpoints can also increase engagement, as readers may stick around to ponder their views or craft a response.
Interactive Conclusions
Ending your article with a question or a call to action can be effective.
It invites readers to reflect on the topic and engage directly by leaving comments.
This increases the time they spend on your article and builds a community around your work.
For example, after discussing the impact of IoT on urban living, I might conclude with, “How do you see IoT technology playing a role in your city? Are there areas in your daily life where it could be beneficial?”
Continual Learning and Adaptation
Lastly, engaging readers is an ongoing learning experience.
Use the analytics tools provided by Medium to see what works and what doesn’t.
Which articles have higher engagement?
What topics resonate most with your audience?
Based on this feedback, adapt and refine your strategies.
By following these strategies, you can significantly increase the time readers spend on your articles on Medium.
Remember, the goal is not just to get readers but to make an impact, to share knowledge, and to initiate conversations that matter.
As a technologist and an academic, I’ve learned that whether it’s through IoT or interactive articles, the core principles of engagement remain the same: deliver value, invoke curiosity, and foster interaction.
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Dr. Mazlan Abbas 