Psychologist Daniel Goleman coined the term “amygdala hijacking” to describe this sometimes irrational fear response; we want it in the text because it means that emotion has taken over.
Reader validation is a common way to achieve this emotion. In this technique, we tap into the reader’s fear of being an impostor or not belonging. For example, the headline “9 Morning Productivity Facts Only Successful People Know” encourages you to click and read if you perceive yourself as a successful person and seek confirmation of that self-perception.
The passage of time is another effective trigger of urgency that creates the pain of holding back. Will the potential reader fall behind in their career or life if they don’t click? “The last seminar of 2019 ends this Friday” creates the pain of thinking that the reader could have attended that seminar now rather than later.
that is still available. This creates speed in a different way – in this japan number data case your thought process is disrupted by the realization that what you want is almost exhausted.
Technically, scarcity operates under the umbrella of urgency. A good way to differentiate between the two is that scarcity usually emphasizes limited supply; even if you act within a certain time window, you may still miss your chance.
“Only 5 units left and they’re going fast. Hurry up,” a very simple themed newsletter full of scarcity and urgency. If you don’t act now, you risk missing out.
Shortages are not always about supply. Last-chance language can evoke similar emotions: “Last day to buy before Christmas” is an effective headline for businesses supported by disappearing products or bonuses.