The Writing Trifecta: Create Content That People Can't Ignore
Create content that lives in your readers' minds—long after they finish reading.
10X Writer #11
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Every writer knows the feeling: you pour time, effort, and creativity into a piece, hoping it’ll make an impact. But then… crickets. Little engagement, few comments, and maybe even complete silence. You wonder, What went wrong?
Or maybe you’ve sensed your content is missing something, just not hitting the mark.
It’s not that you’re a bad writer—writing that truly connects with an audience takes a specific approach, one that isn’t always obvious or easy to grasp. It’s a frustration many writers face when they want their words to resonate and have a lasting impact.
This is where the Writing Trifecta—Audience, Purpose, and Content—comes in.
It’s more than a framework. It’s a way to make sure your writing connects. By aligning these three pillars, you can transform your writing from simply “good” to genuinely powerful. It’s the difference between content that fills space and content that moves people.
In this post, we’ll break down each element of the Trifecta and how they can help you create content that stays on readers' minds long after reading. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to create content that captures attention, resonates, and is remembered.
If you’re tired of putting in the work only to feel your writing is missing that elusive spark, read on. This may be the missing piece you’ve been looking for.
The Writing Trifecta Overview
If you’ve ever felt your writing was “almost there” but still missed the mark, you’re not alone.
Many writers experience this, especially when trying to connect with an audience and seeing only limited engagement or lukewarm feedback. It’s frustrating, especially after putting in so much effort.
This is where the Writing Trifecta—Audience, Purpose, and Content—comes in. Think of it as your foundation. When these three align, they become a blueprint for writing that connects, engages, and gets remembered. Here’s what each one means for your work:
Audience: Understanding your audience isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. It lets you speak directly to their needs and motivations so they feel seen and understood.
Purpose: Purpose gives your message focus. It’s a reminder of why you’re writing and gives your content direction. With a strong purpose, every sentence and paragraph works toward a goal, making your writing sharper and more meaningful.
Content: Content is where everything comes together. It’s not just about information but how you present it. Well-crafted content has structure, flow, and an emotional pull that keeps people reading. Without this, even a well-researched piece can feel dry or hard to follow, losing the reader’s interest.
Each element solves a common problem writers face: lack of connection, focus, or engagement. In the following sections, we’ll explore fresh strategies for each part of the Writing Trifecta so you can start creating work that genuinely resonates.
Let’s begin with the first pillar: Audience.
Audience: Understanding the "Who" Beyond Demographics
One of the biggest frustrations in writing is feeling like your content doesn’t quite land.
It might be technically well-written, but it doesn’t fully connect. This can happen when we stick to a surface-level understanding—details like age, job title, or industry. Real connection happens when we dive deeper into an audience’s motivations, frustrations, and what they’re truly looking for.
And when you’re writing for a client, like a CEO or a business leader, there’s an added layer. You’re not only writing to connect with the CEO; you’re also writing to help them connect with their audience—whether that’s their clients, investors, or industry peers. This dual-layer approach ensures your content supports the CEO’s voice while addressing the expectations of the people they aim to influence.
Unique Techniques:
In-Depth Competitor and Complementary Content Analysis
Instead of only visiting communities or forums, dive into what other companies and alternative solutions are putting out for your audience. Study messaging, engagement levels, unanswered questions, and unique tones competitors or complementary brands use to speak to similar audiences. This can help you identify content gaps and new angles that make your writing stand out.
See What Resonates: By looking at competitor engagement (comments, likes, shares), you’ll see which messages hit home and which don’t.
Spot Content Gaps: Often, competitors leave questions unanswered or fail to address certain pain points fully. These gaps are an opportunity to fill needs others overlook.
Find New Angles: Complementary brands or industries often offer insights outside of what’s common in your direct space, giving you fresh ideas to bring to your writing.
Example: If you’re writing for a productivity coach targeting professionals, look at time management apps, stress-relief brands, and wellness companies. Observe their topics, style, and any information gaps. If they push rigid schedules but the audience craves flexibility, highlight adaptable productivity tips in your content. This positions your writing as an insightful resource addressing a real, unmet need.
Emotion Mapping
People connect most with content that speaks to their emotions.
Map out potential emotional responses your audience may have to your topic. If you’re writing for a CEO who addresses professionals juggling multiple demands, consider how their clients might feel—frustration at rigid productivity systems or relief with adaptable strategies.
Example: For a productivity coach, understand that busy professionals may feel guilt over missed productivity goals but also relief with flexible, realistic solutions. Addressing these emotions makes your content informative and relatable.
Identifying Psychological Drivers
Audiences are motivated by core needs that go beyond surface concerns. These might include self-improvement, a sense of belonging, or avoiding failure. Identifying these deeper drivers allows you to create content that connects on a personal level.
Example: Professionals seeking productivity advice may be driven by a desire for self-improvement and fear of missed opportunities due to poor time management. Acknowledging these motivations in your content doesn’t just provide solutions; it speaks to the why behind their actions, making it more memorable.
Purpose: Defining the "Why" with Layers
Have you ever created a well-written piece that still felt off?
Maybe it was clear and informative, yet it didn’t quite hit home or engage the way you expected. Often, this happens when a piece lacks a clearly defined purpose. Purpose gives your content direction and transforms it from simply “well-crafted” to genuinely impactful.
When writing for a client, like a CEO or business leader, the purpose becomes layered. You’re not only writing to achieve your client’s goals but also serving their audience—whether clients, investors, or industry peers. Keeping this dual-layer purpose in mind ensures every line of your writing aligns with what the client wants to communicate and what their audience needs to hear.
Unique Techniques:
Primary and Secondary Purposes
Start with the primary purpose—the main objective of the piece. Then consider secondary purposes: subtle goals that enhance the content’s depth. If the main goal is to inform, a secondary purpose could be to build authority by sharing unique insights or to create relatability through a conversational tone.
Example: For a CEO’s blog post on regulatory changes, the primary purpose might be to inform the audience. However, a secondary purpose could be to position the CEO as a thought leader who understands industry shifts, building authority and trust.
Mental Model - Jobs to Be Done
Think of your content as performing a “job” for the reader. Go beyond the surface objective and ask, “What does the reader want to achieve by reading this?” By focusing on this job, you meet the needs of both your client and their audience, creating relevant and useful writing.
Example: If you’re writing for a productivity coach’s audience, the “job” of your content might be to give them a sense of control over their time. This purpose shapes how you present solutions—by focusing on manageable tips that are easy to implement, making the advice practical and encouraging, not overwhelming.
Inversion Principle
To clarify the purpose further, ask yourself: What would make this piece fail? Thinking about potential pitfalls sharpens your focus. If the purpose is to build trust, consider what could undermine that trust, like overhyped claims or a tone that feels too impersonal.
Example: If positioning a CEO as an industry expert, avoid generic statements or clichés that don’t add value. Addressing potential weaknesses keeps the content sharp and aligned with the client’s goal of establishing authority.
Content: Crafting Engaging, Valuable, and Relatable Substance
Once you know your audience and purpose, the next challenge is delivering content that informs and genuinely engages them.
Content that’s too technical can feel dry, while overly simplified content may seem less credible. And if you’re writing for a client, like a CEO, you must balance professionalism with reliability.
Content isn’t just about what you’re saying. It’s how you’re saying it. Here are techniques to create content that resonates with both the client and their target audience.
Unique Techniques:
Emotional Accessibility
Even with complex ideas, your tone should be conversational and approachable. Write as if you’re having a real conversation, creating a sense of connection that builds trust.
Example: If you’re writing for a CEO, avoid heavy jargon or overly formal language. Instead, use conversational language that respects the reader’s knowledge but feels accessible. For instance, replace “optimize operational efficiencies” with “make things run more smoothly.” This tone invites readers and keeps them engaged.
Mental Model - The 3-Act Structure
Borrowing from storytelling, the 3-act structure (beginning, middle, and end) adds flow and engagement. It starts with the problem, explores solutions, and concludes with actionable steps or takeaways.
Example: For a CEO’s article on adapting to industry changes, begin by addressing industry challenges (Act 1), move to strategies others are using (Act 2), and wrap up with practical steps (Act 3). This structure engages readers in a complete thought journey, offering actionable insights.
Practical Formatting
Clear formatting is key for engaging busy readers. Use headers, bullet points, and white space to guide focus and improve readability.
Example: For a productivity coach’s blog post, start with an intro that outlines the problem, then break down each solution into bullet points or sections. This allows readers to skim quickly, making the content feel worth their time.
Applying the Writing Trifecta for Maximum Impact
Bringing together Audience, Purpose, and Content transforms writing from “good” to truly impactful. This alignment ensures your writing builds connection, inspires trust, and delivers value. The Writing Trifecta creates a clear foundation, giving each piece focus and depth.
Here’s a self-assessment checklist to check if your content fulfills the Writing Trifecta:
Self-Assessment Checklist:
Audience: Have I deeply understood my audience’s core motivations and frustrations? Am I considering both the client and their target audience?
Purpose: Is the primary purpose clear, with secondary goals to deepen the message? Does the content serve a specific “job” for the reader?
Content: Is the content organized, engaging, and easy to follow? Does the tone balance professionalism and reliability?
Conclusion
Mastering the Writing Trifecta—Audience, Purpose, and Content—isn’t just about improving your writing but elevating your approach.
When you write with intention, connection, and clarity, your work has an impact. You’ll find it easier to engage readers, achieve your client’s goals, and build a reputation for writing that resonates.
Every time you apply the Writing Trifecta, you refine your craft and move closer to your goals. Start with your next project and experience the difference. Each piece brings you closer to becoming the writer you aspire to be, creating work that genuinely connects and makes a lasting impact.
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