This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MSU chapter.

Connect with your audience.

People are more likely to share things that are about themselves or pertain to them. By sharing certain posts or stories we show others what we believe in, love or identify with.

Example: “30 Signs You’re From Michigan” and “An Open Letter To My Person”

Be positive!

People are more likely to share things that evoke a positive emotional response from them. Something that inspires or surprises them in a happy way is what most people will share.

Example: Viral cat videos

Don’t exclude any of your audience.

Since the majority of our audience is female, we often cater specifically to that demographic. Try switching it up by also catering to the male audience in different stories. When we pick a topic that’s only specific to one audience, we miss out on a whole demographic.

Example: When writing an article about feminism, include both quotes from men and women.

Share, Share, Share!

Share on all platforms: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and even Tumblr. The more places that you post it that increases the chances of someone seeing it and sharing it with others. Use hashtags on twitter, tag relevant things, tag friends who you wrote it about or who you think would enjoy reading it. Ask family and friends to share, but PLEASE DON’T LOOK DESPERATE. DO NOT WRITE: “Please share my post.” Try saying something like everyone should go check out my latest article! Be suggestive not pressuring! You never know when the right person could share it and then it could catch fire.

Think of an attention grabbing title.

When scrolling through Facebook, if we don’t see something that is eye-catching we will most likely avoid reading it altogether. Get creative with your headlines and titles.

Example: Instead of saying “21 Reasons Why She’s My Best Friend,” try saying: “21 Reasons Why I Couldn’t Live Without Her”

Include a thoughtful photo.

Photos and words go hand in hand. Be specific and picky when choosing a cover photo; along with the title, this will be one way for the audience’s attention to be spiked when scrolling through social media or through the site. Choose a high quality photo that pertains to what your story is about. Sometimes a great cover photo can be a photo that you take yourself or includes you and your friends. People enjoy personality.

RECAP: How to Make Your Story Go Viral