15 Hook Formulas That Make People Stop Scrolling

Why Hooks Matter

You have exactly 1.5 seconds to capture attention on LinkedIn. If your first line doesn't hook them, they'll scroll past no matter how good the rest is.

Here are 15 proven hook formulas used by creators with millions of impressions.

The Formulas

1. The Contrarian

"Unpopular opinion: [controversial take on common belief]"

Example: "Unpopular opinion: Networking events are a waste of time."

2. The Number + Curiosity

"[Number] [thing] that [surprising result]"

Example: "3 habits that made me $500K in my first year."

3. The Story Opener

"[Short dramatic statement]"

Example: "I got fired on my birthday."

4. The "I was wrong"

"I used to think [common belief]. I was wrong."

Example: "I used to think you need a huge network to succeed. I was wrong."

5. The Pattern Interrupt

"Stop [common action everyone does]"

Example: "Stop sending connection requests without messages."

6. The Result-First

"[Impressive result] in [short time]"

Example: "0 to 50K followers in 6 months."

7. The Question

"Why do [surprising observation]?"

Example: "Why do the busiest people always seem to have the most time?"

8. The Lesson Learned

"[Number] years of [experience] taught me [insight]"

Example: "15 years of hiring taught me this: Skills can be learned. Attitude can't."

9. The Secret

"The [thing] that [people] don't want you to know"

Example: "The marketing trick that agencies don't want you to know."

10. The Transformation

"From [bad state] to [good state]"

Example: "From broke freelancer to $20K/month agency owner."

11. The Truth Bomb

"Hard truth: [uncomfortable reality]"

Example: "Hard truth: Your content isn't bad. It's boring."

12. The "Everyone thinks"

"Everyone thinks [common belief]. Here's what's actually true:"

Example: "Everyone thinks you need to post daily. Here's what's actually true:"

13. The Direct Address

"If you're [specific situation], read this"

Example: "If you're struggling to get clients, read this."

14. The Mistake Hook

"The biggest mistake [audience] makes"

Example: "The biggest mistake new founders make."

15. The Time-Based

"[Time period] ago, I [action]. Today, [result]"

Example: "2 years ago, I couldn't afford rent. Today, I run a 7-figure business."

How to Use These

1. Pick a formula that fits your story

2. Adapt it to your specific content

3. Test different hooks on similar content

4. Track which ones perform best

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