In a world where people swipe right on content quicker than you sneeze, how do you stand out? Creating a great hook is your moment. Stuck for hook ideas? Have a quick read of these tried and tested ways to get readers clicking on your content, creating connection and giving your voice a chance to shine.
What Is A Hook?
Wondering what the heck a hook is? It’s simply the title of your podcast, blog or social post or the first one- three sentences. The funny thing is even if the rest of your copy is not all that, a good hook will likely get it read more than other content. You could literally go back and re-write the titles of some of your content and get more people to read it, crazy huh? But how do you write juicy hooks that will get more traction?
How Do You Write A Hook Your Reader Can’t Resist?
So, let’s get stuck into the hooks. These are simple strategies with examples for your next piece of content;
Tell Them WHY They Should Listen To You
What is one thing everyone wants more of? (Apart from airline points) time. So if you help them save it they will pay attention. They actually do not want to scroll through loads and loads of options. How many hours do you spend finding the perfect movie to watch on Netflix? Isn’t it SO much better when you know right away, that’s the one. Here are some examples of how to tell them why they should listen to you.
I travelled the world to find these 5 ways to be happy everyday
I have helped millions of people overcome writer’s block
All of my clients achieve success when they do these three things
These tips helped me skyrocket my business
I could not have written a book without knowing this
Have a go, grab a pen and paper and start jotting some ideas using your own talents and readers’ challenges to tell them why they should listen to you.
Make Them Ask What Next
Curiosity killed the cat as they say. We all gotta know what’s next. It actually satisfies a part of our brain as finding out gives us a dopamine hit. Make it spicy and irresistible enough that even though they should be working they cannot resist reading more. Here are some examples;
This Is What Happened When I Discovered Reading
My Partner Left Me For Another Woman
I Quit My Job To Travel
Nobody Knows This But it Changes EVERYTHING
I Told My Client The Truth, This Is What Happened
Make Friends With Your Reader
To get on the same page as your reader, you really have to be on the same page as them. If you want your story or idea to resonate with them you have to know a bit about who they are, what they want, what their challenges are. For example many of you will be writers or business owners that want to add value. Whether that is helping them in business, life or entertaining them. Here are some examples of hooks that make them feel seen.
Do You Feel Stuck In Rut When You This?
Dreaming Of This?
Have You Experienced This When Trying To Do This?
Is This Holding You Back?
Do You Want This But Have No Idea Where To Start?
Tailor these to your own audience and voila, you have some great titles and ideas for future content. Why not go back and try and change the titles of older pieces and see how you get on?
The Key Things To Take Away About Hooks
Powerful hooks are the most important part of your content, without that juicy title of first line your readers are unlikely to even give it a click. There are heaps of different ways to approach hooks, from telling readers why they should listen to you, peaking their curiosity to getting in the trenches with them.
Ultimately hooks are a bit like life, it’s all about trial and error -you gotta start somewhere. Why not get playing with these new approaches and before you know it you will be catching your dream readers, one line at a time.
