Why Your Content Isn’t Getting Read (And How to Fix It Today)
Most content gets ignored—not because it’s bad, but because it fails to spark curiosity.
The secret to creating content that hooks your audience is layering ideas in a way that fills the gaps in their knowledge. People are naturally drawn to what they don’t yet know, but here’s the twist: the best content doesn’t just give answers.
It teases, inspires, and creates a journey for the reader.
If you’ve ever wondered why some articles or emails feel irresistible, it’s because they tap into this exact strategy.
Let’s look at how you can do the same.
How to Write Content That Gets Read
For years, I’ve used these exact methods for writing emails and, laterly, content, and it’s taken me from 0 to 1800 newsletter subscribers in just six months.
What’s the secret?
Multi-layered content.
This approach takes your content to the next level. It’s not just about the words you write but the images you create in your reader’s mind.
When you can do that effectively, your content will stand out, grab attention, and get read.
Here’s a breakdown of how to create multi-layered content, drawn from my guide Email Infotainer.
The Power of Layering
Successful content isn’t just a collection of words thrown together. It’s a carefully crafted combination of elements designed to resonate with your audience and prompt a response.
I like to think of content as layers. You don’t just write—you stack layers that work together to create an emotional and intellectual connection.
Let’s break this process down.
Step 1: Define Your Goal
What’s the purpose of your content?
What do you want your reader to do or feel?
For example, let’s say you’re writing to sell a new recipe book: Healthy Fast Food Recipes That Taste Like McDonald’s.
Step 2: Choose Your Layers
Once you know your goal, decide on the “layers” that will make your content engaging.
For this example, I might use:
•Layer 1: Empathy
•Layer 2: Word Pictures
•Layer 3: Proof
These layers can vary depending on your topic. Self-deprecation, analogies, personal stories—they’re all fair game.
Step 3: Write the Call to Action First
Before layering, write the final paragraph. This keeps you focused on your end goal.
For example:
“If you’re looking for a way to shed a few pounds without giving up your favorite fast food flavors, grab a copy of Healthy Fast Food Recipes and watch the pounds fall off.”
That call to action should be the first thing you put “on paper” now you just have to create content that logically brings the audience to that part.
Step 4: Create Your Layers
Layer 1: Empathy
Show your readers you understand their struggles.
Here’s an example:
“Sometimes, I really struggle to lose weight. It’s not that I don’t want to or can’t—it’s that after a few days of dieting, I’ll walk past McDonald’s, and the craving for a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, fries, and a Coke becomes impossible to resist…”
Layer 2: Word Pictures
Paint vivid pictures that your readers can relate to.
For example:
•“The smell of French fries wafting through the air.”
•“The cheese oozing out of a burger, mingling with the ketchup as you take a bite.”
•“Tiny specks of salt clinging to the fries, waiting to enhance the flavor.”
These images are powerful because they make your readers feel like they’re right there, experiencing it themselves.
Layer 3: Proof
Reinforce your message with proof, testimonials, personal experience, or data.
For instance, if you received testimonials from previous buyers, use them. If not, ask your friends what they think of the recipes, when I launch a course I give it away to my community members in return for their testimonials and feedback.
“I blindfolded my 14-year-old son, a notoriously fussy eater, and he couldn’t tell the difference between these recipes and the real thing.
My husband raved about the Fillet-o-Fish—it’s now his favourite, and it’s only half the calories!”
Step 5: Combine the Layers
Once you’ve created the layers, weave them into a cohesive piece of content. The result should flow naturally, keep the reader engaged, and deliver value.
From Emails to Content
This same layered approach applies whether you’re writing emails or full-length articles. The process is nearly identical:
1.Define the goal of your content.
2.Decide if there’s a call to action and what it is.
3.Identify which layers will work best.
4.Create vivid word pictures that help the reader visualize outcomes.
5.Add proof to support your premise.
Final Thoughts
Start by writing your call to action or concluding paragraph. Then layer in your story elements, word pictures, and proof. Once everything is in place, make sure the content flows, engages, and has a clear point.
Now, it’s time for you to put this method into action.
Write your next article with layers, and watch how it connects with your audience.