Neil Patel Case Study: The Problem-Agitate-Solution Framework

Francis G - The Stoic Entrepreneur
Level Up
Published in
4 min readFeb 7, 2024
Photo by Yogendra Singh on Unsplash

In a world that is so noisy, being able to stand out in a way that is both valuable and persuasive become the keys to success. This is why one framework that has been around for a long time stands out, the Problem-Agitate-Solution (PAS) framework. It’s an effective framework and method for capturing attention, building engagement, and ultimately driving action — and one framework that Neil Patel uses most effectively.

What is the Problem-Agitate-Solution Framework?

The Problem-Agitate-Solution framework is a persuasive communication strategy that involves three key stages:

  • Problem: Clearly articulate the issue or challenge your audience is facing. This sets the stage by establishing a common ground and resonating with the struggles your audience experiences.
  • Agitate: Don’t stop there, go deeper into the problem by emphasizing its negative consequences and the missed opportunities associated with it. Agitating the issue helps evoke emotions, making the audience more receptive to a solution.
  • Solution: Present a clear and actionable solution to the identified problem. This stage is about offering guidance, tools, or strategies that can effectively address the challenges presented earlier.

How to Use the PAS Framework Effectively:

  1. Identify Your Audience’s Pain Points:
    Understand the specific challenges your audience is grappling with. Conduct research, surveys, or engage in conversations to identify their pain points.
  2. Craft a Compelling Problem Statement:
    Clearly articulate the problem in a way that resonates with your audience. Use language that reflects their experiences and emotions.
  3. Agitate with Impactful Details:
    Dive deeper into the problem by highlighting the severe consequences and missed opportunities. Paint a vivid picture of the negative impact of not addressing the issue.
  4. Present a Clear and Feasible Solution:
    Provide a solution that is not only effective but also feasible for your audience to implement. Make it actionable and easy to understand.
  5. Call to Action:
    Encourage your audience to take immediate action. Whether it’s subscribing to a newsletter, making a purchase, or implementing a strategy, guide them on the next steps.

The Case Study: Neil Patel And The PAS Framework

Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

Neil Patel’s Mastery of the PAS Framework:

  • Problem:
    Neil Patel, a well-known digital marketing expert, addresses common issues and pain points in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. He understands that businesses often struggle with online visibility, lead generation, and effective digital strategies.
  • Agitate:
    In his content, Neil Patel goes beyond just stating the problems. He agitates the issues by emphasizing the potential consequences — the loss of potential customers, diminished brand reputation, and missed opportunities for growth. His agitative approach compels the audience to recognize the urgency and severity of the challenges they may be facing.
  • Solution:
    Neil Patel is celebrated for his ability to provide actionable insights, tools, and strategies that can genuinely improve digital marketing and business performance. Whether it’s through his blog, online courses, or speaking engagements, he delivers practical solutions that empower businesses to enhance their online presence, optimize their strategies, and achieve real results.

Why is the PAS Framework Effective?

  • Emotional Connection: By addressing the audience’s problems and agitating them, the PAS framework creates an emotional connection. Emotions drive action, making individuals more likely to engage with the presented solutions.
  • Clarity and Focus: The structure of the PAS framework provides clarity. It guides the audience through a logical progression, from understanding the problem to visualizing the solution, ensuring a focused and effective communication strategy.
  • Action-Oriented: The call to action embedded in the solution stage prompts immediate engagement. The framework is designed to move the audience from passive observers to active participants, facilitating a smoother transition towards the desired outcome.

When used correctly the Problem-Agitate-Solution framework is a powerful tool in persuasive communications. Neil Patel’s use of this framework showcases how to leverage it in the digital marketing landscape, where identifying problems, agitating pain points, and presenting actionable solutions can lead to deeper connections with your audience.

About Me

Hi! I’m Francis, a 15-year, ex-corporate marketer turned solopreneur with a special skill for writing short, concise content into actionable tips to help you grow your online brand and presence. Sign up for my Online Growth Atomic Newsletter

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Francis G - The Stoic Entrepreneur
Level Up

I am a brand and content strategist diving into the world of stoicism for a better life and way of doing business