Watch Out For the Bluma Zeigarnik Effect Online

I received an E-mail from one of my internet marketing mentors today. He told me about the Zeigranik Effect created by Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik. While I know there are numerous ways to "write smart" web copy for the Internet I had never actually heard about the Zeigranik Effect process. After reading his information I knew this would be important to share with those who choose to read my Internet articles.

However, I must point out that I am not an expert on this concept. I'm just the SEO Guy telling you about a process for writing Internet articles that sounds good to me. Thus you can take or leave the advice within, but I do recommend that you test and tweak it to your own self-discovery and knowledge.

In short, the Zeigarnik Effect draws the reader's interest by not giving them the entire story. Sure, you give them enough information that they depart believing that they are all the wiser for having read your article; you just don't tell them everything.

Here is how this affect works in real life.

Think of what you consider to be your job or occupation. Now think of what projects are important for you to complete ASAP. In all likelihood several thoughts came rushing to your mind all at once.

Now...

Once again, think of what you consider to be your job or occupation. Now think of all those projects that were completed 3 to 6 months ago. Sure you will come up with something, but doing so takes a bit more brain-power effort does it not?

Bluma Zeigarnik termed the difference in thought process the Zeigarnik effect. Another way to look at this is to consider which movies stay in your mind longest. According to Bluma, it's going to be those that leave the movie unfinished. Leaving open the possibilities for other events to take place places the movie on the side of mystery and consequently it leaves the viewer wanting more.

As for how the Zeigarnic effect works online, it is basically the same process with some key differences. One of the biggest differences being that you probably haven't even met the website author in person as compared to work where your likely to know everyone involved. While that may be true it does not taint the effectiveness of the process one iota. Of course, there are other differences too, which I'll be glad to share with anyone anywhere over E-mail.