Ever wonder why some posts take off while others flop? It’s not just luck—it’s psychology. Understanding what makes people engage, share, and take action can transform your social media game.
Let’s break down the key psychological triggers behind high-performing content.
1. Curiosity: The Power of the Open Loop
People hate not knowing things. It’s why clickbait works (even when we know it’s clickbait). A good hook sparks curiosity and makes people feel like they need to find out more.
Use open-ended statements or questions that make people stop scrolling. Instead of “5 Marketing Tips,” try “The One Marketing Trick No One Talks About”.
2. Emotion: Make People Feel Something
People don’t share content because it’s “nice.” They share it because it made them feel something—inspired, angry, excited, nostalgic. Emotion drives engagement.
Add storytelling, humor, or relatability to your content. Make it human.
3. Social Proof: If Others Like It, So Will I
We trust things that other people have already validated. It’s why testimonials, UGC, and “trending” content perform so well.
Highlight comments, share audience success stories, or feature user-generated content.
4. Simplicity: Keep It Stupid Simple
The brain loves easy-to-process content. If your message is complicated, people will scroll past it.
Make your posts visually clean, straight to the point, and easy to digest.
Final Thought: Know What Makes People Tick
Great content isn’t about luck—it’s about understanding human behavior.
The more you can tap into what makes people engage, the better your content will perform.
Will Staber, Digital Strategist | Grab Social
Comments