Chapter 3: Capturing Attention Ethically in Competitive Platforms in Seven Steps for Advanced Writers

Here’s How to Lead, Engage, and Inspire on Substack and Beyond

This is chapter 3 of the book A Powerful Toolkit for Advanced Substack Newsletter Mastery. You can check out Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 summaries on this platform and full versions on Substack.  Unlike the previous Substack Mastery book, I decided not to publish full chapters publicly as this one might confuse new writers and can cause unnecessary workload for me. This is not a textbook, but it is a knowledge transfer tool reflecting my experiences and observations as a writer and professional with over 40 years of experience. 

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On Substack, successful writers are more than just creators. Readers want more. They look to you as a guide, a coach, a voice of clarity, and someone who takes action. Beyond offering knowledge and insights, you inspire, shape opinions, and create a loyal, engaged community. Achieving success on competitive platforms like Substack can remain a dream without capturing attention.

In my work, capturing attention was vital. I studied how attention, focus, memory, and task-switching work, both biologically and psychologically. These are not just abstract ideas. They are rooted in cognitive science, neuroscience, and education and are deeply connected to how we engage and connect with others. 

The most important part of capturing attention is acting honestly and fairly. While using tricks or misleading tactics might grab attention for a moment, they can hurt your reputation over time. Instead, focus on offering real value and being clear about your intentions. When you treat your audience respectfully and build trust, you create stronger, long-lasting connections that make your message more powerful and meaningful.

As an educator, I had to master the art of capturing attention—both through speaking and writing. Knowing the subject was not enough. To teach students of all ages and influence their behavior, I needed to engage them fully and communicate authentically. When doing one-on-one sessions for private tutoring, I needed to customize my message for each student. 

In this chapter, I will share seven steps for grabbing attention, earning trust, and making a lasting ethical impact. You will also learn how to combine leadership skills with advanced writing techniques. I will explain key strategies for each point and give practical tips and leadership insights for leading and connecting with your audience.

Step 1: Start with a Hook That Demands Attention