Stop the Scroll: Dozens of Sure-Fire Hooks to Bait Your Reader

Whether you're publishing a static post on LinkedIn, a reel on Instagram, or sending an email pitch, the secret to going viral or getting a sale is to immediately get your reader's attention. How do we do this? With a great HOOK.

The bulk of your content might be awesome, but if you’re slacking on your hooks, your audience simply won’t get to it. In this post we'll go over why hooks are the key ingredient to successful copywriting and provide some examples to uplevel your copy game.

If the analysis paralysis has got a hold on you, these examples will stop the overthinking so you can get posting ASAP.

"Your first 15 words are more important than the next 15,000."

Breakthrough Advertising

What is a Hook?

A hook is any combination of words or phrases that is simply irresistible to your audience. It usually falls in the first 1 or 2 lines of your post captions, your Reel, your carousels and beyond.

In media res is a Latin phrase that means "in the middle of things." It refers to starting a story or narrative in the middle of the action, rather than at the beginning. In copywriting, the concept of "in media res" can be used to grab the reader's attention right away and create a sense of intrigue or excitement.

The hook is vital because you want your content to be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible. Otherwise, what's the point of posting?

"The most important sentence in any article is the first one. If it doesn't induce the reader to proceed to the second sentence, your article is dead."

William Zinsser

Why is a Hook so important?

The harsh truth: You only have about 1-2 seconds to grab your reader's attention before they habitually scroll on.

The purpose of a hook is to

• capture the reader's attention

• entice them to click, read, or engage with your content further.

A good hook is the gateway to visibility and engagement. The better your hook, the more likely people are to continue following your content.

"The first sentence can't be written until the final sentence is written."

Joyce Carol Oates

How to Nail Your Hook

Start strong by triggering an emotion such as

• Surprise

• Shock

• Intrigue

• Interest

• Curiosity

• Compassion

• Relatability

• Discomfort

Some experts say you should even draft your post/story first, and then spend the bulk of your time working on the hook. To do this, identify the most important point in your story and lead with that.

To get the most "bang for your buck" remember to...

1. Tailor your hooks to your specific audience and niche. Know who you're writing for and WHY you're telling the story.

2. Include a select word or phrase in ALL CAPS, or incorporate an asterik or parentheses to create emphasis, visual interest and dynacism.

3. Cut the clutter (avoiding excess or fluffy language)

4. Use words like "Best","Top" or "Proven" to build authority and credibility

5. Tell a story by including a specific timeline or other numeric detail

6. Provide a valuable takeaway in your final lines and through a CTA.

Different Types of Hooks - with Examples!

Having a collection of hooks is vital for your content creation. Here are some of the most popular types of hooks you can use and some common examples that will get your reader clicking "See More..."

Check out these hook examples and enjoy these awesome, done-for-you post ideas and inspiration. The common thread- their casual, conversational tone. When you come across as a real person, it automatically draws people in!

Pattern Interrupt Hook

Used to illicit intrigue, fascination, a challenge or offer something unexpected or thought-provoking

• Did you know that 90% of people are living with ...?

• What if I told you that you could double your income in just 30 days?

• Did you know that the average person spends over ...?

• Let me tell you about the time a single idea revolutionized an entire industry.

• Forget everything you've been told about ...—it's time for a revolution

• The secret to ....might actually be ....—not ...

• Are you brave enough to break free from ....and live life on your own terms?

• Newsflash:...

• This is too good not to share...

• The internet may not be ready for this, but…

• The most important hack/tool/tip that you'll hear today...

• This one shift changed everything for me.
  

“The most basic way to get someone's attention is this: Break a pattern.”

Chip & Dan Health

Problem-Focused Hooks

• Are you tired of struggling to find time for ..."

• Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by ....in your home?

• Are you frustrated with your current .... not delivering results?

• Raise your hand if...

• If you're doing this, then you're making a mistake and wasting your...

• I had no idea about ___ for so long. Then I learned...

• Not enough people are talking about this…

Solutions/Benefit Hooks

• Gain back valuable time in your day with our easy-to-use .....

• Transform your -----with our space-saving ...

• Achieve --- and boost your ----with our proven ----

• Introducing our new ...designed to save you...

• The Secret's out...

• Discover our innovative ....to ....once and for all.

• Meet our advanced .... to reduce ....

• These 5 tips could triple your…

• Easy way to double your gain, fast...

• Signs you might be ready for…

Question Hook

Pose a thought-provoking question that resonates with your target audience. Examples:

• Are You Guilty of These Common Mistakes?

• Wondering How to Achieve _____?

• Permission to Rant?

• What can you do today to get closer to your dream life?

• Can we be honest for a second?

Instructional/Authority Hook

Be the teacher! Provide a solution, hack or promise to educate your audience on a valuable skill or technique. Bonus if you can call out a silent objection! Examples:

• Here’s what I wish more people understood about…

• How to Master the Art of _____

• How to Win The ____ Game Every Time.

• How I _____ in (time) without _____

• You've been doing it wrong...

• This trick will save you hours

• How to ___ without losing____ or looking)

• You can solve___ in only ____. Here's how!

• The first step on your ___ journey is this:

• Here’s what I tell my clients all the time:

• 3 things you need to know about…

• As a ____, the biggest mistake I see people make is…

• If you’re struggling with [X], try this instead:

• Here’s what I wish more people understood about…

  
  

Controversy Hook

Make a bold, unapologetic statement or take a stance on a controversial topic to pique curiosity. Examples:

• Why ____ is Dead

• The Surprising Truth About ____

• Unpopular Opinion:

• Hot Take:

• Harsh Truth:

• The problem with...

• This might sound controversial but...

• No one's telling you this...

• This might ruffle some feathers, but…

• Since no one else will say it, I will:

  
  

Curiosity Hook

Create a sense of intrigue and curiosity by offering a teaser or hint of valuable information. Examples:

• Unlock the Secret to_____

• The One Thing You Need for ____

• I was too scared to... Until I learned this trick to help me get over my fear

• Watch til the end...

• This will blow your mind...

• I’ve got a secret to share...

• I'm going to let you in on a secret...

• Quick reminder…

• The craziest thing just happened...

• What if I told you...

• I wasn't going to share this but...

• What I DIDN'T do to find success

• Today I'm spilling my secrets...

• Expectation vs Reality

• I'll get straight to the point..

• Here's the Tea...

• If you're looking for a sign, this is it.

• I'm a ___ and I want you to _____. Here's why...

• Guess what I just realized...

• The internet may not be ready for this, but…

Vulnerability Hook

Share a personal anecdote or story that resonates and connects with your audience's authentic emotions or experiences. Examples:

• How I Overcame_____and Found Success

• My Journey from _____to _____

• 3 years ago: I knew/I did/I was.. vs Today: I know/I am/

• I've never felt like I belonged in the … world

• The biggest lesson I've learned

• I have a confession to make..

• Vulnerability Share:

• I'm gonna be honest here,,,

• I changed my mind about...

• This is hard to write...

• If I could do it all over again...

• Confession time:

• Things I had to learn the hard way:

• I used to think… until I realized…

• I’ve never shared this publicly before but...

• A year ago, I was… now I’m…

• The hardest part of this journey is…

• Nobody tells you about how hard____ is…

• I wish someone had told me this sooner…

• Real talk:

Statistical/Numerical Hook

People are often drawn to content that promises a specific number of tips, ideas, or steps. Use a surprising or compelling statistic or data point to grab attention and establish trust and credibility. Examples:

• 7 Effective Ways to Boost Your ______

• 10 Secrets for a Successful _____

• 5 Things I'd do if I Was Starting Over....

• The number one thing that will actually move the needle on...

• 80% of People Make This Common Mistake

• Studies Show _____Increases Happiness by 50%.

• Myth vs Fact

• Did you know 70% of people...

Urgency Hook

Creating a sense of time sensitivity compels the audience to take immediate action or to pay close attention. Examples:

• I need your help

• Last Call

• In the next 30 seconds, I'm going to show you how...

"When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar."

David Ogilvy

Belonging/Relating Hook

Talk about a shared identity, desire, problem or pain point. Establishing a sense of belonging helps the audience feel special, unique and seen.

• This one is for _____ only (insert a group of people)

• Calling all _____!

• I know what you're thinking...

• POV: You’re [insert relatable scenario]

• If you are ___, this video has found you for a reason.

• Only __ will get this

• Tell me you’re a ... without telling me you’re a.....

• Does this sound like you?

• You're tired. You're exhausted. You're ready for a change

• If you're ___ then you can go ahead and stop reading/watching, however if you...

• Let’s normalize...

Announcement Hook

Try to avoid..."We’re excited to announce…” and “We’re thrilled to share…” or "We've been busy...". These generally come across as very corporate, flat and boring.

Instead, lead with the human interest story and original experiences and observations associated with the new idea, business venture, product/feature, etc. Go back to the origins of the idea and Invite your reader to be a part of something larger and meaningful.

• "The wait is over. Here's what we've been working on…"

• "Get ready to experience -----like never before…"

• "It's time for something new—introducing…"

• "Here's the next big thing in ----…"

• "You asked, we delivered. Check out our latest…"

• "Step into the future with our latest innovation…"

• "Say hello to the next chapter of [your company]…"

• "The future of -----starts now…"

• "Ready for a game-changer? Introducing…"

• "We've got something special just for you…"

• 'It all started a few years ago when...."

Use headlines to grab attention, and hooks to keep it.

Wrapping It Up

Mastering the art of compelling copywriting is all about the hook. It's the gateway to connection, engagement and sales.

If you're ready to elevate your brand's messaging and captivate your audience, I'm here to help. Let's transform your content into a compelling narrative that leaves your customer always wanting more.

Can't wait to hear from you!

"Good copywriters are students of human nature. They know what will arouse curiosity and get people to read on."

Robert Bly

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Erin Ratliff is a holistic business coach and consultant specializing in organic growth and visibility for energy-sensitive, earth-loving, heart-led soul-preneurs, self-starters, and founders in pursuit of personal and planetary healing.

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