Build a product that readers really need, not just one that is nice to have. Once readers start regularly and habitually interacting with your content, it becomes an indispensable part of their routine. Building reader habits could involve releasing your content at the same time every day, or releasing certain types of content on specific days. In this way, the reader anticipates your content and comes back each time to read more.
Some digital publishers also employ variable rewards to create long term habits in readers. Akin to a slot machine, users can start to crave the thrill of ‘pulling the lever’ or doing a certain action on your site to see what gift they will get. For example, you could offer a free daily podcast download that’s only accessible once a user clicks a button on your site. Users won’t know what the podcast will be until they click the button, but the sense of reward can be incredibly addicting, and keep them coming back day after day.