# Balancing Your Audience: Engaging Return Readers and Newcomers
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Chapter 1: Understanding Your Audience
In the realm of Medium, writers must cater to both loyal followers and new readers. Establishing solid relationships is essential, as audiences should perceive value in your work, creating a rewarding exchange for both parties.
It's not merely a choice between attracting new readers or keeping existing ones. The best strategy is to strike a balance, with a slight emphasis on nurturing your returning audience.
Return readers are already engaged with your content, so your primary goal should be ensuring their continued interest.
Get Personal
Once you've garnered your first 100 followers, it's important to consider how to captivate your audience and encourage them to return. A personal touch can be particularly effective; writing about topics that ignite your passion often resonates with readers. This personalized approach increases the likelihood that they will revisit your articles.
Incentives
While some may find the idea of offering incentives unappealing, trends like #FollowforFollow or #100Followers have gained traction among many writers. These practices are now part of the emerging Medium Loyalty Program (note that this isn't a partnership program).
Yet, what behaviors are we encouraging with these tactics? Following others merely to qualify for partnership isn't the ideal goal. Shouldn't we celebrate more meaningful actions, such as engaging social media posts, subscriptions, reviews, or claps? Are the rewards truly worth the effort?
Demonstrate That You Care
Engaging with your readers is another way to foster personal connections. Responding to feedback and leveraging your community can keep your name fresh in their minds, even though it doesn't guarantee return visits.
As a novice writer, I constantly strive to improve. I take extensive notes on effective practices, such as:
- Welcome Emails: Many publications excel at onboarding new writers, providing introductions, core values, and guidelines. The effort put into these resources reflects a high level of professionalism.
- Thank You Notes: I've received countless rejection letters, yet they always include a note of gratitude. A simple acknowledgment, like, “Thank you for submitting to... however, we find this article does not meet...” speaks volumes about the publication's respect for the writer.
Keeping Content Fresh
To keep your returning audience engaged, it's crucial to offer fresh material. Varying your content ensures that readers have new experiences to explore.
Key Message:
Your time is the most valuable commodity you offer as a reader. For a writer, nothing feels better than seeing a familiar name return. It serves as validation that you're making an impact. Convincing someone that your work deserves their attention is no small feat, and I genuinely appreciate the time you invest in reading.
Chapter 2: Engaging with Your Community
In this video, Ian Goldin discusses the potential for a better future, shedding light on the importance of engaging with our communities and the world around us.
Maintaining a connection with your audience is key. By understanding their needs and interests, you can create content that resonates, ensuring they keep coming back for more.