How to Write for 2025
Want people to read your content in 2025? Punch ‘em in the face.
Figuratively, of course. And there’s one critical question that will help you stand out in a sea of “Pick Me!”
Why should they care?
In this post, I’ll give you some tried and true ways to slap readers awake using buyer psychology. Oh, and stick with me until the end for a copywriting pro tip.
Alright…let’s dive in!
Effective storytelling in a new world
It’s official. The internet has rewired our brains. Sure, attention spans are shorter, but something else is happening—people are defensively tuning out.
With the avalanche of messages we receive all day/every day, ignoring the noise has become a bit of a survival skill.
We’ve all heard that stories sell, and that’s true. Numerous studies have proven that storytelling is the most effective way for people to understand AND retain new information.
BUT…
The way we tell a story has fundamentally changed. Gone are the days of the long-winded setups, backstories, and character development.
Nowadays, you gotta drop them straight into the action, giving **juuuuuust** enough information to let them know how your story will benefit them.
It’s a goldilocks scenario. Tell them everything up front and they have no reason to keep reading. Not enough, and they’ll tune you out.
You also need to offer **juuuuust** enough context or backstory for them to UNDERSTAND the value. But not too much, or they’ll get frustrated from information overload.
A brilliant example is The Perfect Couple starring Nicole Kidman. In this whodunnit with a twist, each episode sends you down a different rabbit trail as you try to figure out the killer. You’re strung along in mild frustration, with more questions than answers, until BOOM, you get a major piece of the puzzle in the last 5 minutes that hooks you for the next episode.
I know, I know…
You’re not writing a screenplay. You’re trying to create content for your business that will help you connect with your ideal customers and convince them to buy your stuff.
But take note: They have to CARE before they can convert.
In order to do that, you have to spark CURIOUSTY with your content. So, what can you steal from Hollywood to make sure your content actually lands?
Four Ways to Grab (and Keep) Your Reader’s Attention
#1: LEAD WITH THE GREATEST PAYOFF
If someone gives you five minutes of their time, what will they get in return? Tell them upfront. No fluff. No buildup. Just value
Remember that any typical sales psychology triggers – like FOMO – do not work until someone has decided that they care.
It doesn’t matter if your game-changing product is half off for the next 24 hours, and guaranteed to sell out. If they’re not sure they actually WANT it, they’re not going to take action.
Instead, let them know you can help them achieve something they ALREADY care about.
“Today only! Get 50% OFF your next order. Hurry, before we sell out.”
“I have a question for you. Does your bank account reflect all of your hard work this year?
If the answer is no, I have one key strategy you can implement today so you’ll be ready to make 2025 your most profitable year yet.”
This example – written for a career coach – lets you know right out of the gate that she has valuable insight you need.
#2: EMOTIONALLY CONNECT
Logic doesn’t drive action—emotion does. Research shows 95% of all purchase decisions start with emotion. Tap into what your audience feels, not just what they think.
One easy way is to reference the season and tap into typical mindsets during those times. But, you MUST offer a fresh approach!
Everyone talks about gratitude at Thanksgiving, stress around the holidays, and a “New You” in January. How can you offer a unique spin?
“As we celebrate the holidays and close out the year, we want to thank you for your support this year. You continually inspire us with your generosity and compassion.”
“Punxsutawney Phil has spoken…6 more weeks of winter. 😭
While we’re all craving change – take heart! You don’t need warmer temps to break out of a rut.
February is the perfect time to shake up our “Groundhog Day” ways. You know…same day/same mess.”
Notice how we’re making them feel something – the frustration we ALL feel at the end of winter – then tying it to a solution that can help. This was written for a custom closet company.
#3: HAVE A UNIQUE POINT OF VIEW
The internet is full of copy-paste content. Stand out by sharing your personal experiences, strong opinions, and fresh takes.
Your perspective is your superpower. However, you wouldn’t walk up to a stranger and launch into your life story, right? Make sure to frame personal stories with a shared experience.
“Each year feels more hectic than the last. With work, family obligations, and a packed calendar, making space for my health was always a struggle.”
“We’ve all felt the sting of rejection. We all know what it’s like to fail.
But we really don’t like to talk about it, do we?
Our culture tells us to power through—stay strong, and never admit weakness.
But I’ve learned that pain can either block our access to God OR be the very thing that leads us straight to Him. The difference? DESPERATION.”
The above was part of a welcome sequence I wrote for a ministry creating the world’s first video bible. The purpose was to give people practical strategies on hearing from God.
#4: DROP THEM INTO THE ACTION
Establish a problem, then drop them into a scene where they can picture themselves solving it.
Use vivid imagery and describe different senses, such as touch and taste, to make your words jump off the page.
This makes them FEEL something, then visualize taking action.
“In today’s busy world, it can be hard to find time for self-care. Many people feel overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities, often putting themselves last. If that sounds familiar, you might benefit from this episode.”
“I’ll be honest. Once you hit a certain level of wine education, it can be difficult to keep all the information straight. Italy alone has more than 3,000 grape varieties.
That’s why I’m such a big believer in hands-on, immersive learning.
Once you have sipped a Nebbiolo in the Roero DOCG, while overlooking the vines it came from and chatting with its producer...that is when the information you’ve dedicated hours to studying becomes concrete. Unforgettable, actually.”
This was the first email in a campaign selling wine trips to Europe for a wine education company. In just two emails, they sold about $250,000 – all within 48 hours.
The Hard Truth: You’re Too Close to Your Own Message
Writing like this is tough. It’s hard to see your own blind spots and even harder to pinpoint what your audience actually cares about. That’s why an outsider’s perspective isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary.
Ask your customers what triggered them to buy. Was it a recent move? A new job? Starting a family? The closer you are to your customers – their hopes, fears, desires, frustrations – the better you can pique their curiosity.
Need help making your content unignorable? Let’s chat.
And now for that pro tip I promised you…
Before you publish, do a ruthless edit.
Copy and paste your words into ChatGPT with my favorite prompt: “Edit for clarity and impact:”. Your audience will thank you!
