Creating digital products that truly connect with an audience requires more than just delivering information. To stand out, your product needs to resonate on a deeper level. This is where the Pain-Agitate-Solution (PAS) technique comes in. A powerful framework in both marketing and product creation, PAS helps you address your audience's needs with empathy and precision.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the PAS formula, explore why it's so effective, and how you can use it to make your digital products — whether eBooks, online courses, or guides — truly impactful.
Pain-Agitate-Solution is a storytelling approach designed to engage people by identifying a problem (Pain), intensifying it (Agitate), and then presenting a way to overcome it (Solution). Each step of PAS builds a connection, guides readers through relatable challenges, and reassures them that you have a clear answer.
Let’s break down the steps in detail to see how each part works.
The first step is to pinpoint the specific pain point or problem that your audience is facing. Think about the challenges or frustrations that make them seek out digital products in your niche. This can range from wanting to learn a new skill, to overcoming a common struggle, or finding a more efficient way to reach a goal.
For example, if you’re creating an eBook on productivity, the “pain” might be the constant battle with procrastination or time management. By addressing this pain directly in the opening of your product, you show readers that you understand their challenges, making them more receptive to the information you’re about to share.
Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take it a step further, this is where the “agitate” comes in. Here, you amplify the pain by delving into the impact or consequences of the problem, making it more personal and urgent. This step is about showing your audience what happens if they don’t take action.
Using the productivity example, you could agitate by describing how procrastination leads to stress, missed opportunities, and constant feelings of overwhelm. A phrase like, “Imagine constantly running out of time and never getting closer to your goals,” helps readers feel the weight of the problem.
But remember to keep it balanced, so your audience doesn’t feel overwhelmed. The goal here is to reinforce the significance of the problem without making readers feel stuck or defeated.
After identifying and amplifying the problem, it’s time to present your solution. This is where you reassure your audience that there’s a way out and that your digital product holds the answers they need. Make your solution actionable, clear, and tailored to the pain points you just discussed.
In our productivity eBook example, the solution might be a series of time-management techniques, practical tools, or motivational strategies designed to combat procrastination. Emphasize how the content will help them overcome the specific issues you’ve outlined in the pain and agitate steps, showing a clear link between their struggle and the benefits your product provides.
PAS is powerful because it connects emotionally with readers. By addressing a real problem and tapping into the feelings it brings up, you build trust with your audience. It shows that you understand their needs and can guide them toward a meaningful solution. Here’s why this approach is especially effective for digital products:
Relatability: The technique draws readers in by addressing a situation they’re familiar with, making them more likely to engage with the product.
Engagement: The agitate step builds tension, keeping readers intrigued and eager to discover the solution.
Clear Value: When your solution addresses a specific pain point, readers are more likely to see the value in your product, increasing conversions and engagement.
To apply PAS effectively, first spend time understanding your target audience. What are their biggest frustrations and challenges? Tailor each PAS step to these insights, ensuring that each part flows naturally into the next.
Research Your Audience: Find out what specific problems your audience faces by reading forums, comments, and reviews within your niche.
Craft Your Message: For each problem, identify the pain, agitate by explaining why it matters, and then clearly present your solution.
Test and Iterate: Not every pain point will resonate equally with all audiences. Test different variations of PAS messaging to see what draws the strongest response.
Incorporating the Pain-Agitate-Solution technique into your digital products can elevate them from simply informative to genuinely transformative. By guiding your audience through a journey from problem to solution, you create products that not only provide value but also build trust and loyalty. So, as you set out to create your next digital product, remember the PAS formula: identify the pain, agitate it to make it relatable, and then offer your unique solution. This approach can make your products more effective, impactful, and memorable? ultimately leading to greater success in the digital marketplace. Good luck!