We all know and use social networks, whether in our personal or professional lives… But how do we know if we’re using them correctly? There are a few tricks you can use to make your posts more visible. Here’s a review.
1. Numbers, numbers and more numbers!
The author of this article is no exception to the rule: the figures are effective, precise, clear and worth many long speeches.
They can be used for lists, rankings, deadlines, etc. Internet users love numbers. In today’s fast-paced world, numbers can convey a lot of information in a few lines and in a short reading time. So why deprive yourself?
2. Numbers yes… but odd if possible!
It may sound strange, but according to statistics, odd numbers generate more clicks(20% more). Are human beings irresistibly attracted to asymmetry? In any case, opting for an odd-numbered list is cheaper and more effective!
3. We open the brackets.
A study by V3B shows that information in brackets is worth 38% more clicks. So don’t hesitate to put some information in brackets (a detail, a list, an example, a good joke…). You can even use them in the title, adding a detail that can make all the difference and make people want to click even more. Example: “Blondes are sexier than brunettes… (pictorial proof)”.
4. We remain negative.
Who hasn’t feverishly pounced on an article entitled “The 4 fatal errors to avoid on your CV”, while the one describing “How to write a cover letter” is far less appealing? Whether it’s a twisted mind or a desire to hurt oneself, we’d rather know what to avoid than what to do! According to a study by Outbrain, negative and worrying superlatives generate 30% more engagement, so go for scaremongering exaggerations – they work!
5 – Colons
: that’s good.
Another Outbrain study explains that the use of colons increases the number of clicks by 9%. These 2 small dots are used to announce an enumeration or additional information, generally at the end of a sentence. They draw attention to what’s about to be said and help structure the end of your text. They can also be used as a headline, foreshadowing a list of relevant information to come, as in this article on how to organize an impactful seminar.
6 – Focus on emotion
It’s no secret that anything that evokes emotion will attract readers and make them react more readily. Opt for a catchy title, with words linked to feelings, that will touch the affect and therefore make them want to click. For example, “Love”. “Success. “Failure”. “Drama”. “Horrible”… The French language has countless terms that will make an impression on the reader, who, let’s not forget, is not a robot. By using this kind of vocabulary, you’ll touch their soul.
For example, a somewhat neutral title such as “How to write a good CV” would become “How to write the CV that will leave a lasting impression on the recruiter’s mind”. It’s basic marketing: emotion is a more powerful driver of action than rationality, which makes people think but not necessarily act.
7 – We can use ready-made formulas
… but no exaggeration!
Max Woolf, data analyst at BuzzFeed, studied the typical formulas that worked well. For example, the phrases “Before you die” (country to see), “That you didn’t know” (weight loss tips) “Reasons why…” (they’ll want to read your post) etc., will encourage people to consult a text. Just like a headline that starts with a greeting like “SURPRISE!” or “Come and discover…”.
On the other hand, be careful not to overdo it and take your readers for idiots. No false promises, no exaggerated catchphrases: keep it simple and authentic. A headline must be consistent with what will be developed in the text that follows it, in order to avoid any deceptive effect on the Internet user who takes the time to read it.
Sources :
Antoine Périgne via his LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoineperigne/
V3B, marketing and social media agency
Outbrain, native advertising platform