persuiting

Persuiting is a neologism used in contemporary discourse to describe a combined tactic of persistent pursuit and targeted persuasion aimed at eliciting a specific response from a person or audience. The term is not widely recognized by major dictionaries and lacks formal, peer-reviewed definitions, but appears in discussions of marketing, sales, social dynamics, and online etiquette.

Etymology and usage: The word appears to be a portmanteau of pursuit and persuasion, possibly drawing on the idea of pursuing a lead or a target while attempting to persuade them. Its earliest attested use is informal, in blogs and forums in the early 21st century, though precise origins are unclear.

Contexts: In business and marketing, persuiting might refer to a structured outreach sequence in which a salesperson repeatedly contacts a lead with tailored messages designed to move them along a sales funnel. In social or dating contexts, it is used to describe persistent communication aimed at fostering engagement or a relationship, with emphasis on mutual responsiveness and consent. In political or advocacy campaigns, persuiting can describe ongoing outreach to undecided audiences.

Ethics and reception: Critics warn that persistent messaging can cross into harassment if it ignores opt-outs or platform rules. Proponents argue it reflects professional persistence and customized communication.

See also: persistence, persuasion, outreach, stalking.