Hook, Line and Viral!

The Art (and Science) of the Perfect Reel

Why do some Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts blow up, while others sink into the abyss of forgotten content? It’s not just luck, it's 3 seconds of powerful video that probably took hours of thinking, brainstorming, strategy and design.  Let's dive in.

The All-Powerful Hook

The first few seconds of your video are the make-or-break moment. This is where you either snag your audience’s attention or watch them scroll on by to the next shiny lure. As a business owner, you need to craft a hook so irresistible that viewers can't help but stick around for the full ride.

So, what exactly is a hook? Think of it as the video equivalent of a siren’s call. It could be a promise, a cheeky question, a perfect joke for your brand, or a fresh, thought-provoking quote. The goal is simple but crucial: **EFFECTIVELY capture your viewer’s attention**. I am mainly talking about verbal hooks delivered in your video - simply because visual video hooks can be harder to master.

Why Hooks Matter

Imagine you’re at a party. You’re chatting with someone, and within the first few seconds, they either captivate you with a fascinating story or bore you to tears. Well, it may not be that drastic but you get the point. Your video is that conversation. The hook is your opening line. Get it right, and people will be hanging on your every word.

Killer Hook Examples to Get You Started

Not all hooks are created equal, but here are a few surefire winners to add to your content tackle box:

- “Let’s figure out why...”: Perfect for demystifying something that seems complex but is actually quite simple.
- “I wasn’t going to share this, but…”: Creates a sense of exclusivity and intrigue.
- “I just found out that this…”: Makes viewers feel like they’re about to learn something new and exciting.
- “You need to hear this today…”: Sets the stage for an important message or insight.

Know Thy Audience

A.K.A. one crowd will howl at a joke, and another will not. Example - my son laughs insanely at some reels, and when I finally cave and I've got to see what was so funny, I watch it with a pained expression on my face as I JUST DONT GET IT. No two audiences are the same. The better you know your crowd, (your target market, perfect buyer persona etc) the sharper your hooks will be. Maybe they’re into DIY hacks, or perhaps they’re more about motivational quotes. Tailor your hooks to their tastes, and you’ll see those watch times soar.

The Art of Experimentation

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that experimentation is key. Try different hooks, mix it up, and see what sticks. You never know which type of bait will get the fish to bite. Analyze your results like a mad scientist. Did your “I wasn’t going to share this, but…” hook outperform your “You need to hear this today…” one? Great, use that insight to fine-tune your strategy.

Wrap-Up

Now you know. The next time you’re brainstorming for that perfect Reel, remember: those first few seconds are golden. Master the art of the hook, and watch your content go hook, line and viral!

P.S. My degree in Creative Writing at UBC helped me practice this over and over. Get in touch for some help! No one likes to fish alone do they? Let's make the catch together and haul in the BIG one! 

P.P.S Read my blog about copywriting to get similar help to catch your audience here.