So how do you actually go about helping readers find your story? These are all the things I did, and I know they'll work for you.

Number One - Write and post your very best work! 

I said it before, but this is the most important part of the 'work' you need to do. Write to the best of your ability and never stop trying to improve. You can promote all you want, but if your story isn't written to the very best of your ability, it's not going to make a bit of difference.

If you feel you need extra help, there are Wattpadders who offer their services as editors, and even offer critiques. You can find them in special advertising threads in the Story Services club. (Details for how to find the clubs are in the last chapter.)

There are also a whole bunch of books on Wattpad that cover the basics of writing - grammar, sentence structure, editing, how to write fiction. Do a search in the Discover section to look for whatever help you're needing. You can use the '#' in front of any word to search for those tags. Each tag you add to your search will narrow down the choices presented to you. I also have a reading list called 'Read These for Wattpad Success' that has quite a few of them.

As your writing skills improve, you may notice your earlier chapters don't look so good. You can see where things could be worded better, you notice the spelling and grammar mistakes, maybe something is missing. Don't hesitate to go back and edit those early chapters. I've reviewed and edited my chapters numerous times. Remember, when someone stumbles onto your story, you want it to be the very best it can be.

Two - Advertise.

You can advertise is by using the 'Share' buttons on your story or chapters. They allow you to share it via Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, etc. That function is there to help you promote your story, and you should be sure to use it. The idea is to get the word out to as many people as possible.

Three - Add tags to your story. 

The majority of Wattpad's users are app only users who never visit the website. How do they find stories to read? Some are suggested to them by Wattpad, the 'Recommended Stories'. Some are the featured stories or stories from the hot list, and the rest are found using the Discover section. When they do a search, they're entering key words, or tags.

Tags have never been so important as a tool for readers to find your story as they are now that stories have one genre. Those tags should be your sub-genres as well as key words that let readers know what kind of story you've written. You can add tags while editing a story in the Create section on the website. On the app, touch the pencil icon at the bottom of the screen to edit the story. Then choose the tags section to add or change them. The tags you use should be a good identifier, but not so obscure that you're the only one using it.

You can also check the trending tags by hovering your mouse over the 'Discover' word in the orange bar on the website. If there are any that apply to your story, be sure to add them. When I first joined Wattpad, I actually read quite a few stories by searching for tags that matched ones I'd used for my own story. So you never know who might be reading or why!

Four - Reach out to current or potential readers.

I've already discussed some ways to reach out to readers, the ones who vote or comment on your story, but there are other people you can reach out to that may or may not be readers.

People who add your story to their reading list.

Every time someone adds your story to their reading list, it shows up in your Notifications. You should always take the opportunity to thank them and tell them you hope they enjoy it. Make the message as personal as you can so they know you really do care. It might just make them decide to take a look and then start reading right now. 

Check the title of the reading list they added it to. If it's called, 'Books I Love', they've just let you know they're one of your silent readers. Be sure to thank them for reading.

People who follow you

Sometimes it's obvious why a person has just followed you. They're already voting or commenting on your story, they've just made friends with you, or perhaps they've just followed you out of the blue. They could be a random person, or they could be one of your silent readers. In any case, you should always be sure to thank them. When you do, be sure to mention your stories by name. You never know. If it's some random person, they might be intrigued enough by a title to take a look.

Should you follow them back as part of your thank you?

I often get asked about whether you should automatically do a 'follow back', or do it if the person who has followed you asks for it. My answer is always this - There are two reasons why.

1) If you follow a whole bunch of random people, your news feed becomes so cluttered, you can't see what the really important people to you are saying or reading, and that's a real loss.

One thing you should never do? Spam random people, begging them to read your story.

Whether done on someone's message board or via pm, it comes across as desperate and it's really not welcome by the majority of people you're spamming. Do you really want to take a chance that you might have just permanently turned off someone who, if they were to stumble onto your story on their own, they might have decided to read it? If enough people complain about your spamming, you may get a warning from an ambassador or employee of Wattpad asking you to stop. 

If someone has written on their profile that they welcome story suggestions or are open to reading requests, then it's okay, but please be polite and check first. 

Most importantly, never ask people to read your story or post a link to it as a comment in another person's story. That kind of spamming is actually not allowed under Wattpad's Terms of Use.

In all my time here on Wattpad, I've never approached someone out of the blue and asked them to read my story. I've never felt I needed to. And even though I specifically state on my profile IN BIG BOLD CAP LETTERS WITH STARS ALL AROUND THAT I AM NOT OPEN FOR READING REQUESTS, I still get spammed. Believe me, it's just not a good idea.

There are enough terrific ways for you to get feedback even if you don't have very many readers without you having to resort to those methods. There are a lot of people willing to give you a critique (usually in exchange for you giving them a critique) and there are people looking for writing buddies (two people helping each other out with their writing. You can find them by searching for them using search engine since most use a Wattpad story to advertise their services.

Five - Join a book club.

Yes, there are book clubs on Wattpad! I've belonged to a few, and I have received some really good feedback, plus had members become readers. I've also read some terrific books I would never have found otherwise, and recommended them to others. And I've made friends along the way. It's an all around really good idea!

It's never been easier to find one than it is right now. You can search for it using the search engine since most book clubs are run out of stories on people's profiles. But! Before you take this step, please be realistic with yourself about how much you can handle. Don't join a bunch of book clubs, and then realize you don't have time to follow through with the commitment. And definitely don't bail the minute your book has been read. Not only do you risk making people mad enough to delete all their comments from your story, you'll leave a very bad impression. People won't forget. 

If you do find you've overcommited for some unforeseen reason, do the responsible thing and let everyone know right away. Most likely, they will be extremely forgiving. If you have limited time, I recommend looking for a critic instead since the commitment is usually just one chapter.

Six - Be an active member of the community. 

Read, vote, and comment on other people's stories. If you see someone who needs help, offer assistance. Make friends with other authors, especially those who are writing the same type of story you are and have the same number of reads. They're just as eager for feedback and encouragement as you are, and they will often become your very best, and most devoted readers. You can commiserate with them through the tough times, and celebrate all the goals and accomplishments each of you reach.

Try entering a writing contest. There are writing contests going on all the time, some sponsored or run by Wattpad, and some user run. Not only is it a good idea because it helps you improve your writing skills, it gives you exposure in the community. Many participants read each others works, and offer words of encouragement. You might even make some friends! You can do a search in the discover section for books titled 'Contest' or 'Contests' since they are usually run in stories.

Putting yourself out there really does make a big difference in helping people find your story.

As I said before, I didn't set out to be Wattpad famous, I just had a story I wanted to share with as many people as possible - and through all my hard work, it happened. All of my friends who have achieved success like mine, or even far greater success than me, did exactly the same things. They focused on their writing and reached out in whatever way they could to help readers find their story. 

And that's probably the biggest message I have for you. 

If you're looking to be famous, I'm not sure it's going to happen, and I definitely can't help you. But if you have a story to share, realistic goals, and a willingness to work hard, with time, I think you'll be more than happy with what comes your way.

I really hope this guide has helped you. One last thing before you go. On my profile is a reading list called Read These For Wattpad Success! You can find many guides that are filled with great tips and advice about Wattpad and how to improve your writing. Also, Wattpad has created a Writer's Portal with lots of information and links. You can find it at https://www.wattpad.com/writers/

I wish all of you much luck and happy writing!

<>Dedicated to Jewel1307 - Thanks for being a great Wattpad ambassador and mentor.<>

** Author's Note 6/6/14 **

When I decided to write this guide back in February of 2014, I never expected anyone would read it except for the people who encountered me while I was doing my ambassador duties and asked for my advice. I've been completely surprised and delighted at the positive response it's received. Hearing that so many have found what I wrote helpful, and have even come back to say my tips actually worked for them, has been wonderful and heartwarming.

But a side effect of having such a great response is that I'm now far busier thanking everyone who's added this guide to their library, voted, or commented than I was when I responded to each person who'd asked for my advice. As a result, I'm finding it difficult to keep up with my ambassador duties, writing, editing, and keeping in touch with my readers. I hate writing a guide saying 'Do all these things! They really work!' and then not do them, but I no longer have a choice. 

So... If you've decided to follow me, added this guide to your library, or read, commented or voted on any of the chapters, THANK YOU! I really do appreciate it and I hope you find what I've written helpful!

Cheers!

Katherine