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Use present tense to boost persuasion | Nudge Newsletter 🧠

Published 21 days ago • 1 min read

Present tense boosts persuasion.

In January 2023, three researchers analysed 500,000 product reviews.

Specifically, they analysed if the review was written in present tense:

  • The book is heart-warming

Or past tense:

  • The book was heart-warming

Turns out, present tense boosts persuasion.

Using present tense in messages makes them 26.4% more helpful.

And it increases likelihood of product interest by 12.3%.

Why?

Because this subtle reframing boosts the trustworthiness of the review.

We subconsciously belief the reviewer more if they have the confidence to use present tense.

So, remove past tense praise from your product/service/offering.

Cheers,

Phill

P.S. Have you ever wanted to appear on the Nudge Podcast?

This is your chance. I'm creating a group of listeners who can come on the show at short notice. If you join "Nudgers" you'll be invited on to take part in experiments, tests, and give your opinion on some of my work.

There's no commitment. The interviews with me will likely be less than 10 minutes long and at most once a month. I'll send out an email with a few interview slots and you can sign up at a first come first serve basis. No strings attached.

If you come on, you'll get a big thank you in the show notes where I'd be happy to link to your socials etc. Plus you'll get my eternal gratitude.

Interested? Drop your details here.

Nudge Newsletter

Phill Agnew

I spend 18 hours each week turning marketing psychology into readable newsletters.

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