The reason your writing gets ignored might be because it's 'too correct'.

Hello, this is Iguchi.

As a sole proprietor, I am constantly forming and testing hypotheses while exploring web marketing and sales promotion methods that can be practiced even with a small budget.

In this note, I focus on marketing terms that you might have heard of but are still used in surprisingly vague ways. Based on my own research and real-world experience, I have summarized them in the simplest language possible.

I hope that even those who are not comfortable with technical jargon will be able to think, 'I see, that's what that means.'

By the way, have you ever had an experience like this?

'I feel like I'm conveying it properly, but for some reason, it's not being read...'
'Even when I post on social media, the response is weak...'

I was the same at first, and I was always worried, 'What can I do to make readers stop and take notice?'

That's when I encountered this theme, 'Paradoxical Copy'.

After looking into it, it clicked for me, and I realized that a paradoxical copy is 'a technique to instantly capture the reader's attention by intentionally defying common sense'.

However, it's not just about being eccentric; the key is the 'just-right sense of discomfort' that makes readers genuinely curious, thinking, 'Wait, what does that mean?'

In this article, I will explain as clearly as possible why paradoxical copy is effective and how to use it to move the reader's heart, including points where I myself struggled.

By the time you finish reading this article, you should have gained a small insight into when you can use paradoxes.

Now, let's take a look at the fun of 'paradoxical copy' together.

What exactly is 'paradoxical copy'?

When I looked into it, 'paradoxical copy' is, simply put, 'a writing technique that uses expressions that intentionally defy general common sense or expectations to attract the reader's attention and leave a strong impression of the message'.

You might think, 'Wait, what does that mean?'

But this 'Wait, what?' is exactly what paradoxical copy aims for.

It's a mechanism that makes readers want to keep reading because they feel, 'Huh? That's strange,' or 'That's different from the norm.'

If I were to compare it to something familiar, is it like 'a dish with a twist'?

If I were to compare it, I thought that paradoxical copy is like 'a dish with a twist'.

For example, if a ramen shop wrote, 'We intentionally do not season our food at all', what would you think?

'Wait? No seasoning? Is that even delicious?' Doesn't that make you a little curious?

You might start imagining that there's a reason for it, like 'to bring out the maximum flavor of the carefully selected ingredients' or 'because they want you to customize it to your own taste.'

If it were a normal ramen shop, even if they wrote, 'Exquisite! Rich soup ramen!', you would just think, 'Well, I'm sure it's delicious,' and that would be the end of it.

But when you hear 'no seasoning,' you get hooked.

By defying general expectations, you attract interest and make it easier for people to listen to the explanation that follows.

This is the magic of paradoxical copy.

How can freelancers utilize 'paradoxical copy'?

Now, this is where the real work begins!
How can we, as sole proprietors and freelancers, incorporate this 'paradoxical copy' into our own businesses?

Let's think about it in concrete scenarios.

1. Catch the reader's eye with blog post titles and introductions!

Blogs have to be chosen by readers from among a vast amount of information.
In such cases, paradoxical copy is very useful.

• Normal title example: 'Marketing strategies for freelancers to succeed'

• Paradoxical copy application example: 'Do freelancers succeed more by "not trying hard"? The success rule that looks like common sense'
  By using words that are the opposite of the common sense that 'you succeed by trying hard,' it stimulates the reader's question, 'Wait, why?'

2. Appeal with 'unexpectedness' in service introduction text!

You can also use it when conveying that your service is actually this unique!

• Normal introduction text example: 'Web consulting to accelerate your business'

• Paradoxical copy example: "Do consultants get more sales by 'not taking' clients? What is the 'contrarian strategy' that stabilizes lead generation?"

  • By presenting the opposite of the common perception that 'consultants get more sales by not taking clients,' you pique the reader's curiosity with 'Wait, what does that mean?' and create a flow that makes them want to read on.

3. Make them 'double-take' with your SNS posts!

Paradoxical copy is also effective for SNS, where you have to compete with short text.

• Normal post example: "Reading is important for improving your writing skills!"

• Paradoxical copy example: "The secret to improving your writing is 'not writing'? Revealing the surprising truth!"
  The paradox of 'not writing' captures interest and conveys the intention of getting them to read the rest.

What do you think? Looking at it this way, don't you think we can add elements to our posts that make people go 'Aha!'?

Summary: What I realized by learning about 'paradoxical copy'

After researching 'paradoxical copy,' the thing I felt most was that 'you need a more in-depth approach to draw out the reader's interest.'

It's not just about conveying facts, but how to make the reader take it as a 'personal matter' and want to know more deeply.

I feel that this paradoxical copy is packed with hints for that.

Of course, it's not just about using a paradox; you need an explanation that follows to make them truly accept that 'paradox.'

Only by including that can you truly capture the reader's heart.

'But how should I come up with paradoxical ideas?'

'If I do it too much, won't it just look like I'm trying to stir up controversy?'

Questions like these also came to mind.

Next time, I want to dig deeper into this and find more practical hints I can use!

Thank you for reading until the end.

I would be happy if this article led to a small realization like 'I see, that's what it was!' or provided a hint for your own ideas.

Following me would be a great encouragement.
I will follow you back as well ^^