Use This Tactic to Get More Clicks on your Social Media Profile.

You might have thought this was Upworthy, or Buzzfeed. Sadly, it's not. But you're here now, and I'm delighted to help you get more social traffic. Firstly, let's work through some quick disclaimers. This article will provide a research-proven method that generates more clicks, so we're not lying per se. Will it result in more sales, more coverage, media interest, sponsorship, and change your world? Probably not. But if you want some click metrics, or to boost your site visits - we've got you covered. Welcome, intrepid explorer, to the wonder that is, as Copyhackers brilliantly define, the Curiosity Gap.

Note to self. Never go Full Buzzfeed.

The curiosity gap has been, to some degree, the single greatest phenomenon seen in online media coverage. Headlines such as the following are articles that we've all seen, and in all probability, clicked through and read:

"A 10-year-old applied to a prestigious tech fellowship. This is the letter she got back."
" A surprising solution to global poverty, from one of the wealthiest men in the world."
"This former child actor's Instagram post about growing up is on point."

What do all three of these articles have in common?

They provide something that we know is present, and point at something we either want or need to know. We know there's a 10 year old and a tech fellowship, but don't know what happens. We know there's poverty and an idea, but don't know what it is. We know there's a child actor talking about growing up in the spotlight, and want to know what it's like. All of these reactions and emotions are entirely natural. It's nothing to feel bad about, it's human. We have an inbuilt desire to form links and bridges between the things we know, and the things we want to know. Articles that have these headlines are always going to be particularly effective - indeed, it's exactly why we didn't put a link in the text for the above three items - we know you'd want to know and stop reading!

So, when it comes to marketing, and in particular, social media marketing, what can be done to manage this behaviour? Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that this will drive clicks. It doesn't mean that it's going to give you the clicks you actually want or need. We would of course love it, if this article fell into the hands of top social media players, bloggers, small business owners and entrepreneurs that want to know about our fantastic social media automation tool. In reality, one or two might come through, but we'll get a mix of naturally curious people from all across the divide. And to you people, we say hello! You're very welcome here, and we hope that even if you never check out our website (I'll leave a little link right here...), we've provided you with knowledge that you can share with your friends, so that they too don't fall prey to clickbait headlines - or at least, know why they do.

We are of course also aware, that in telling you all about social media, headlines, and the curiosity gap - we're doing the very thing that we're urging you to be cautious of. So let's end on a positive and give some advice.

So now what?

If you're going to use tactics like this to boost your clicks on your website or social media, don't feel bad about it - but don't expect it to necessarily work beyond the pretty numbers. Here's some quick points to keep in mind at all times.

• Close the gap. if you're going to do this, provide information of value that people want to know.
• Be responsible and reasonable. This type of writing is only permissible if it's not malicious content, and is of value. Don't mislead people.
• Don't overdo it. It gets very boring, very fast, if you're not delivering on the information you promised.
• Good Luck!

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