Generally speaking, what would you say is the better attention getting phrase, A question or a shocking fact.
GROUP1 10 things that you..... Best 8 solutions of.... 3 shocking fact about.... GROUP2 Myths about.... THE BEST 1+2 Top 10 Myths about...
In general terms I would say a question is better, although it of course depends on your target audience. A shocking fact has the potential to put people off reading any further but a question gets them thinking so they're more likely to engage with the rest of your content.
A question, since shocking facts have had their value eroded over time because of overuse (They are often not so shocking as the author thinks either).
If you can come up with a powerful frame for your question, it'll be much more engaging. This immediately compels readers to answer you in their minds. But a shocking fact can work, too. If you tell me something TRULY shocking like, ummm ... the Pope has confirmed the certain demise of 80% of the world population in 2012!, you'd have my undivided attention.
Questions beg the reader to come up with an answer further engaging them in your content. It gets them to personally become involved with your piece. Although in the right context shocking facts can work well too, just have to be careful of sounding too hyped. Josiah.
A question is much more likely to get your audience involved. That's not to say that shocking facts don't have their place--they definitely do. If you have an appropriate fact (and please, make sure it is a fact, not just an overhyped wives' tale), you might follow your question with the fact.
If you use them correctly then both could work but it depends on the article your writing. I've read research papers claiming that people are becoming desensitized to "shock-factor" advertising.
I myself would say that a question is better.It makes the reader wonder about whats next.Questions open your mind.They grab your attention.Questions also make great article titles as well.
Your prospects are usually in a zombie state. So you need to get their attention. This is done by bringing a self-appealing fact that shocks them a little. For example, Carlton uses juxtapositions of incongruousness elements. (The one legged golfer which ...) Also, he is looking for a way to leave the sales letter at any time, so you must make it appealing. You must never give him the chance to say "that's not for me". Thanks, Razvan