Overcoming Writer’s Block Using the PAS Copywriting Framework

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there: staring at a blank screen, the blinking cursor mocking us, feeling like we’ve hit a brick wall. Writer’s block can be the bane of any creative writer’s existence.

It hit me when I sat down to write this article, but there’s a nifty little trick you can use to break through that stubborn barrier and let your ideas flow freely once more.

But there’s a nifty little trick you can use to break through that stubborn barrier and let your ideas flow freely once more.

Introducing the PAS (Problem-Agitation-Solution) copywriting framework! In this article, you’ll learn how to overcome writer’s block using the PAS copywriting framework and how it can help you unlock your creativity and get those words flowing like a mighty river, even if you hate writing.

Before diving into how to use the PAS framework for overcoming writer’s block or if you’re struggling to write your next blog post, let’s first take a quick look at what this copywriting gem is all about.

PAS stands for Problem, Agitation, and Solution. This framework is a proven formula used by professional copywriters to create effective marketing messages. While the PAS framework was initially designed for copywriting, it can be adapted for various types of writing, including blog posts, articles, and even creative writing.

The first step is to identify the problem your target audience is facing. Next, you need to agitate that problem to make it more urgent and important. Finally, you present your solution to the problem.

You need to know who you’re writing for (target audience aka ideal customer) and identify the problem they’re facing. Start by putting yourself in their shoes and think about what problems they might be facing. You can also conduct market research and ask your audience directly about their pain points.

This is where you’ll grab their attention and demonstrate that you understand their pain points.

Examples:

• Are you tired of staring at a blank screen, unable to write a single word?
• Struggling to come up with engaging content for your blog?

Dive deeper into the problem by stirring up emotions and emphasizing the negative consequences of not addressing the issue. This involves highlighting the negative consequences of not solving the problem and makes them feel the urgency to solve it!

Examples:

• Imagine losing clients because your content is stale and uninteresting.
• Picture your blog’s traffic plummeting due to lack of captivating articles.

Present your solution to the problem, positioning your product or idea as the key to unlocking the desired outcome. Show them how your solution can make their lives better!

Tip: When presenting your solution, it’s important to be clear and concise. Use examples and case studies (if appropriate) to demonstrate how your solution has worked for others.

Examples:

• Our content creation software will help you generate engaging articles in minutes!
• Discover how the PAS copywriting framework can help you overcome writer’s block and unleash your creativity!

Now that you understand the PAS framework, it’s time to learn how to apply it, and start writing your blog post outline:

Open up Word, Google Doc or Notion (whatever you use to draft your blog post). For each item below, just write and don’t worry about editing. This is a 💩 first draft.

To create content that resonates, you must first understand your audience’s struggles. By identifying their pain points, you’ll uncover topics that genuinely interest them, making writer’s block a distant memory.

For example, if you’re writing for busy moms, pain points might include time management or healthy meal planning. To identify these issues, you can conduct surveys, mine social media conversations, or even engage in good old-fashioned empathy.

Write this down and no editing: Problem: what problem is your target audience experiencing? If they were phoning you, asking for help, what would they say?

Now that you’ve identified the problems, it’s time to poke the bear. Agitating your audience’s pain points helps them recognize the gravity of the situation, making them eager for a solution.

For instance, when discussing time management for busy moms, emphasize the stress and chaos that comes with juggling multiple responsibilities. Use vivid language and emotive anecdotes to paint a relatable picture.

Write this down and no editing: Agitation: paint a picture of the problem for your target audience so they can see themselves in that situation.

After amplifying the pain points, it’s time for the pièce de résistance: the solution.

Generate ideas that could potentially solve the problem at hand. Think of how you can present these solutions to your readers, how they’ll benefit from them and give them a clear, actionable plan to alleviate their struggles.

Continuing with the busy mom example, suggest time-saving techniques, helpful tools, or meal planning hacks. Remember to make the solution specific and attainable, and demonstrate how it will transform their lives.

Write this down and no editing: Solution: list your solution and if you have trouble with this part, pretend your reader asked you “Do you know how I can solve [my problem]?” write down your answer.

• Be authentic: Genuine empathy and understanding will shine through in your writing
• Stay focused: Address one pain point per blog post to maintain clarity and keep your target audience in mind at all times.
• Avoid overhyping: Be realistic with your agitation and solution
• Speak their language: Use language and examples that resonate with them. Be clear and concise when presenting your solution. Don’t use complicated industry jargon unless that’s what they understand.

Ready to implement the PAS framework in your own writing?

1. Identify the pain points of your target audience
2. Craft content that agitates and amplifies those pain points
3. Offer a solution tailored to your audience’s needs
4. Write your blog post following the PAS structure

Create a rough outline for your piece, incorporating the problem, agitation, and solution into your structure. This will help you organize your thoughts and make the writing process smoother.

If you’re new to the PAS framework, here’s an example using our busy mom to show you what it might look like:

Blog Post Outline: Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Moms: Mastering Meal Planning and Time Management

Introduction

• Briefly introduce the struggles of busy moms
• Present the goal of the blog post: to help busy moms with time management and healthy meal planning

The Problem: Time Management and Meal Planning Challenges for Busy Moms

• Identify pain points
  • Limited time for meal planning and preparation
  • Difficulty in finding healthy recipes that are quick to prepare
• Explain the consequences of not addressing these issues
  • Compromised nutrition for the family
  • Added stress and burnout for moms

Agitating the Problem: Relatable Stress and Chaos of Juggling Responsibilities

• Use vivid language to describe the daily challenges faced by busy moms
• Share emotive anecdotes that illustrate the difficulties of managing time and planning meals

The Solution: Time-Saving Techniques and Meal Planning Hacks

• Introduce practical time-saving techniques
  • Prioritizing tasks and setting boundaries
  • Implementing efficient routines
• Discuss helpful tools and resources
  • Meal planning apps and tools
  • Pre-made grocery lists and meal plans
• Provide specific meal planning hacks
  • Batch cooking and freezing meals
  • Quick and healthy recipe ideas
• Demonstrating the Transformation: How the Solution Will Improve Their Lives
  • Explain the benefits of improved time management and meal planning
    • Better nutrition for the family
    • Reduced stress and increased overall well-being for moms
  • Share success stories or testimonials from moms who have implemented these solutions

Next Steps

Sometimes, stepping away from your writing for a short period can help you recharge and gain new perspectives. Go for a walk, grab a cup of coffee, or do some light exercise. When you return, you may find it easier to work on your piece with renewed energy.

Once you’ve completed your outline or draft, take the time to review and revise your content. Remember that the PAS framework is designed to keep your writing focused and engaging. Make sure your problem, agitation, and solution are clearly presented and easy for your readers to understand.

If you used the outline above to practice with, remove the placeholders for each section.

For example: “The Problem: Time Management and Meal Planning Challenges for Busy Moms”

remove the phrase “The Problem:”

I know this sounds basic, but I can count on both hands the number of clients that don’t do this because they just didn’t know.

Getting Your Blog Post Ready for Publishing

Add any appropriate images with alt-text to describe the image and remember to include your meta title and description. Use a creative variation of your blog post title (within the 50-60 character limit) and a concise version of your introduction for your meta description (within the 160 character limit).

Overcoming writer’s block using the PAS copywriting framework is a significant achievement. Give yourself a pat on the back for pushing through the creative slump and producing quality content. Keep practicing and refining your skills, and you’ll continue to conquer writer’s block with ease.

No writer is immune to the dreaded writer’s block, but with the PAS copywriting framework in your toolbox, you’ll have a powerful weapon to combat this creativity-crushing foe. By identifying your writing problems, agitating them to create a sense of urgency, and brainstorming compelling solutions, you can break through the barriers holding you back and unleash your full creative potential. So give the PAS framework a try, and watch your writing soar to new heights!