How to Keep Your Reader’s Attention Using “Grab Words”

May 15th, 2009 / Blog Writing Tips, Blogging Tips

reader attention I have a secret – this post is going to be loaded with grab words. You might be wondering what exactly a “grab word” is. That’s perfectly okay, because you’re going to learn not only what a grab word is, but also what it does for your content and your blog.

But wait, there’s more! I’m also going to give you a list of grab words you can use to generate interest on your blog, to engage your readers!

What is a “Grab Word”?

A “grab word” is a word that grabs the reader’s attention. Words such as “attention, free, money, sex, radical, new.” There are tons and tons of grab words that you can use to enhance your content. The best part? Your readers won’t even know or care that you’re using specific words to make them listen! If you use them correctly, your content will have more personality and your readers will love you for it.

Grab words work because they change the dynamic of the content. Instead of phrasing your articles around yourself and your knowledge, you’re phrasing the article around the reader and what he or she wants to hear, learn, or experience. Grab words form a strong connection with the reader, and in turn, suck them into your content so you can deliver the primary message.

7 Examples of Grab Words

Are you ready? Let me give you some examples of grab words you can start working into your blog posts. I’m going to share something with you – there are hundreds of grab words and, yes, grab “phrases” that you can use on your blog to raise interest. However, let’s start with a few basics:

Listen Up!
Free!
New
Coming Soon!
That’s not all…
I have a secret…
Transform

How to Use Grab Words

The premise is simple. Go about writing your blog post as usual, and every here or there, insert a phrase specifically for attention. Instead of saying “I’d like to talk about…” say “let me tell you about” or “you might be wondering“. This will draw your readers in more, because you’re making the sentence about them!

Quite frankly, you could throw a grab word in every sentence if you wanted. Ultimately it’s up to you where you place these words, but simply trying to work them into your sentences will improve your familiarity with them, and transform your content into must-read material for your blog’s readership. One little suggestion is to use grab words to create suspense.

It’s easy to take your content from mundane to awe-inspiring with just the usage of a few simple words! Imagine the possibilities creating customer grabbing content will deliver you. By utilizing some of these phrases, you can make your content flow, draw readers’ eyes down the page, and ultimately sell them on your idea. It’s that easy!

Photo credits to propter

This article has 9 comments

Shyam
May 17th, 2009

Great post Nice way to grab attention of people you blog. hope this tips & tricks work on my blog. Thanks & have a nice day.
Jennifer
May 19th, 2009

I assume “you” is your #1 grab word?
Alex, Blogsessive
May 19th, 2009

Jennifer, what can I say. It makes everything more personal. After all, all this content is indeed for YOU.
DoFollow SEO Blog
May 19th, 2009

I’m always trying to use grab words when I post articles.

When I do find what works with keywords – I expand.

Thanks for the additional information.
wayangtimes
May 22nd, 2009

hey nice articles here. thanks for the effort. i’m reading ur site to improve my blogging over at my sexier Wayang Times :p

btw, i’d like to add an additional “grab” word: Leaked!
Ezuca
October 7th, 2009

I guess there is something “grabby” in this site because I have just read 5 straight articles in this site now, and still reading for more. By the way, thanks a LOT! =)
Ed Martin
November 10th, 2009

I like your suggestion to keep writing like you normally do but seed in some grab words. It really does change the copy.
annelisa
September 26th, 2011

Okay! So I’m doing this demonstration for Root beer floats. I’m a Sophomore and quite frankly don’t know how to “Capture” someones attention. I’ve tried turning it into a story like, “Ever get the craving of Ice cream? But feel that it won’t satisfy your thirst? Why not make yourself a Rootbeer Float. It’s quick & easy! It’ll satify your belly like no other!” But, I guess I wasn’t putting that into much of a “Caption”. Help!
Randy
November 9th, 2012

I think “grab” words change with time. For a long time now, when writing poetry, I use a word pot, that I fill with words from headlines that draw my attention before the meaning sinks in.
Some words though have always worked for me though. In attempting to find their commonality, I realized the words that have phonetic gutterals in thier makeup, make a soft a sound, and are 1 syllable work best for me. Crack! Smack! Get back! Black! for example, just demand to be read.