3 min read

How you can use the PAS framework to draft a blog post in half the time

It’s a good idea to have a writing process. You can typically use an existing process or develop a new one if you think of something…
How you can use the PAS framework to draft a blog post in half the time
Speed up your writing! Photo by Harley-Davidson on Unsplash

It’s a good idea to have a writing process. You can typically use an existing process or develop a new one if you think of something better. Some people write everything from beginning to end, while others prefer to outline everything first before they get their hands dirty. There are more alternatives but what does matter is that whatever your strategy may be it should save time and be efficient.

There are many factors that could potentially speed up your writing process, but today we’re going to focus on the PAS method. If you think it’s just another mind-numbing acronym, I can assure you it is not. This one has quite a few hidden benefits which will come in handy if you want to drastically increase your writing speed.

Content that follows the PAS framework will hit three points in succession: problem, agitate, solution.

Problem

The first step is a simple one. Here, a writer starts with a problem that’s familiar to their target audience and then drives it home by agitating the situation at hand even further. If you’ve been blogging for any length of time, you’ll know how important it is to create content around problems your readers might have. It could be a lack of time, money, or even talent. You’ll then present the solution as an answer to their woes.

For example, if you were to write a post about internet speed in Malaysia, your problem statement could be:

“Do you want to stream video content or download files faster? You may not realize it but many Malaysians are stuck with internet speeds that don’t even reach half the average global rate. If you’re one of them, keep reading and we’ll teach you how to get the speed you deserve.”

Agitate

Once you’ve defined the problem for your audience, the next step is to agitate the situation. This means you will need to make your readers even more aware of what they don’t want by intensifying it. It’s not that complicated once you understand the core idea behind it.

If, for example, you’ve created content around finding a new home or buying property, trouble could start if you don’t really know what you’re doing. A homeowner could face a number of problems over time, so it’s your job to highlight the negatives before presenting a solution.

Solution

Lastly, you will present a solution. This is where you can go all out and promote your products or services to a maximum. If a homeowner has a problem, it’s best to offer them a way out of their current situation. Once this step is complete, the content should be able to stand on its own two feet and carry an idea from beginning to end for your visitors.

For example, if your article was about finding an affordable home in Kuala Lumpur, the end might look something like this:

“Ekklesia Homes is a leading provider of affordable houses for sale. We have a variety of options suited to every budget and lifestyle.”

The bottom line

Because one of the hardest parts about writing is just getting started, starter frameworks like the PAS model can help you overcome that initial barrier and really get you going. Once you’ve established a problem and agitate it, all you need to do is present the solution, and you’re good to go.

Of course, there’s no rule that says you have to follow this model exactly, but I find it works best when combined with your own ideas and inspiration.

The PAS framework is also a great starting point for those who struggle to stay motivated as they write. With such straightforward steps, the chances of getting sidetracked or having a lack of inspiration are minimized.

Conclusion

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