The Art of Hooking Readers—A Tactic Nobody Talks About

The Secret to Grabbing Readers? It’s Not What You Think

articles that hook the reader

Everyone tells you to ask a question, shock with a statement, or start with a story.

While these work, they’ve become predictable. If your hook feels like something they’ve read a hundred times before, your article is already fighting for attention.

What if we flipped the script? Let’s dive into uncommon strategies that make readers stop, lean in, and crave your next sentence.

1. Speak Directly to the Reader’s Inner Dialogue

Most people come to Medium with questions running through their minds:

For example:

• “How do I fix this problem?”

• “Why can’t I stop procrastinating?”

• “Is this article worth my time?”

Your hook should mirror their thoughts, so they feel like you’re reading their mind.

• Example: “You’re probably wondering if this article is going to be just another fluff piece. It’s not.”

Why it works: When you verbalize what the reader is already thinking, you instantly build trust and intrigue.

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2. Break the Fourth Wall

Medium is full of polished, structured articles. Be the writer who makes it personal—who talks directly to the reader as if they’re sitting across from you.

• Example: “Listen, I know you’ve read a million ‘how to write better’ articles, but this one is different. Here’s why.”

Why it works: Dropping the formal tone surprises readers. It feels raw, human, and conversational—something they don’t expect.