1. Title has to connect with me
2. Author Reputation
3. Font size 14+ and a pleasing layout to the eye.
4. Content has to keep me
5. Graffics
6. Time to do so

It's a combination of things that influences my reading.  I tend to focus on those I follow so that's a big factor which likely includes their past work.  Reciprocation often plays a part.  For those looking to gain attention for the first time a catchy title or an interesting topic(could be new, a different take or something current).  

title ...... content ..... author .......

I'm a sucker for a funny title. Hook me line & sinker.

The title is the curb appeal so unless you know the person really well and their voice resonates with you, you may not get past the title. But the title is not enough. Again it has to do with the voice of the person. There are some people whose energy comes through so powerfully that they could leave the title blank and I would still want to know what they have to say.

I also really hate clipart run of the mill graphics. Show me something that takes my breath away I don't care if it's unconventional. I will like you even better.

• A catchy title will call to me, but especially if I know the poster, by reputation (having read him/her before).

• Interesting content to carry me through the entire post

I think the title catches my eye. Who wrote it will affect how quick i click on it. However how the blog is written and what it says will either keep my attention, or make me click on. I tend to check my favorite bloggers first the read the blog reel. However the serial bloggers who post 25 plus blogs at a time really mess that up for all of us

I'm beyond being influenced to read and participate in this community spending time reading and commenting on posts.

With the absence of any AR leaders providing any indication that they care about the community and its members ... my heart is just not into it anymore. 

If I see a member's post that I know and like, and I have the time, I will comment.  I treasure all of the people and connections I've made here over the years ... truly a priceless gift.  

I rarely go outside of those who I follow.  The reason I do follow them, is that their content is what I like and want to read.  

ATTRACTED TO:

1. Subject matter

2. If it gets right to the point (opening words)

3. Motive or point

4. Author

MY TAKE-AWAYS:

1. Razzle-dazzle or hype

2. Too long

3. Selling or pitching

4. Graphics that hypnotize and distract

5. Motive

Yes, all of the above. The title and author get me to open it up, and the content, graphics (and spacing/font size) get me to read.

I have certain people I follow regularly and visit daily.

Title and first image.   You have one second, maybe two, to capture my attention.  The opening remarks  will determine whether I read it to the end. 

The MOST influential force that compels me to read any post is the points I receive for commenting on the post. THEREFORE I read posts by authors I'm familiar with that I know will give me an opportunity to respond to their posts such as Wayne Martin 's trivia and James Dray 's "The Rest of the Story". Other excellent posts to comment on are Ron and Alexandra Seigel and Will Hamm to name a few.

That being said, and as I've said before, I'm spending much less time here sense you took the points away from Q&A. We are not paid to be here so the only reward I see in being here is the points... which you have now taken away.

Sometimes it's the content while other times it is the appearance or title but mostly it's the person

The title and content grab me first, typically, but the author has a big influence, especially when the title is not necessarily catchy. It also depends on how much time I have.

Title has to be something I'm interested in opening up.

Pretty similar to what Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor e-Pro, CRS, RCS-D, Vets said.
An intriguing title
Easy to read: Font size and no wall of words
Opening Content to keep me reading
Time is definitely a factor

I like to spread it around and concentrate on posts that others are ignoring.

The title always catches my eye but there has to be more. There are members here I can count on to post something interesting that I want to read. If someone is a repeat copy and paster then I don't even open the post anymore. 

I rarely stop and read smaller than size 14 fonts or wall of word posts because there are other posts I can read. 

ARMS.

All of the above that you mentioned.    New content rather than recycling the same old thing.  Personally, I dislike small fonts and what I would call messy looking and unappealing (long paragraphs), out of focus photos, and content that emphasizes the fact that they don't know what they are talking about!  A

title, authors rrelationship to me.  Interest in topic.

The question needs to be broken down in order to discover anything actionable.

The question contains reference to a loyalty component and attracting the first time reader. Confusing these two creates a true  mixed message.

Then there exists the PILLAR post that anchors authority with the search engines.  That determines which first time reader actually gets a opportunity to read. 

Reality may be this question only pertains to those on AR.  In that case, the actual triggers are easily tested...real time.  That means what attracts real estate agent to read posts by other real estate agents. Be aware of the selection bias any conclusion presents.

I see most of the posts I read when I reciprocate with comments. 

A title of interest will get my attention.

A little of all - plus those I follow. If I run across a post that has tiny font and/or not enough white space or is in colored font, I'm out - especially with the colored font. My eyes can't take it! 

A little of each of the above plus at least a 14 font size with lots of white space. No one want to get a headache trying to read tiny fonts in one run on paragraph.

The title can draw me in but if the content doesn't deliver what the title promises, I usually move on. If it's written by someone I know or follow, the odds of me reading it improve dramatically. Graphics are nice as long as they are relevant.

You didn't ask this but there is one thing that will guarantee I don't read a person's posts...there are certain people on AR who write the minimum 50 words then put a link to their website or personal outside blog that says "Click here to read the rest of this article".  I consider that click bait and refuse to click those links no matter how compelling the content might be. 

From the start I found interesting titles.  Then I developed interesting people I follow.  Now for me to read a new person's stuff they generally have to have left a thoughtful comment ( that leads me to their profile and blog ) on a post I'm already reading.  I've found many great friends using this method of them having left a great comment on a post I was already reading.

What Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor e-Pro, CRS, RCS-D, Vets said... he took the words right out of my keyboard!

Although I would add that at some point reciprocation also factors in... if I'm always reading and commenting on someone's blog and they don't return the courtesy I stop doing so.

Catchy title often does it, but my experience with the author is probably more important.

Graphics are essential.

I believe its a combination of catchy title plus appealing graphics and relateable content.

On AR - Usually the Title.

In other social media - The Title, topic, or valuing the reputation of the person who shared it.