7 ways to write an irresistible opening hook
I used to think good writing would help me get readers.
I believed (naively) if I shared interesting ideas and perspectives, people would flock to profile and become raving fans.
The problem—I learned—s that online readers are lazy. In fact, different studies say anywhere from 40 - 80% of people don’t read past the headline.
So, if the headline (or subject line) doesn’t grab attention, you have no hope of getting clicks. But even if reader’s click, you still have another problem
A headline alone won’t win readers. You’ll have their attention, but only for a few more seconds. You still have to earn their attention with an opening hook.
Your opening hook is that crucial first sentence or two that reels readers in and makes them crave more. When I learned how to write them, my engagement took off.
Today, I want to share 7 ways to write a hook. They’ll work whether you're wring an article, newsletter, or social media post.
1. The Three Nods
Want to instantly connect with your readers?
Want them to willingly read your words?
Want them to take action on what you write?
This is an example of the Three Question Hook. The idea is to ask three questions — but not just any questions. You’ll want to craft each question so your reader answers with “yes.”
Questions activate our natural curiosity and create an itch that needs scratching. They pull readers into your content by making them active participants from the get-go.
Here's how to craft question hooks that pack a punch:
Target your audience's pain points or desires.
Use "you" to make it personal.
Keep it short and snappy.
To do this effectively, you’ll need to know what your audience wants and what causes them frustration. If you can describe their problems, you can keep them reading.
2. The Shocker
Nothing grabs eyeballs like a shocking number.
Our brains are wired to pay attention to numbers, especially when they challenge our assumptions or reveal something unexpected about the world.
To harness the power of Shocker hooks:
Choose a relevant, recent stat that relates to your topic.
Frame it in a way that highlights its significance.
Follow up with context or implications.
Instead of "Many people struggle with productivity," try "The average office worker is productive for only 2 hours and 53 minutes per day. Here's how to reclaim those lost hours."
This hook not only surprises but also creates urgency around the topic.
Alternatively, you can choose a number that represents a price. For example: “I’ve spent 60+ hours studying how MrBeast creates video thumbnails.”
The “60+” hours represents a large investment of time that’s sure to get attention.
3. The Perfect Picture
Transport your readers instantly into a vivid scenario. By appealing to their senses and emotions, you create an immersive experience that's hard to resist.
To paint a picture for your hook:
Use sensory details to make it feel real.
Choose a relatable situation for your audience.
Create tension or intrigue to pull readers in.
For instance, "I was standing on stage, heart pounding, as thousands of eyes stared expectantly at me. My palms were sweaty, my mouth dry. In 30 seconds, I had to deliver the most important pitch of my life."
A hook like this plunges the reader into a high-stakes moment, making them eager to find out what happens.
4. The Contrarian
The best hooks upset your readers.
Well, they make them feel some kind of strong emotion.
Nothing piques interest quite like a bold statement that goes against the grain. When you challenge widely held beliefs, you instantly grab attention and spark curiosity.
To create a contrarian hook:
Identify a common assumption in your field.
Flip it on its head with a strong, opposing statement.
Hint at the evidence or reasoning you'll provide.
For example, instead of "Social media is crucial for business success," try "Delete your social media accounts. Your business will thank you."
This provocative statement makes readers stop in their tracks, eager to see how you'll back up such a controversial claim.
Of course, only make the claim if you can back it up.
5. The Storyteller
I’ve gone on record saying I believe storytelling is a million-dollar skill.
Why?
Humans are hardwired for stories. Sharing a personal experience creates an instant connection with your audience and makes your content feel more authentic and relatable.
To craft a compelling anecdotal hook:
Choose a story that relates directly to your topic.
Start in the middle of the action.
Use vivid details to bring the scene to life.
For instance, "I stared at my computer screen, heart sinking as I realized I'd just lost three months of work to a crashed hard drive. That's when I learned the hard way about the importance of data backup."
A hook like this one immediately draws readers in with a relatable nightmare scenario, setting the stage for valuable advice.
6. The Value Bomb
Sometimes, the most effective hook is a straightforward promise of value.
Tell your readers exactly what they'll gain from your content, and make it irresistible.
To create a value-driven hook:
Identify your content's core benefit.
Frame it in terms of your reader's goals or problems.
Be specific and tangible about the outcomes.
Instead of "Learn about productivity tips," try "Steal my 5-minute morning routine and your daily output.”
This hook clearly outlines the benefit (increased productivity) and the specific, enticing outcome (more free time).
I use this hook all the time because it works well for social media posts (LinkedIn and Twitter).
7. The Cliffhanger
Create suspense by starting with the beginning of a story or idea, then abruptly cutting it off. This technique taps into our natural desire for closure and compels readers to continue.
To craft a cliffhanger hook:
Start with an intriguing scenario or statement.
Build tension quickly.
Cut off at a crucial moment, hinting at more to come.
For example, "The email sat in my inbox for three days before I opened it. Little did I know, those 72 hours of procrastination would cost me $50,000 and nearly sink my business. Here's what happened next..."
This hook creates immediate curiosity and a need to know more.
Your Hook-Writing Action Plan
Now that you've got a toolbox full of hook-writing techniques, it's time to put them into action. Here's your step-by-step guide to crafting hooks that grab readers by the eyeballs:
Know your audience: Understand their pain points, desires, and interests.
Brainstorm multiple hooks: Try at least 3-5 different types for each piece of content.
Keep it short and punchy: Aim for 1-2 sentences max.
You only need to use one of these seven hook structures per post or article. Please don’t try to cram all of them into your post.
The perfect hook seamlessly leads into the rest of your content. It's not just about the initial grab – it's about setting the tone and creating anticipation for what's to come.
With practice, you'll develop an instinct for hooks that resonate with your specific audience. Keep experimenting, analyzing your results, and refining your approach. Before long, you'll be crafting opening lines that not only capture attention but convert casual browsers into devoted readers.
Happy writing!