As the title says how can the writer increase the reader engagement with the story so that the author does not feel like they are casting a story into the water that is the internet wondering when or if they might get the metaphorical bite. Yes, I know there is the view count but that also counts as engagement as you need the view to get the like or favorite (not options here but they exist elsewhere). Then of course there is the be all and end all of engagement, the sometimes elusive comment.
So I guess the first question is what can you do in the title to increase the chance that a person will click on and at least give the story a chance.
Then the second is, what can an author do to encourage readers to leave a comment. I know youtubers will often ask in the video to like comment or subscribe. Does the translate to the written media, or is there something else that could be done. If such a thing is even possible.