Hey!
We’ve all heard that the first sentence of a LinkedIn™ post is critical—it’s what makes someone stop scrolling. But what makes a great hook?
A hook should be:
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Impossible to ignore
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Short and punchy (10 words or fewer)
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Aligned with your audience’s pain points or curiosity
Here are 5 types of hooks I’ve used that consistently drive engagement:
1. "How I" Hooks
Share how you achieved something and break it down into steps.
Example: “How I went from teacher to professional ghostwriter.”
2. Educational/Value Add Hooks
Provide value by teaching something useful.
Example: “10 LinkedIn™ stats you should know.”
3. Unpopular Opinion Hooks
Draw readers in with a bold, contrarian statement.
Example: “Unpopular opinion: Work/life balance is impossible.”
4. Shock and Awe Hooks
Share something unexpected or surprising—but be authentic.
Example: “I was the last person to know about my 2018 divorce.”
5. List Hooks
People love lists—they’re easy to consume and actionable.
Example: “5 classic hooks that get engagement every time.”
Why hooks matter: They grab attention and set the tone for the rest of your post. If you lose readers in the first line, you’ve lost them completely.
Which type of hook resonates with you most? Or do you have one that works well for you? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear it!
Free Download: "LinkedIn™ Hook Handbook" – templates for high-performing LinkedIn™ hooks.
