We spend a lot of time trying to please our readers.
We want them to like us. We want them to like what we publish.
We don’t want to upset or offend them.
That all sounds good…but the net result can result in a somewhat bland and vanilla experience. Sure, you’re delivering quality information, but the relationship between you and your readers is wholly passive.
Maybe, just from time to time, you could offer up a challenge.
I’m not talking about insulting or offending your readers. But maybe just shake things up a little.
Here are a couple of before and after examples:
Before:
Enjoy Fair Trade coffees from small, estate plantations in Kenya.
After:
Make a difference by buying Kenya Fair Trade coffee. Every time you do, it puts more money into the hands of small farmers.
Before:
Use less plastic by storing food in glass or ceramic containers.
After:
Did you know that storing food in plastic containers can damage your children’s health?
There is nothing dramatic there. But in both cases I am putting the reader on the spot.
There is a bit of a challenge there.
You are no longer simply being a passive editor, but are also hinting at your own, personal position and feelings.
You don’t have to create every page like this, but try challenging your readers from time to time, and see how they respond.
