10 strange psychological triggers that make your readers obsessively read and share your content
It took me years to realise that much of good writing requires you to understand what makes people tick.
You do this, not to manipulate people into reading your crap, but to increase the odds that more people will benefit from what you write.
Here are some psychological tips I picked up over the years that you can employ in your next article:
1. The incomplete loop.
The ‘Zeigarnik Effect’ starts a story or idea to create tension before resolving it later in the piece.
You can, for example, begin your article with: ‘I learned something that changed everything about how I write…’ then don’t reveal what it was until further into the piece.
The human brain obsessively holds onto unfinished business.
2. The confession trigger.
Sharing something slightly embarrassing or contrarian makes readers feel like they’re getting insider access.
Admit to using ‘manipulative’ tactics, being jealous of competitors, or having impostor syndrome.
When you reveal what others hide, readers feel special and trusted… and they trust you more to read on.
3. The pattern interrupt.
Break expected formats or say something that goes against conventional wisdom in your niche.
Instead of saying ‘how to build an audience,’ try ‘Why building an audience first is killing your business.’
Surprise disrupts autopilot reading and forces the reader to engage actively.
4. ‘How I,’ not ‘How to.’
Readers respond well to your demonstrations of what has — and has not — worked for you.
You’re the guinea pig showing us how YOU do things, rather than taking a more preachy stance and telling us what to do (Yes, I am very guilty of this).
People don’t love being told what to do, especially when you haven’t demonstrated why you’re in a position to do this confidently.
5. The authority reversal.
Question or challenge respected figures or ideas in your field (can be done respectfully).
Point out flaws in popular advice or explain why celebrated ‘gurus’ might be wrong about something. Ooh, now that will grab attention.
Readers love content that gives them permission to think differently from the crowd.
6. The future self appeal.
Help readers visualise who they could become rather than just what they could achieve.
Don’t just promise ‘more followers.’ Paint a picture of them as someone who commands respect, influences conversations, or builds something meaningful.
Focus on showing what a new identity looks and feels like. Identity change is more compelling than outcome change.