Hook Writing Workshop

Purpose

Master the art of writing hooks that stop the scroll. Create opening lines for posts, emails, videos, and ads that grab attention instantly and compel people to keep reading or watching.

When to Use

Use this Skill when you need to:

• Write viral social media posts
• Create compelling email subject lines
• Script engaging video intros
• Write ad copy that converts
• Improve any content opening

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Understand the Context

Know what you are writing for.

Ask the user:

• What type of content is this for?
• Who is your target audience?
• What is the main message or topic?
• What action do you want people to take?
• What platform will this appear on?

Output Variable: hook_context

Step 2: Apply Hook Formulas

Use proven patterns that work.

Effective hook types:

• Curiosity Gap: "Most people think X. They are wrong."
• Bold Claim: "This one change increased my revenue 300%."
• Question: "What if everything you knew about X was wrong?"
• Story: "I was broke 2 years ago. Now I..."
• Contrarian: "Unpopular opinion: [controversial take]"
• How-To: "How to [achieve result] in [timeframe]"
• List: "7 things I wish I knew about [topic]"
• This vs That: "Stop doing X. Start doing Y instead."

Output Variable: hook_formulas

Step 3: Generate Hook Variations

Create multiple options to test.

Generate 10 hook variations:

• Mix different formulas
• Vary length and tone
• Include emotional triggers
• Add specific numbers when possible

Output Variable: hook_variations Context Used: hook_context, hook_formulas

Step 4: Refine and Rank

Polish the best options.

Evaluate each hook on:

• Specificity: Is it vague or concrete?
• Emotion: Does it trigger curiosity/fear/desire?
• Promise: Is the value clear?
• Length: Appropriate for the platform?

Select top 3 and refine.

Output Variable: final_hooks

Step 5: Create Hook Library

Save a collection of hooks to use.

Include:

1. Top Hooks: Best 3 options ranked
2. Hook Swipe File: All variations generated
3. Formula Reference: Templates to reuse
4. Platform Guidelines: Length and style by channel
5. Testing Plan: How to A/B test hooks

Save using basile_create_document.

Output Variable: hook_library