Slippery Slope Writing
Share
A sales writing technique that focuses on creating a sequence where each line's sole purpose is to get the reader to continue to the next line, ultimately leading to a purchase.
Core Concept of Slippery Slope Writing
- Each element has one specific goal:
- Headline's only goal is to get you to read the sub-headline
- Sub-headline's only goal is to get you to read the first sentence
- First sentence's only goal is to get you to read the second sentence
- Pattern continues throughout the entire piece
Key Principles
-
Make content intentionally longer
- Longer content creates more commitment from reader
- More commitment leads to higher likelihood of purchase
- "Pot committed" readers are more likely to convert
-
Progressive Engagement
- Start with small commitments (like collecting email first)
- Each step increases reader investment
- Similar to door-to-door sales technique of getting "in the door"
Psychology Behind It
-
Easy to read but intentionally not too easy
- Content should flow naturally
- Some resistance creates investment
- Reader becomes more committed with each step
-
Story-based approach
- Don't rush the narrative
- Let readers fall down the slope gradually
- Focus on progressive commitment
Implementation Strategy
- Start with smallest possible commitment
- Each section builds on previous engagement
- Create natural progression toward conversion
- Make each transition smooth and compelling
- Focus on maintaining momentum throughout the piece
Sam Parr
Host of MFM and fitness influencer
Sam Parr is a serial entrepreneur and business media pioneer.
In 2016, he founded The Hustle, a business news media company that started in his kitchen with just $12 and grew to eight figures in revenue.
Sam led the charge in making newsletters popular when few believed in their potential.
After four successful years, he sold The Hustle to HubSpot, a publicly traded company. Now operating as HubSpot Media, The Hustle reaches 3 million readers daily, employs a team of nearly 100, and has been the launchpad for dozens of its staff to found their own media companies and newsletters.
Sam remains the host of the popular business podcast, My First Million, and continues to start and sell companies. He also co-founded Hampton, a highly vetted community for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, and teaches people to write better through his platform, Copy That.