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The Most Important Skill to Grow Your Business That You’re Probably Ignoring
Samuel Ng
July 08, 2025
When browsing Reddit, Threads, and other social media platforms, there’s one question I keep seeing: “What skill should I learn to earn more nowadays?”
If you're trying to turn your side hustle into a real income stream, there's one skill you need more than anything else right now.
It’s not learning to code. Don’t get me wrong, coding is still a valuable skill and I believe everybody should learn how to code.
It’s not mastering design either. AI tools can help you with that, even if you're not a professional designer.
It’s the ability to write persuasive content.
This is the single most powerful skill that turns people from passive followers into paying customers.
It’s what transforms a random post into a revenue-generating funnel.
And it’s more accessible than you think. Let’s find out!
Why Persuasive Content Is a Game Changer
I’ve seen many people complain about why their digital products get no sales, asking things like, “Why didn’t anyone buy my ebook even though I spent a lot of time writing it?”
Every time someone comes across your content for the first time, they don’t know who you are. They don’t know what you offer or why they should care.
To them, you are a complete stranger trying to sell something. That’s why you can barely make a sale.
This is exactly why you need a persuasive content system to earn trust from those strangers.
Trust is money.
When trust is built, the money follows.
A persuasive content system helps you build trust, show your audience that you understand their struggles, and make them believe you have the solution.
The best part? You can do all of this without sounding pushy or aggressive.
In fact, the most persuasive content feels authentic, helpful, and aligned with what the reader already wants.
This skill is especially important if you’re into blogging or affiliate marketing.
Whether you’re reviewing products or writing educational content, your ability to persuade determines whether readers take the next step, click your links, and eventually make a purchase.
Without persuasive writing, even the most insightful blog post or affiliate guide will struggle to convert.
A Simple Framework for Writing Persuasive Content
First, I want you to read this sample piece of content, then we’ll go through step by step.
Are you thinking you need a fancy website or professional videos before you can start affiliate marketing?
If so, you’re trying to build a "car" when all you really need is a "skateboard" to begin.
I see so many beginners stuck in the preparation phase. They keep searching for the best tools, trying to master complex landing page design, and in the end… they do nothing because it all feels overwhelming.
That mindset is extremely risky.
Instead, think about creating your first "Minimal Digital Asset."
It could be something as simple as a Google Docs file.
✅ Here’s the mindset shift you need:
WRONG: I must have a professional landing page to sell anything.
RIGHT: A simple Google Docs file like "Top 5 AI Tools for Marketers" can deliver value and get your first clicks.
Every piece of content you create, no matter how small, is a digital asset that works for you 24/7.
A blog post, a short video, a basic PDF — they all have value.
Beginner’s Perspective:
I was the same when I started, stuck in endless theory and wanting everything to be perfect. But then I realized a simple Google Docs file packed with real value is far more powerful than a beautiful website with nothing meaningful inside.
That one simple file got me my first clicks and trust, which became my biggest motivation to keep going.
This journey doesn’t require perfection. It just needs a beginning.
Save this post if you also need a reminder to start with the simplest steps.
Now, let’s see how they put it together.
1. Identify the Reader’s Pain Point (Frustration)
“Are you thinking you need a fancy website or professional videos before you can start affiliate marketing?”
“So many beginners get stuck in the preparation phase…”
Why this works:
It directly speaks to the internal struggle many beginners face: the feeling that they’re not “ready” to start.
This creates instant emotional resonance.
2. Introduce a Surprising Truth or Analogy
“You’re trying to build a ‘car’ when all you really need is a ‘skateboard’.”
Why this works:
The analogy simplifies the problem and reframes the reader’s expectation.
It’s visual, memorable, and lowers the mental barrier to entry.
3. Call Out a Common Mistake
“Searching for the best tools, designing complex landing pages… and ending up doing nothing.”
Why this works:
It validates the reader’s experience, showing that the writer understands the real-world challenges and paralysis by analysis.
4. Offer a New Mindset (The Shift)
“Think about your first ‘Minimal Digital Asset’ — it could be a Google Docs file.”
Why this works:
Instead of selling tools or tactics, it offers a mindset change.
That’s more powerful and lasting, especially for beginners.
5. Reframe Limiting Beliefs
✅ Checklist of Wrong vs. Right Thinking
“Wrong: I need a professional landing page.”
Right: A simple Google Doc can create value and get clicks.”
Why this works:
It helps the reader question their assumptions and see a simpler, more doable path forward.
“I was the same when I started…”
Why this works:
It builds trust by showing that the writer has walked the same path and overcome the same obstacle.
7. Encouragement to Start (Empowerment)
“This journey doesn’t require perfection. It just needs a beginning.”
Why this works:
It leaves the reader with a clear, low-pressure invitation to take action.
8. Call to Save / Engage
“Save this post if you also need a reminder…”
Why this works:
It subtly encourages engagement and virality without being salesy.
Quick Tip
People need a reason to believe you. Share a personal win, a client result, or a lesson from your own journey.
The most important thing is that you have to show up consistently.
Find out where your potential buyers spend the most time, show up there, and consistently provide helpful content. When people see you often enough, they start to trust you.
Final Thoughts
Learning to write persuasive content is the highest-leverage skill you can develop as a creator or freelancer.
The more you practice, the better you’ll get. The more you understand your audience, the easier it becomes to guide them toward a result.
And once your content starts working for you, your side hustle starts to look a lot more like a real business.
So stop creating random content. Brainstorm how to structure it to be highly persuasive.
Once you master the art of persuasive content, you can make a lot of money. Trust me.
Thanks for reading.