What makes ideas or concepts memorable or interesting to our audiences? We present you with the model for making your ideas 'stick,' according to the Heath brothers:
In today's fast-paced digital world, creating effective content is essential for capturing attention and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. A solid strategy becomes the cornerstone of any successful message. This time, we will explore how the 'Made to Stick' theory by Chip and Dan Heath, American writers, speakers, and academics, can become a guiding light for building content that resonates and stays in consumers' minds.
Why do some ideas survive while others don't? This is the premise of the Heath brothers' book, published in 2007, which marked a turning point in content strategy in the industry.
The book follows the acronym "SUCCESS," with the final "S" omitted. Each letter refers to a characteristic that can help an idea become "sticky":
Simple – Find the core of any idea or thought. Unexpected – Capture people's attention by surprising them. Concrete – Ensure that an idea can be understood and remembered later. Credible – Give an idea credibility and reliability. Emotional – Help people see the importance of an idea. Stories – Empower people to use an idea through narratives.
Now, let's take a closer look at each one. Take note, because by following these 6 steps, you can start positioning your brand through content that generates value and retains your customers. Take note; you'll thank us later.
Simple: Keep it Essential
The first characteristic of this formula is simplicity. Effective content must distill key information and present it clearly and concisely. Avoid overwhelming the audience with unnecessary details and focus on the core message. Apply the "one-sentence rule": center your content around a single idea that is easy to remember and convey.
Unxecpected: Generate Curiosity
Do you remember how a mystery grips you from the first page of a book? Intrigue is a powerful tool for keeping your audience engaged. When creating content, pose intriguing questions or use surprising data to capture attention from the outset. Generating curiosity arouses the desire to learn more, keeping your audience hooked throughout the journey.
Keep reading:
SEO And SEM: The keys to success
Concrete: Make it Tangible
Abstract concepts are often difficult to grasp and remember. Transform your ideas into something tangible and real through concrete examples, metaphors, or impactful stories. Visualizing information makes it more digestible and memorable for the audience. Concreteness makes your content more accessible and easier to comprehend.
Credible: Reinforce with Arguments and Data
Effective content relies on credibility. Present strong evidence and reliable data to support your claims. The audience needs to trust the information you are providing. Incorporate statistics, credible testimonials, or experts in the field to back up your arguments and build a foundation of trust.
