Add a Compounding Effect to Your Articles

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There are many writing techniques we can adapt from other fields of knowledge. One of them is the compounding effect — a concept well known in economics, especially in investing.

Simply put, the compounding effect refers to profits that grow exponentially over time through reinvestment. It commonly occurs in stocks, Bitcoin, and similar assets.

In writing — especially in articles — you can apply this compounding method to your structure. But wait, is this really possible?

Mental Models Are Useful for Writers

Writers need to use many different lenses — so to speak, ways of thinking. We can’t rely endlessly on the 5W + 1H method (what, where, when, who, why, and how), because readers crave novelty.

You can use the compounding effect as a mental model. In your article, the peak of all information appears at the end. How is this different from a conclusion? The difference lies in the level of tension.

The Compounding Effect Is Like Writing a Novel

When we read a novel, we encounter various challenges faced by the main character. Often, these challenges are layered — from ones that are easy to overcome to those that are much harder.

We can use the same approach in article writing. We simply need escalating tension distributed throughout the article before reaching the peak. After that, it’s perfectly fine to include a conclusion at the end.

You can revisit the novels you’ve read. Mark the moments of tension and group them into minor tensions and major tensions.

The Compounding Effect Starts by Focusing on a Small Audience

Beyond the article itself, focus on a small group of readers. We don’t want to please everyone — even though we hope the article will be read by many people. Always start with a small audience.

Create a super-focused article. If you want to discuss happiness, who is that small audience? Is it teenagers aged 18? Adults aged 35? Making this decision early helps you craft both the title and the content more precisely.

Later, the compounding effect will occur when these small audiences enjoy your article and gladly share it with others outside their original circle.

The Compounding Effect in Writing About Tourist Destinations

Everyone has told stories about family vacations, especially from childhood. After the holiday ended, we were often asked to write an essay about it.

Did we immediately describe the most amazing moments of the trip? Of course not. We usually started with small things — maybe the chaos of packing at home or plans that didn’t work out at the destination.

Only at the end of the essay did we share the most memorable experience. We saved the biggest surprise for last. We hoped our teacher would enjoy reading it, satisfied after discovering the final treasure hidden in the essay.

We’ve actually practiced writing with the compounding effect since school. We just tend to ignore it now. We rush to deliver the core message of the article, even though all we need is to move slowly toward the peak at the end.

Does this give you a bit of insight? If so, that’s great. I find myself quite fond of this method too. And don’t forget — please support this article by clicking the applause button. Thank you.