The First Line Is Everything
You have 0.3 seconds to capture attention. That's the time it takes for someone to scroll past your tweet.
The hook—your first line—determines whether anyone reads the rest.
These 15 formulas have been tested across thousands of posts. They work because they trigger specific psychological responses that stop the scroll.
The Hook Formulas1. The Specific Number
Formula: "[Number] [things] I learned [doing X] for [time period]"
Formula: "[Number] [things] I learned [doing X] for [time period]"
Example: "7 things I learned building a $2M business in 18 months:"
Why it works: Numbers create specificity. Specificity creates credibility. The reader knows exactly what they're getting.
2. The Bold Contradiction
Formula: "[Common belief] is wrong. Here's why:"
Example: "Working hard is overrated. Here's why:"
Why it works: Pattern interrupts the reader's expectations. They have to stop to process the contradiction.
3. The Time Contrast
Formula: "I spent [long time] doing X. Then I learned [insight] and [better outcome] in [short time]."
Example: "I spent 3 years struggling to get clients. Then I learned one skill and booked 20 in a month."
Why it works: The contrast creates intrigue. What's the one thing that changed everything?
4. The Admission
Formula: "Unpopular opinion: [controversial but defensible take]"
Example: "Unpopular opinion: Most productivity advice makes you less productive."
Why it works: "Unpopular opinion" signals authenticity and courage. People lean in for bold takes.
5. The Question Hook
Formula: "Why do [successful people] all [specific behavior]?"
Example: "Why do the most productive CEOs all wake up before 5am?"
Why it works: Questions activate the brain's completion instinct. We can't leave questions unanswered.
6. The Direct Address
Formula: "If you [situation], here's what no one tells you:"
Example: "If you're building your first startup, here's what no one tells you:"
Why it works: Direct address creates personal relevance. The reader self-selects into your audience.
7. The Before/After
Formula: "[Time] ago, I was [bad situation]. Today, I [good outcome]. Here's what changed:"
Example: "2 years ago, I was broke and burnt out. Today, I work 4 hours a day. Here's what changed:"
Why it works: Transformation stories are universally compelling. Everyone wants to know the secret.
8. The List Preview
Formula: "The [number] [category] that [big benefit]:"
Example: "The 5 books that changed how I think about money:"
Why it works: Lists are scannable and digestible. The preview sets clear expectations.
9. The Hot Take
Formula: "[Industry/topic] has a dirty secret:"
Example: "The coaching industry has a dirty secret:"
Why it works: Secrets trigger curiosity. "Dirty" adds edge and exclusivity.
10. The Expertise Position
Formula: "After [credential/experience], here's what I know about [topic]:"
Example: "After hiring 200+ people, here's what I know about interviews:"
Why it works: Credentials establish authority. People want to learn from those with experience.
11. The Regret Frame
Formula: "I wish someone told me [insight] when I [started X]."
Example: "I wish someone told me this about building habits when I was 20."
Why it works: Regret implies hard-won wisdom. The reader can learn without the painful experience.
12. The Mistake List
Formula: "[Number] mistakes I made [doing X] (so you don't have to):"
Example: "9 mistakes I made starting my business (so you don't have to):"
Why it works: Learning from others' mistakes is efficient. Parenthetical adds value proposition.
13. The Simple Truth
Formula: "[Complex topic] explained simply:"
Example: "The stock market explained in 60 seconds:"
Why it works: Simplicity is rare. The promise of understanding something complex is irresistible.
14. The Personal Record
Formula: "I just [achievement]. Here's exactly how:"
Example: "I just hit 100K followers. Here's exactly how I did it:"
Why it works: Specificity of "exactly how" promises actionable detail. Recent achievement adds timeliness.
15. The Counter-Example
Formula: "Stop [common advice]. Do this instead:"
Example: "Stop setting goals. Do this instead:"
Why it works: Challenges conventional wisdom. Creates curiosity about the alternative.
How to Choose Your Hook
Match hook to content type:
| | Content Type | Best Hooks | |--------------|------------| | How-to/Tutorial | #1, #8, #13 | | Personal Story | #3, #7, #14 | | Contrarian Take | #2, #4, #9, #15 | | Lessons/Advice | #5, #10, #11, #12 | Match hook to audience sophistication: Testing Your HooksBefore publishing, score your hook: 1. Specificity: Does it include numbers or concrete details? (+1) Minimum score to publish: 2/3 The Hook Optimization Process1. Write your post normally --- Ready to generate hooks optimized for your niche? BirdlyHQ's AI suggests opening lines based on what's working in your specific corner of X. Found this helpful?Share it with someone who's building their X presence. |