Digital Marketing

How to Write Copy That Sparks Curiosity

When it comes to writing copy that gets noticed, one of the best things you can do is spark curiosity. People are naturally curious. If you can tap into that and get them asking, "What’s next?" or "How does this work?", you’ve already won half the battle. But how do you write copy that does just that? Let’s break it down.

Understand the Power of Curiosity

Curiosity is a fundamental human trait. It’s the reason why we ask questions, explore new ideas, and dive into content. When you’re writing copy, tapping into this trait can help capture attention. The goal is to write something that doesn’t give everything away upfront, but instead, entices the reader to want to learn more. Think of it as the bait. It doesn’t need to be flashy or exaggerated, just intriguing enough to get the reader to take that next step.

Make the Reader Feel Like They're Missing Out

One of the easiest ways to spark curiosity is by implying there’s something important the reader is missing. The trick is not to tell them exactly what that thing is. Instead, you want them to feel like they’re on the verge of discovering something. Here are some ways to do that:

Ask open-ended questions: "What’s the one thing you’re not doing that could change your day completely?"
Tease valuable information: "This is the only tip that could save you hours this week."
Hint at a secret: "It’s surprising how simple this one trick is."

The idea is to give just enough to make them think, “I need to know more.”

Use Engaging, Yet Simple Language

The best way to keep curiosity alive is by using language that feels natural and approachable. Skip the jargon unless it adds real value or is familiar to your audience. Use straightforward words, but don’t shy away from using a bit of mystery. Instead of saying, “Here’s what you need to know,” try something like, “You’ll want to see this for yourself.”

People want things to feel easy, and when you complicate things with long sentences or complex terminology, you lose them. Keep things clear, and let your copy do the talking.

Pique Interest with Contradictions

Sometimes, people’s curiosity is sparked when you show them two opposing ideas that don’t seem to fit. These contradictions make the reader stop and think, leading them to want to figure out how they fit together. Here’s how you can use that:

Challenge conventional wisdom: "Everyone says this is the way to do it—but it’s wrong."
Surprise with unexpected insights: "What we’ve been taught about X? It’s outdated."

You don’t have to make wild claims, but offering something unexpected or counterintuitive can instantly create curiosity. Your audience will want to see why this contradiction exists and how it changes things.

Focus on the First Few Words

The first few lines of your copy are crucial. This is where curiosity is sparked. If you can’t capture attention in the first few words, the reader is likely to move on. Make those first few words count. Here are some ideas:

Start with a question that grabs attention: "Ever wondered why some people get ahead so easily?"
Provide an interesting fact or stat: "Most people waste an hour a day on this one thing."
Open with a bold statement: "You’re probably doing it wrong—and you don’t even know it."

The key is to open with something that feels too good to ignore.

Create a Sense of Urgency (Without Overdoing It)

Urgency can work wonders when paired with curiosity. When you make the reader feel like they need to act now, you tap into their desire to avoid missing out. But don’t go overboard with salesy language. Keep it simple and focused on the reader’s interests.

“Don’t miss out on this simple change that could save you hours.”
“Before this tip gets buried, check it out.”

Urgency is effective when used sparingly. It works best when there’s something really worth exploring or learning, not just for the sake of pushing a product.

Add a Dash of Mystery

Nothing keeps people coming back more than a bit of mystery. When you keep your copy slightly mysterious, people want to know what comes next. That’s why cliffhangers are so powerful in storytelling—they leave you wondering what will happen. Use this technique in your copy by hinting at something, but not fully revealing it.

"Here’s a step-by-step guide—but the real secret is something most people miss."
"We’ve found the perfect strategy… but it’s not what you think."

You’re not withholding critical information. You’re simply making sure that the reader has a reason to continue and discover the hidden gem.

Break Things Down with Intriguing Headlines and Subheadlines

Headlines are the first chance to spark curiosity, so make them work for you. But don’t overhype it. A headline that’s too exaggerated can actually turn people off. Instead, aim for something that teases without revealing too much.

For example:

“The One Habit That Will Change Your Morning Routine”
“How This Simple Strategy Helps You Get More Done”
“You’ve Been Using Your Phone Wrong—Here’s How to Fix It”

These headlines promise a solution, but they don’t give it all away. The reader knows they have to dive deeper to get the full story.

Use Stories to Keep Curiosity Alive

Humans love stories. They’re engaging, relatable, and most importantly, they keep people hooked. If you can tell a story in your copy, it can be an effective way to maintain curiosity. People want to know how things turn out, so they’ll stick around to get to the resolution.

But remember, don't give everything away right at the beginning. Drop hints throughout the story to keep the reader engaged, and reveal key details at the right moments.

For example, you might tell a story of how someone stumbled across a method that made their life easier, but don’t reveal the method until later. This builds anticipation and keeps the reader wanting to know more.

Keep the Focus on the Reader

Curiosity is only effective if it directly benefits the reader. If your copy is about them and their needs, they’ll be more likely to keep reading. Instead of focusing on your product or service right away, make sure the copy revolves around how it will improve their life or solve a problem. Once you’ve got their attention, make sure the rest of your copy ties back to what’s in it for them.

Use Lists and Bullet Points

People love to skim. When you format your copy with bullet points or numbered lists, it helps to keep things easy to digest. But don’t just throw random facts or details. Each point should still have a sense of curiosity, offering a sneak peek into something that will help the reader.

For example:

"The surprising reason why most people fail at X"
"The one mistake you’ve been making every day"
"How to avoid a costly mistake with one simple change"

With each bullet, the reader is left wondering what that one surprising reason or costly mistake could be. This keeps the curiosity alive, prompting them to read on.

Test and Refine

Once you’ve written your copy, don’t just leave it. Test it. Try different headlines, different ways of sparking curiosity, and see how your audience reacts. See what draws them in and what falls flat. Curiosity is a powerful tool, but you need to know how to use it effectively with your specific audience. By constantly refining and improving, you’ll get better at writing copy that keeps people engaged.

Conclusion

Writing copy that sparks curiosity is all about balancing intrigue with clarity. You want to give the reader just enough to make them want to learn more but not too much that you spoil the surprise. Focus on the reader, use simple language, and keep things mysterious without overdoing it. With a little practice, you’ll be writing copy that grabs attention and holds it from start to finish.

How to Write Copy That Sparks Curiosity