Hook, line, and sinker

Free hooks to boost social media engagement

Author

Ashton Henry
August 05, 2024

Social media hooks are the secret sauce to grabbing attention in a crowded digital landscape. But crafting the perfect hook isn't always easy - it's part art, part science, and a whole lot of creativity. Today I’m sharing how you can create scroll-stopping hooks that will make your audience want more (PLUS: a list of 15 free hooks to start using today!)

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QUICK BITES

A hook in social media is an attention-grabbing element that entices users to engage with content. 

Great hooks:

⏱️ Are typically in the first few seconds of video or opening line of post

🛑 Stop the scroll and draw users into your full content

🤔 Create curiosity, surprise, or emotion

❓ Use questions, bold claims, or teasers

🎨 Include catchy visuals, sounds, or compelling text

📈 Boost views, likes, shares, and overall engagement

BRAND BUILDING

The Power of the Hook

Today’s social media users scroll through content at lightning speed, making the art of the hook essential for brand building. An effective hook can make the difference between a user scrolling past or stopping to engage.

Spotlight Your Hook

Don't bury your hook - it should be immediately visible. This is especially important for videos and long posts where the first few seconds or lines are make-or-break.

Craft Hooks for Higher Engagement

Write hooks that resonate with your audience's interests and pain points. Well-crafted hooks lead to more likes, comments, and shares.

Experiment and Refine Your Approach

Test different hooks to see what works best for your target audience. Analyze performance metrics to improve your approach over time. Remember, watch time is a major algorithm factor on video-based platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The more people who watch your videos in their entirety, the more they’ll be shown. 

Use Hooks Everywhere

Hooks aren't just for videos. Use them in blog posts, emails, text overlays, carousel images, or at the top of captions for maximum impact.

Leverage Numbers and Negatives

Try using numbers or negative language for attention-grabbing hooks:

"Don't" and "stop" statements can be powerful hooks, tapping into people's desire to improve and avoid mistakes.

BONUS: Your Hook Starter Pack!

If you’re ready to level up your hook game, I’ve put together a list of versatile hooks to kickstart your creativity. From intriguing questions to bold statements, these hooks are designed to stop scrollers in their tracks.

I challenge you to use these hooks at least 3 times a week in your social media posts! Track your engagement and see the difference a great hook can make.

How to tell if you're (something they do that they know is holding them back or they're embarrassed by).

How to tell if you're (overeating).

Don't struggle in silence as a new (Title / Authority / Demographic / Identity). Here’s 1 tip from a professional of 14 years.

Don't struggle in silence as a new (marketer). Here’s 1 tip from a professional of 14 years.

Let's address the elephant in the room: (something negative they want to avoid at all costs or are nervous about).

Let's address the elephant in the room: (You're gaining weight).

Here are (Number) reasons why I stopped buying (niche related items / products) and started my own (same niche related items / products).

Here are (3) reasons why I stopped buying (traditional baby clothes) and started my own (baby clothing line).

I think I fell into the illegal zone of (Niche / Industry).

I think I fell into the illegal zone of (plumbing).

Here’s why I DON’T (something that most people think is "normal" but you know to be a problem) and why YOU shouldn't either!

Here’s why I DON’T (talk to my husband all day) and why YOU shouldn't either!

(Niche related subject or experience that your audience hates but thinks is the solution) may be the easy answer, but is it the best one? Let's discuss.

(Dieting) may be the easy answer, but is it the best one? Let's discuss.

If you're ready to say goodbye to (something they do out of hate or regret) forever, listen up.

If you're ready to say goodbye to (yo yo dieting) forever, listen up.

Avoid (action) this (Website / App / Store / etc) like it’s the literal plague. RUN and (action) this instead.

Avoid (downloading) this (app) like it’s the literal plague. RUN and (download) this instead.

The (Niche Subject / Topic) Scam That's Costing You Thousands - Protect Yourself Now.

The (Car Insurance) Scam That's Costing You Thousands - Protect Yourself Now.

The Truth About (Occupation / Title / Demographic / etc.) - Everything You Need to Know Before (Signing).

The Truth About (Investors) - Everything You Need to Know Before (Signing).

Want More (Niche specific desired outcome or end goal)? Here’s some expert advice.

Want More (Plumbing Customers)? Here’s some expert advice.

(Niche Subject / Topic / Website / etc.) vs. (Alternative Niche Subject / Topic / Website / etc.): Why I made the switch.

(Wordpress) vs. (Wordflow): Why I made the switch.

Upgrade your (Website / App / Company / etc.) with these (Number) game-changing (tool / resource / app / etc.)!

Upgrade your (website) with these (3) game-changing (plugins)!

What nobody tells you about (something they hope to achieve or are focused on getting to).

What nobody tells you about (starting your own business).

JOIN THE SOCIAL CLUB

🪝 Hooked on hooks? The Social Club has you covered!

As a member of our Social Club, you'll never run out of attention-grabbing hooks for your content. Each month, we provide an extensive list of customizable hook templates across various niches and topics. From addressing 'elephants in the room' to sharing your expertise, our hook library will help you stop the scroll and boost engagement. 

Whether you're in plumbing, fitness, beauty, or any other industry, you'll find hooks that speak directly to your audience. Join The Social Club and get access to our treasure trove of hooks today!

PS — If you’d rather full-service social media management, let’s chat! Book a discovery call today ☎️

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