To better understand the concept of Clickbait, you should know the expression “Click on the Bait”. It is a digital marketing technique that aims to generate an action of curiosity, provocation or expectation, so that the person clicks on the link to enter a website. Clickbait is a sensational or wonderful interpretation of a certain topic or breaking news.
They are usually actions that are accompanied by expressions such as "you won't believe it", or "you will be surprised", "here you will discover it", that is, exaggerated claims that require action. In general, this action is related to deceptive intentions or is too exaggerated for what it promises, since the content is of low quality, since it does not correspond to anything that the title indicates.
Clickbait characteristics
Clickbait is a type of advertising that aims to drive traffic to sites that offer advertising dollars. They are usually posts with content optimized to be enjoyed by the user and shared across social networks, with a greater interest on Facebook, where all news goes much more viral.
Some of the ways in which clickbait is applied are on websites that include certain conditions for clicking, such as viewing photos or galleries, as well as automatic page updates, all with the aim of maximizing all the advertising space offered.
Clicking techniques
Techniques are the forms and purposes in which clickbait is applied, based on the common characteristics of the user, taking into account their behavior and psychological conditions. to know what clickbait really is.
1. Mystery
It is usually the most common and is used through titles that refer to the theme of suspense and mystery, to direct the reader to specific content. With the aim that when he sees it, he cannot resist clicking and finally discover what it is about or what is hidden behind it, it is even a very effective way, since many times the user knows that the result will not be what he shows, but his curiosity goes further and he has to check it out.
2. Numbered list
It is very common to find pages that are designed with a set of certain elements, as the reader is attracted by offering you a set of things through the content. You could say that it is a combination of the previous technique with this one, promoting content as follows:
10 properties of a special product that you should take advantage of.
5 negative trends of…
3. Imperative verbs
Imperative verbs are used to grab the user's attention, as they are direct and precise actions that, when combined or linked to a need or priority, cause impact and enter the content to be sure before making any decision. It is a very simple but very effective technique, causing the user to perform a direct action on the page.
For example:
Read the best tips before buying a house.
Watch the video below and learn how to make a face mask.
Learn about the best places on your trip to Europe.
4. Emotional
It is about appealing to the sensitive side of the reader, even hitting them with headlines that cannot be left indifferent. Clickbait in this aspect is related to content that offers a favorable result for the reader and that is of interest to them. Although they are still sensational headlines, they show the user pleasant content, when applied to a business they must be adapted according to the objective and functionality, in order to create a very attractive headline that attracts the attention of a specific audience.
For example:
A boy rescues his pet trapped in a tunnel.
Family reunites with their lost daughter after 40 years.
Check out these childhood toys that you'll surely remember fondly.
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