The Secret Behind Getting People to ACT (It’s Not What You Think)
Hey,
So, you’re out there creating amazing content, maybe you’ve got an awesome offer, but are people actually acting on it?
Are they signing up, buying your stuff, or even just commenting?
If it feels like you’re yelling into the digital void sometimes, you’re probably missing a few key ingredients.
And it’s not about being pushy or fake.
Basically, getting people to take action comes down to understanding why people do anything.
Think about it.
Why do people buy that new shiny thing?
Why do they sign up for that free webinar even though their calendar is already packed?
People make decisions emotionally and then justify them logically.
That’s it.
That’s all there really is to it.
So, how do we tap into that emotional side?
It’s not some dark art.
It’s called persuasion.
And there are some really powerful, ethical principles you can use.
I want introduce you to a few that can seriously level up your content, your offers, and basically everything you do.
Let’s jump in and start at the top.
Principle #1: Reciprocity
Sound complicated?
It’s not.
Basically, when you give something of value to someone, they feel a natural urge to give back.
Think about it.
If someone does you a solid favor out of nowhere, don’t you feel like you owe them one?
Same thing online.
If you give your audience amazing, valuable content for free – tutorials, insights, frameworks, personal stories that resonate (Remember, struggle builds bonds) – they’re gonna feel more inclined to reciprocate when you eventually ask them to do something, like join your email list or check out an offer.
Give first. Way more than you ask for.
Principle #2: Social Proof
This one is HUGE.
Remember how you’re looking for testimonials and case studies before you buy something?
Yeah, everyone does that.
We look to others to figure out what’s good or what to do.
If you see a product with thousands of rave reviews, or a course that’s got a ton of success stories – people who were in your exact shoes and got the results you want – you’re way more likely to trust it and take action.
If you already have people who’ve gotten results from your free content, your beta programs, whatever – show it off!
Share those testimonials, those wins, those little moments where someone said your stuff helped them.
It’s not bragging. It’s showing people that your stuff actually works for others just like them.
If you don't have testimonials?
Give your stuff away for free in exchange for them (but do this in private).
Principle #3: Authority
People tend to listen to and be influenced by people they perceive as experts or authorities.
How do you build authority as a new entrepreneur?
You share your knowledge.
You share your experiences.
You share the things you’ve learnt, even the hard stuff.
When I first started out trying to find clients for my marketing agency, I sent over 1000 cold emails before I got my first client, because I didn’t know what I was doing.
Now?
I know a thing or two about getting clients.
And sharing that story, that struggle, builds authority when I talk about how to actually get clients without sending a thousand cold emails.
Share your insights frequently.
Show that you understand your audience’s problems and that you have solutions.
This isn’t about having all the answers right from the start.
It’s about sharing what you know now and being transparent about your own learning journey.
Principle #4: Consistency
People like to be consistent with what they’ve already said or done.
If you can get someone to make a small commitment – like agreeing with a statement you make in your content, or engaging in a poll, or joining your free community – they’re more likely to follow through on bigger commitments later.
That’s why asking questions in your content is so powerful. You get them to nod their head, to mentally agree with you.
Does any of that resonate with you?
Are you nodding?
You better be nodding!
When they internally say “yes,” they’re taking a small step towards being consistent with your ideas.
Principle #5: Liking
This is where your personality, your authenticity, comes in.
People are more likely to be persuaded by people they like.
How do you get people to like you online?
Be yourself.
Share your story.
Share your values.
Be relatable.
Empathize with their struggles. (I can imagine how hard that must be.)
Show them you’re a real person, not just a business machine.
Remember, people buy from people that they know, like and trust.
This is the entire purpose for all of your marketing!
To get people to know, like and trust you…
Principle #6: Scarcity
People are more motivated to act when something is limited in availability – either in quantity or time.
Now, you should be ethical with this.
Don’t just make stuff up.
But if you have a limited number of spots in a coaching program, or an offer that’s only available for a short time, letting people know that creates a natural urgency.
It’s basic human psychology.
We don’t want to miss out!
So, that’s a quick rundown of a few powerful persuasion principles.
These aren’t tricks. These are simply understanding human behavior and using that understanding to help people make decisions that are good for them (and for you!).
Which one of these hit you the hardest today?
Which one are you going to try implementing right now?
Let me know.
Just hit reply.
Stay focused,
Brandon Rhee
