3 verbal hooks that stop the scroll and make people actually like you
Want to help people, but they keep scrolling past?
Use these positive hooks to instantly grab their attention.
Which one works best for you?
Tell them a secret only you know (“Nobody tells you...“)
You've experienced what they are about to experience. And you can share your wisdom so they won't repeat your mistakes. They will make them anyway, because people learn stuff by doing, not listening, but they will also save your post.
Hook examples:
“Nobody in HR will ever admit this but...“ “I spent 12 years at Microsoft. Here is the uncomfortable truth I learned...” “Before you get your first tattoo, stop. I have 30, and I wish I knew this earlier.”
“I’m 40 today. Here are 3 hard truths I wish I accepted in my 20s.”
Create new atomic habit (“Start doing this one thing TODAY to ...”)
We all want to be rich, successful, and strong. But those goals sound unreachable. What if somebody split the goal into, let's say, 200 achievable steps, each shared in a separate post?
Hook examples:
“Start doing this 1-minute back stretch today to undo hours of desk work.” “Do this 1-minute exercise daily if you want visible abs by Christmas.”
“Save $5 a day using this 1 simple trick to build your emergency fund this year.”
“Day 1 of 200: Do this 1-minute habit today to completely transform your physical health.”
Acknowledge their problem and create a working solution (FINALLY...)
They've tried everything, so don't bother offering advice unless you reassure them first that you've tried everything too. Until finally...
Hook examples: “After trying every diet on the internet, this is what FINALLY helped me lose weight.” “I drank 4 coffees a day and was still exhausted. This FINALLY fixed my daily energy.”
And what to avoid?
The authority hook. People don't relate to professors; they relate to other people with problems. That doesn't mean you shouldn't mention it, but not as the first sentence. Use your certifications and experience after you share your wisdom to support its validity. Not before. Don't do: “Hey I'm physics professor and I'm gonna...“ Do: “This 1-minute habit completely fixed my lower back pain. And as a biology professor, here is the exact science of why it works...“
The loss aversion hook. People are programmed to focus more on potential loss than potential gain, so you will attract their attention. But they will connect your content with negative feelings of fear, scarcity, or anxiety. You don't need that.
Don't do: “STOP sitting for 8 hours unless you want permanent spine damage!” Do: “Working a desk job all day? Give me 60 seconds and let’s fix your posture step-by-step..”
That's all. Which of these 3 hooks are you testing in your next post? Drop the number in the comments.
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