How to hook your viewers and gain the attention you want online
↓
Hello,
Welcome back to another newsletter -
If you want to grow your social media following, build a strong personal brand, and start an online business or any business you want really -
There’s 1 reason why you're not getting any sort of traction with your content.
It's your hooks.
The hook is the first few seconds of your video. It’s the make-or-break moment that determines whether people will keep watching or just scroll past your content.
If you don’t nail the first 1-3 seconds, even strong messaging, storytelling, or value won’t be seen by anyone.
How to write better hooks.
Think of your hook as the gateway to everything you want to share. It’s the reason why viewers should stop scrolling, tune in, and stay engaged with your content. Your hook needs to be powerful or else your videos will get lost in the endless sea of content.
So let’s dive into the Viral Hook Formula that ensures that your video has a chance of getting seen.
The Viral Hook Formula
- Polarizing Cliffhanger
- Credibility + Importance
- Payoff
Let’s break down each element to understand why it’s essential and how you can apply it to your content.
1. Polarizing Cliffhanger
This is the first line of your video.
It's going to need to be bold.
Your first line is a statement, question, or relatable line that instantly grabs attention.
The goal is to create curiosity and a sense of urgency that makes viewers think, “I need to know what comes next.”
In a crowded social media landscape, viewers are constantly bombarded with content.
A cliffhanger pulls them out of autopilot mode. It disrupts their scrolling behaviour and makes them want to hear more.
Instead of saying, “Hello everyone, my name is Ethan. I'm going to tell you a few things that might help you build a personal brand,” start with something like; “Here’s why most personal brands fail within their first month…” This makes your audience curious and eager to find out why and what they should do differently.
For your next video: start with a bold statement or question that challenges common beliefs or highlights a surprising fact about your niche. A "hot take"
2. Credibility + Importance
Now that you’ve got their attention, it’s time to show why they should keep watching—and why they should trust you.
This part builds your authority by quickly establishing your expertise and demonstrating the value of the information you’re about to share.
People have limited time and need a reason to listen to you over someone else.
By highlighting your credentials or sharing a quick success story, you build trust and set yourself up as a credible source.
Follow your cliffhanger with, “As someone who helped over 100 creators build six-figure brands, I’ve seen firsthand why most fail—and how to avoid those mistakes.”
This statement builds your credibility and highlights the importance of what you’re about to share.
For your next video: Use quick stats, personal achievements, where you found your information, or client results to establish credibility fast. Keep it short, impactful, and directly related to the topic.
3. Payoff
You’ve captured their attention and established your credibility.
Now, it’s time to deliver.
This is where you provide the actual value—the actionable advice, insights, or solutions that fulfill the promise of your hook.
A strong payoff keeps your viewers satisfied and coming back for more.
It turns curiosity into trust and trust into loyalty.
If you deliver on the promise you made at the beginning, you create a positive feedback loop where viewers learn to associate your content with value.
End your hook with something like, “Stay with me, and I’ll share the three exact steps you need to create a magnetic personal brand in 2024.”
Then, deliver on that promise by breaking down the steps clearly and concisely.
For your next video: Always ensure your content aligns with your hook. If you're giving advice, make it actionable and easy to impliment. Don’t just offer general advice—give specific steps or insights that your audience can apply right away.
Why a strong hook is essential—and ethical
You might wonder, “Isn’t using hooks just a marketing trick?” or maybe it just feels a little ingenue to you.
Here’s the thing: having a strong hook isn’t just essential—it’s ethical.
Why? Because if you have a positive message or valuable knowledge to share, you need to persuade people to stay and hear it.
Without a compelling hook, your message will get lost in the noise, and you’ll miss out on the chance to help others.
Imagine having life-changing advice or a powerful story that could inspire someone, but no one hears it because your content doesn’t grab their attention.
Using a hook means your message gets the audience it deserves, and you get to make the positive impact you’re aiming for.
The future of work
Here’s the deal: in the creator economy, attention is currency.
The more attention you capture, the more opportunities you have to sell your digital products, offer services, or build partnerships + it'll makes your ads cheaper and more effective
A strong hook is your key to gaining that attention.
Think of every piece of content as a chance to drive viewers toward a larger goal—whether it’s signing up for your course, buying your eBook, or joining your community.
Each hook draws them in and sets the stage for building a relationship that leads to conversion.
By mastering the art of the hook, you not only grow your social media presence but also lay the foundation for a successful online business.
If you’re ready to take your social media game to the next level, start experimenting with these hook strategies today.
See what resonates with your audience and fine-tune your approach until you find what works.
Have questions or want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out the full course and curriculum or ask me question on the weekly group Q&A calls here
Until next time,
Ethan
