How to Write Hooks That Actually Work (Without Sounding Like Everyone Else)

It’s not that your message is wrong.
It’s that your first line isn’t doing its job.

Because in today’s world, attention isn’t given, it’s earned. Fast.
And if your opening line doesn’t immediately feel relevant, personal, or urgent?

They’ll skip it.

That’s why your hook matters more than anything else you write.

So, what is a hook, exactly?

A hook is your first impression.
It’s the sentence (or two) that either pulls someone in or loses them for good.

It’s not about being clever.
It’s about showing your reader:

“Hey, I see you. And this is for you.”

The best hooks feel like the middle of a conversation the reader was already having in their head.
They interrupt in the best way possible—because they hit a nerve.

What makes a hook great?

Here’s the simple formula:

It speaks to a pain they feel and hints at a solution they want.

There are a few reliable ways to do this:

→ Start with a problem
“You’ve tried everything—but the engagement still sucks.”

→ Ask a question they’ve been avoiding
“What if the reason your posts don’t land… has nothing to do with your content?”

→ Flip a common belief
“Good offers don’t sell. Good hooks do.”

→ Drop an unexpected truth or stat
“80% of people never make it past the first sentence. Ouch.”

Each one works for one reason:
It creates curiosity and connection—fast.

Why most hooks fall flat

Most writers spend 90% of their time on the content…
…and throw the hook together at the last second.

But here’s the hard truth:
If your hook doesn’t land, the rest doesn’t matter.
No matter how useful, smart, or well-written the rest of it is.

Another common trap? Trying to sound “impressive.”

Avoid jargon.
Avoid buzzwords.
Avoid sounding like a press release.

Instead, write like you talk.
Use contractions. Break the rules. Get to the point.

The goal isn’t to sound professional.
It’s to sound real.

Here’s your next step

Before you hit publish, do this:

1. Delete your first sentence.
   Seriously. Get rid of it.

2. Write three new openings.
   Start mid-thought. Start with tension. Start strong.

3. Pick the one that makes you want to keep reading.

It’ll feel uncomfortable at first. But it works.

Because great hooks aren’t about gimmicks or tricks.
They’re about clarity, connection, and empathy.

When you show your reader you get them, they’ll give you their attention.

And that’s when your message finally lands.