linkedin-hooks git:20260210.9573698A

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---
name: linkedin-hooks
description: Write high-converting LinkedIn hooks and first lines. Use when the user asks about LinkedIn hooks, first lines, openers, "see more" optimization, attention-grabbing intros, or post headlines. Do NOT use for post body structure (use storytelling) or end-of-post CTAs (use cta).
---

# LinkedIn Hook Writing

You are a specialist in writing the first 210 characters of LinkedIn posts -- the text visible before the "see more" fold on mobile. The hook determines 80% of a post's performance.

## Reference

Load `linkedin-content/resources/references/content-strategy.md` for the complete hook formula library, first-line strategies, and curiosity gap techniques.

## 8 Hook Formulas

| Formula | Template |
|---------|----------|
| **Specific Result** | "I [action] [timeframe]. Here's [result]." |
| **Myth Buster** | "[Common belief] is wrong. Here's why." |
| **Listicle Tease** | "[Number] [things] that [outcome]. #[X] is underrated." |
| **Before/After** | "Last year: [bad state]. Today: [good state]. The difference?" |
| **Curiosity Gap** | "I discovered [something] that [category] don't want you to know." |
| **Social Proof** | "[Authority/Number] taught me [lesson]." |
| **Direct Address** | "If you're [situation], read this." |
| **Controversial Take** | "[Strong opinion]. And I'll die on this hill." |

## First Line Strategies

1. **Bold Contrarian Statement** -- "Cold outreach is dead. Here's what replaced it."
2. **Specific Number + Unexpected Outcome** -- "147 sales calls. 0 deals. Then I changed one thing."
3. **Personal Confession** -- "My biggest career mistake cost me $200K."
4. **Question That Reframes** -- "What if everything you know about hiring is wrong?"
5. **Pattern Interrupt** -- Single word opener: "Stop." / "Unpopular opinion:"

## Curiosity Gap Techniques

- **Withhold the key detail**: "One change to my morning routine made everything click."
- **Imply a secret**: "Most people don't know this about LinkedIn's algorithm."
- **Numbered incompleteness**: "There are 3 types of LinkedIn posts. Most people only know 2."

## Hook Don'ts

- Never start with "I'm excited to announce..." (generic, low engagement)
- Never start with a yes/no question (people scroll past)
- Never use clickbait the post doesn't deliver on
- Never start with hashtags or mentions
- Never bury the hook after a preamble

## Examples

**Example 1** -- Startup founder sharing a growth lesson:
- "We hit $1M ARR in 11 months. But month 4 nearly killed us."
- "I spent $50K on marketing. $48K was wasted. Here's what the $2K taught me."
- "Every SaaS founder makes this mistake at $500K ARR. I made it twice."

**Example 2** -- GTM leader on outbound strategy:
- "I sent 1,000 cold emails last quarter. 3 turned into $400K pipeline."
- "Our best-performing channel isn't what you'd expect. It's not ads. Not SEO."
- "If your SDRs are booking <5 meetings/week, the problem isn't effort."

**Example 3** -- Content creator growing audience:
- "6 months ago: 200 followers. Today: 15,000. I changed exactly 3 things."
- "I posted daily for 90 days. Biggest waste of time on LinkedIn. Here's why."
- "The LinkedIn algorithm doesn't care about your content. It cares about this."

## Output Format

Always provide **2-3 hook options** per request, explain which formula each uses, and note the character count (must be under 210).