The most important thing that I'm learning about content creation is the importance of creating what is called an open loop. And this advice is maybe obvious to some people, but it was not obvious to me, and I'm still working on it a lot.
Here's the thing: you can't just serve everything on a silver platter from the get-go. What I mean by "open loop" is this idea that you create a hook, an unresolved mystery, right at the start. Only by sticking around till the end will people get that "Aha!" moment they crave.
If your content reads like a straightforward instruction manual or, heaven forbid, like a Wikipedia article, you've lost half the battle. I say this as someone who crafts a lot of Wiki-style content. There's a time and place for that, sure. But if you want to make waves and snag attention, you've got to mix in some suspense.
Now, if we're talking YouTube videos, you better believe I'm laying down cliffhangers. One right at the start, another maybe halfway through. Heck, the suspense could even kick off in the thumbnail. The pros do it all the time. Why? Because it's all about playing the long game. Keep 'em guessing, keep 'em invested. That's how you win.
Look, it boils down to this: people love a good payoff. Anticipation is the spice of life.
A shot of dopamine at the end can make your audience not just satisfied, but hungry for the next installment. And this doesn't just apply to YouTube videos or blog posts. Think dates, novels, or even a story you're weaving at a party. The key is to hold something back, to promise and then deliver.
You don't, and I can't stress this enough, you don't spoil the surprise right at the starting line. Keep that in mind, and you're well on your way to mastering one of the golden rules of engagement.