Here's something I commented some time ago on another thread:
Create a killer title that'd draw readers in on Medium. Then offer them a short version of your content and a link back to your site. Good for generating traffic.
How do you a great short article?
Use open loops on the intro of the content.
Explanation:
Ever had an amazing TV show that you couldn't take your eyes off? A book that you couldn't close off?
If so, congrats. You've been through open loops, aka the Zeigarnik effect.
Open loops seduce our brain's natural temptation for completion. The brain enters a mode of confusion or tension when it finds something incomplete. It could be for simple reasons like a question, a story or even a chore you didn't complete. And the only way of ending the tension or confusion is closing the open loop.
When writing copy, an open is a part of that doesn't tie up instantly. Applying open loops is easy and makes your copy more attractive right away. Here is an open loop instance from CopyHour landing page.
The writer starts off with discussing a mysterious secret used by copywriters to fine-tune their pieces and end up making barrels of cash - making you wonder what this secret is.
However, the writer doesn't stop there. The copy keeps dangling the secret right before your face, strengthening your curiosity and getting you more interested to find out what is actually is, consequently, bumping up the conversion.
It's easy to implement open loops.
The most effortless way to start is by asking more questions and vaguely imply on them. Just as the example above. This lack of completion gets your reader more curious and invested in your writing.
