May I ask you a question?

Would you like to know a secret technique that professional copywriters use to triple the response to virtually any piece they write? Do you think that knowing this technique would affect your business in a positive way?

Asking questions to your readers is one of the easiest and most powerful copywriting techniques available. When used effectively, a question has the power to grab your reader by the eyeballs and pull her straight into your copy, not letting go until the urge for an answer that your question created in her brain is finally satisfied. But how exactly does this technique work? And why?

The power of asking questions.
When you ask a question in your copy, it forces your reader to desire an answer. Why? Because since we were kids, our brains have been trained to look for answers. There’s just no other way to go about it… when a question is asked, your brain wants the answer! (Some even say we’re hard-wired that way).

And how exactly does it work? Let me explain. When a question is asked, a loop is opened in your reader’s brain. This open loop feels like a void that needs to be filled and may even cause, in extreme situations, a physical discomfort in our bodies (yes, the brain is just that powerful).

So what happens? When a loop has been opened, the brain will struggle as hard as it can to close it. And when asked a question in a sales letter, article or blog post, your brain will almost always force you to read every word until you find the answer it craves. The brain will not stop looking until it has satisfied the need for an answer.

Want an example? Just look at any paragraph in this post (including this one), you’ll find plenty of questions.

Every question you ask increases curiosity and makes the brain dig even deeper - effectively adding to the much sought-after copywriting slippery slope. And that’s an attribute you want your copy to have… right?

Can I say something else?
I just LOVE this technique! Why? Because it allows me to virtually force you to read as much as I write. I know I’m being blunt about it, but I’m trying to make a point. Do you see what I mean?

So where can you apply this technique? Anywhere! That’s the beauty of it. Because of its conversational style, you can use it in headlines, sub-headlines, to open paragraphs, to close paragraphs… and it’s not just for sales letters. You can also use it in articles, blog posts, forum posts, videos, podcasts, e-mail and in virtually any marketing piece you create.

So here is my question: Why aren’t you asking more questions in your copy?