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Cardinal Rules
Heya — Dil here.
Want your content to feel instantly more authoritative?
Stop giving tips.
Start laying down “rules”.
I was sixteen the first time I heard “road tips.”
You know — helpful suggestions for safe driving:
“Keep a safe distance.”
“Check your mirrors.”
“Don’t touch your phone while driving.”
Cool. Got it.
Filed away with all the other things adults say you “should” do.
But the “road rules”?
That was different.
Those were burned into my brain.
“Blow through a stop sign? Automatic fail.”
“No seatbelt? You’re getting fined.”
Suddenly, I was gripping the wheel tighter.
Scanning junctions like a hawk.
Because rules didn’t feel optional.
They felt like law. Like truth. Like consequence.
Same road. Same advice.
But one version you ignore…
And the other you obey.
Your audience is no different.
You can drop gold-tier tips in your content and still get blank stares.
But reframe those same ideas as rules — and everything changes.
It’s psychology.
We’re conditioned to follow structure.
We trust content that sounds like it’s laying down the law.
Try this for your next piece of content:
[Number] Rules Of [Topic] That Will [Positive Outcome]
Examples:
Fitness: “7 Rules Of Lifting That Will Save Your Joints”
Photographer: “5 Rules of Lighting That Will Instantly Make Your Shots Look Pro”
Writing: “6 Rules Of Storytelling That Will Keep Readers Hooked”
It hits because people want lines in the sand.
They want to feel like someone’s handing them the code — not just “tips.”
Take something you’ve already said before — a list, a process, a set of insights.
Reframe them as rules.
You’ll see the difference in how fast people stop and pay attention.
P.S. If you’re a creator, coach, or consultant who wants to write punchy, story-driven emails like this…
Ones your audience will feel, remember, and buy from…
I’ll show you exactly how in a “Newsletter Power Hour” — a 1:1 live Zoom session.
No guesswork. No fluff.
Just my proven “rules” for turning your raw ideas into emails that hit.
Last chance to book — doors close at midnight.
Until next time.
Cheers,
Dil