Your newsletter’s got a lot in common with a sixth grade dance. (Gee, I must’ve really enjoyed those dances, this is my second time using them in recent months ;-).)

Everyone clusters around the outer edges, no one really talking, absolutely NO dancing, maybe a few people drinking punch, but mostly, everyone looking pretty darn awkward.

Just like at those dances, your readers (to a certain extent) are trying to be invisible. They don’t really want you to know they’re there–they don’t like the idea of your tracking their click-thrus or registering their opens.

Face it, readers are wallflowers.

So, how do you get them out there, mixing and mingling, making friends and chitchatting?

These are five ways to fully engage readers so you won’t ever again see them all lined up against the walls like sixth graders.

1. Ask for something.

You might ask readers for feedback, that they forward the newsletter to a friend, or that they offer you some advice. Most everyone likes to be helpful, and as long as the investment’s small, you’ll find your readers eager to chip in.

Just make sure your “ask” is really specific. And, don’t ask readers for a long list of things. You’ll only confuse them and wind up with many of them still glued to the wall.

2. Don’t push.

Think back to those sixth grade dances. Everyone was uncomfortable enough, but imagine you’re there and your MOM is chaperoning.

She’s standing right by your side, pushing you to ask this kid to dance, or to go over and talk to that one. Suddenly, you’re mortified, right? Same with your readers. If you force them to take action, they’ll take a step right off the deep end of discomfort.

3. Offer them something.

Whether this is something for sale, a gift, or a bit of a tip. Your newsletter should be about an exchange–you give something, they give something. So, offer readers discounts, presents, helpful information, and they’ll pull themselves away from the wall.

Try to balance out your offers. Sometimes, offer readers a special discount, others offer them a gift. You want to avoid the trap of always offering the same thing to appeal to a wider number of readers.

4. Provide guidelines.

Remember those sixth graders again–they’re disaster-scenario-experts. If you go and ask someone to dance, they won’t just say no… Rather, they’ll haul off and slap you, tell all their friends, and get you expelled!

Your readers have a similar disaster-orientation. They’re looking at the worst thing that could possibly happen next. Reassure them by making it really clear what will, and WON’T happen.

5. Get out and dance yourself.

Remember at those dances, things were really only awkward until people started dancing. So, get out there and dance!

When you’re having fun with your topic, asking questions that are enjoyable to answer, and just plain having a blast, readers will clamor to join you. So, remember to find ways to really enjoy your topic and your audience!

With these five guidelines in mind, you’ll find your dances with readers are a lot more fun! You’ll have those readers off the walls and on the dance floor in no time.