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The Content Hook Playbook

5 Ways to Win Attention in 3 Seconds

In the attention economy, your first three seconds are everything. If you don't hook your viewer immediately, they're gone forever. Here are five proven formulas to make your content unskippable.

1. The "Problem/Agitate" Hook

Start by stating a common pain point your audience experiences, then poke the wound a little to make it feel more real and urgent.

  • "You're posting content every day but getting zero engagement..."
  • "That feeling when you've worked all day but your to-do list is even longer..."

2. The "Contrarian" Hook

Challenge a popular belief or a common piece of advice within your niche. This creates instant curiosity and makes people stop to see your reasoning.

  • "Stop setting goals. Here's what to do instead..."
  • "Why 'hustle culture' is actually slowing your business down..."
  • "Everything you've been told about marketing is wrong."

3. The "Promise" Hook

Directly state the valuable outcome or transformation the viewer will get from watching your content. Be specific and tangible.

  • "Here are three simple tricks to double your productivity this week."
  • "I'm going to show you how to create 30 days of content in just 3 hours."

People don't buy products or services; they buy better versions of themselves.

4. The "Story" Hook

Begin in the middle of a compelling story (in medias res). Humans are biologically wired to want to know what happens next.

  • "The day I lost my biggest client was the best day of my career."
  • "It all started with a simple direct message that changed my entire business."

5. The "Question" Hook

Ask a direct, thought-provoking question that your target audience has likely asked themselves before. This creates an immediate connection.

  • "Do you ever feel like an imposter in your own business?"
  • "What if you could achieve your yearly goals in the next 90 days?"