The Breadcrumb Method
How to write articles people can’t stop reading — even if they don’t care about the topic.
You’ve probably heard this before:
“Write like you're having a conversation with one person.”
But that advice, while true, is incomplete.
In long-form writing — especially in copy — your real job is not to inform.
Your job is to hold attention like a vice grip.
And the best way to do it?
Leave breadcrumbs.
The Breadcrumb Method Framework 🥖
This is a 4-part structure to guide someone through your article without ever letting them go:
① The Hook (But Not What You Think)
The first few lines aren’t about yelling louder or using clickbait.
They're about creating an emotional opening loop.
A moment of tension. A scene. A question that feels dangerous to the reader’s worldview.
Instead of:
“Here are 5 ways to write better content.”
Try:
“I once spent 8 hours writing a post no one read — and it wasn’t because the ideas were bad.”
You’re not giving away the value up front.
You’re pulling them in.
② The String (aka Curiosity Momentum)
Every paragraph should whisper:
“Just read one more.”
You do this by:
Ending paragraphs with a hint of something deeper
Using rhythm and cliffhangers
Breaking up dense thoughts with short, punchy lines
Think of it like Netflix.
Each sentence rolls the credits but never quite ends the show.
③ The Payload (Value Drop)
Once you’ve earned trust and attention, now you deliver the meat.
This is where you introduce your framework, insight, or tactic — but the key is to anchor it in story.
Dry explanation kills momentum.
Instead, illustrate with contrast:
A before/after transformation
A mental mistake most people make
A real story that flips expectation
④ The Echo (Emotional Anchor)
Great writing doesn’t just end.
It leaves a feeling behind.
You want your article to leave a little echo in the reader’s head — something they carry with them that makes your idea stick.
Do this by:
Restating the core idea emotionally
Tying the final sentence back to your intro
Giving them an internal nudge that says:
“I need to try this now.”
The Breadcrumb Method is about leading, not lecturing.
Your job isn’t to teach your reader everything —
It’s to keep them close, make them feel, and let the lesson reveal itself.
Master this, and people won’t just read your articles —
They’ll remember them.
god bless,
Jonas
PS: if you’re one of the few who want too take this further…
and really learn how to write like this. (consider hoping on a call)
or dm me on instagram
💯