7 Copywriting Tricks You Can Steal from Your Favourite Netflix Series
We all know binge-watching can be a guilty pleasure. The cliffhangers, the plot twists, the characters you love (and love to hate). Netflix sure knows how to hook an audience and keep them coming back for more!
But what if we told you those same tricks can level up your copywriting game?
That’s right. The same psychological tactics that keep you up until 2 a.m. watching “just one more episode” are the ones that make your marketing copy irresistible.
Let’s break down 7 copywriting tricks you can steal straight from your favourite Netflix series, and how to apply them to your business content.
1. The Cliffhanger Hook
Inspired by: Stranger Things, Ozark, The Crown
Ever finish an episode only to be left dangling on a cliffhanger? That sense of unresolved tension is what pulls viewers into the next episode. You need to apply that same hook in your headlines, emails, and sales pages.
In copywriting, this is known as the open loop.
You hint at something valuable or unexpected, but make the reader keep going to get the payoff.
Copywriting example:
Instead of: “5 Tips for Better Social Media Engagement”
Try: “Most Businesses Miss These 5 Social Media Mistakes (Are You One of Them?)”
You’re opening a loop that triggers curiosity and nudges the reader to click. Curiosity is one of the most powerful drivers in human psychology.
Netflix uses it constantly. So should you!
2. Character-Driven Storytelling
Inspired by: Bridgerton, Queen’s Gambit, You
Great stories are built around characters we care about. Whether they’re scandalous (Bridgerton), brilliant (Queen’s Gambit), or disturbingly likable (You), they pull us in emotionally.
Your marketing copy should do the same. Instead of simply listing features or stats, create a narrative that your customer can see themselves in.
Show their struggle. Show the solution. Show the happy ending.
Copywriting example:
Instead of: “Our software saves time and increases productivity.”
Try: “You’re juggling emails, meetings, and projects, and your to-do list keeps growing. That’s where we come in. Our platform simplifies your workflow so you can actually leave work on time.”
Make your reader feel seen. Storytelling makes your brand relatable, human, and memorable.
3. The “Bingeable” Structure
Inspired by: Breaking Bad, Money Heist, Squid Game
Netflix shows master the art of momentum. The pacing, structure, and reveals keep you watching episode after episode. Your copy can be bingeable too.
How? Use short paragraphs. Punchy sentences. Strategic white space. Clear section headings. Visual breaks like bullets, images, or bolded text.
Online readers are skimmers. Make your content easy to scan, easy to digest, and easy to keep reading.
Copywriting takeaway:
Break up big blocks of text.
Use subheadings that tease what’s coming next.
Create flow that builds from one section to the next.
Good copy doesn’t feel like work to read. It feels like entertainment.
4. Emotional Rollercoasters
Inspired by: The Haunting of Hill House, Black Mirror, Virgin River
Netflix knows how to mess with your emotions. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re crying, then you’re full of anxiety.
That emotional variation keeps things engaging.
Great copy does the same. Play with different emotional triggers depending on your goal:
Fear of missing out (FOMO): Limited-time offer, act now
Inspiration: Client success stories, big transformations
Frustration: Pain points you solve for your customers
Relief: The ease and simplicity of your solution
Copywriting example:
"Tired of wasting hours on [pain point]? Our system takes the guesswork out, so you can finally focus on what matters."
Don’t be afraid to take your audience on an emotional ride. Emotion sells far better than logic alone.
5. The Unexpected Twist
Inspired by: Who Killed Sara?, Dark, Behind Her Eyes
Plot twists keep you guessing. They defy expectations and flip the story on its head. When done right in copywriting, unexpected twists make your message more memorable.
Surprise your audience with an unexpected comparison, statistic, or metaphor.
Copywriting example:
"Most people think their biggest marketing problem is traffic. It’s not. It’s your copy."
Or:
"Hiring a copywriter doesn’t cost you money. It makes you money."
The brain loves novelty. When you flip the script, you disrupt pattern thinking and force the reader to pay attention.
6. The Relatable Flaws
Inspired by: The Office (on Netflix for some regions), Emily in Paris, Grace & Frankie
Why do we love flawed characters? Because they feel real. Perfect characters are boring.
We see ourselves in messy, imperfect people who stumble, fail, and learn.
Your brand doesn’t have to pretend to be perfect. Authenticity builds trust.
Show your behind-the-scenes.
Share lessons learned.
Acknowledge challenges.
Copywriting example:
"When we first launched, we had no clue what we were doing. But after 3 years (and a lot of mistakes), we’ve built a system that gets real results."
Vulnerability humanizes your brand. It makes you more approachable, which ultimately makes you more hireable.
7. The Teaser Trailer Effect
Inspired by: Netflix trailers themselves
Ever notice how Netflix trailers give you just enough to get excited without spoiling the whole thing?
That’s intentional. They sell you the potential payoff.
In copy, this is how you sell benefits, not features. Tease the transformation your customer will experience.
Copywriting example:
Instead of: “Our email platform has built-in analytics, A/B testing, and automation features.”
Try: “Turn every email into a sales machine. Know exactly what’s working, optimize your campaigns, and watch your revenue grow.”
Focus on the “after state” your reader wants to achieve.
Give them the trailer. Make them crave the full experience.
Need Help Writing Binge-Worthy Copy for Your Business?
That’s where we come in!
At Descriptive, we don’t just write words. We craft stories that sell, content that converts, and messaging that makes your brand unforgettable.
Book a free consultation today and let’s make your copy the star of the show!