How to Make Your Readers Fall In Love With You

This was embarrassing. It was my first date after a devastating breakup.

This guy (we'll call him "Pete") was an actor in an LA professional writers' group I was in. We had crazy chemistry, but our fun flirtations were mostly onstage while reading screenplay pages. 

On our movie date night, things quickly spiraled. A few minutes into the previews, Pete turned to me and said, "What's that smell?!" I stared at him, confused. 

He sighed in disgust and repeated louder, "Do you smell it?"

The couple in front of us spun around, glaring.

I shook my head. I smelled nothing. 

"You can't smell it?! Ugh!”

The couple turned again, frustrated.

I slumped down in my seat. My whole body tensed up. OMG, what's happening?

Over the next two and a half hours, he made us move seats...four times. The "smell" never entirely went away for him. 

Walking out of the theatre, he said: "Sorry. I have an ultra-sensitive nose." 

The red-hot chemistry bubbling up between us for months fizzled out fast. When Pete moved in for the goodnight kiss, I backed off, making some lame excuse. 

So, why am I telling you this mortifying date tale? Because...

When it comes to your writing, are you attracting your ideal reader? Or are you turning them off? 

Like a first date, your writing is an opportunity to make a memorable impression and connect with your readers on a deeper level. Here are several "first date strategies" to help your readers fall in love with you. You can use these for book writing, blogs, podcast episodes, or social media posts.  

•     Make an excellent first impression. You always want to put your best foot forward on a first date, right? Similarly, the first lines of anything you write should grab your reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. Make it impossible for them to put your book down, click off your blog, or scroll to the next post. Hook them with a compelling or funny story, anecdote, statement, or statistic.

•     Share personal stories and experiences. In the "getting to know you" dating phase, share personal experiences, emotions, and insights to help your readers connect with you. When you open up, share your truth, and show vulnerability, you create a deeper bond. 

Was it hard to share my "date gone wrong" story? Heck yes. Could you relate? Probably. 

•     Get to know them better. You may think you know your audience (like I thought I knew Dave), but do you? When was the last time you connected with them? Or have you lost touch? Or ghosted them altogether? 

Whether it's hopping on a call, asking readers to reply to a question, or encouraging them to share their thoughts, take time to understand your readers' interests, pain points, and desires. It'll help you speak to their needs (and show that you genuinely care).

•     Engage in meaningful conversations. On a first date, you talk about things you love and what's important to you. Why not do the same with your writing? Explore themes and topics that your readers are passionate about. Spark their curiosity and ignite conversations that matter. 

•     Leaving a lasting impression. A great first date leaves a lasting impression on you both. Similarly, a well-written book, blog, or newsletter can stay with readers long after reading. Make it an unforgettable experience that lingers in their hearts and minds. End with a strong statement, question, or call to action.

Like a first date, your writing is a chance to create a meaningful connection with your readers. Have heart-to-heart conversations with them, share stories, and leave a lasting impression. 

Hit “reply” and tell me which writing tip is your fav. I’d love to know.

Happy writing!📚❤️