20 Hooks That'll Make Your Clients Say 'Heck Yes!' (And Maybe Do a Happy Dance)
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Alright, folks, let's get real.
You've got killer personal branding photos. (Can I get a “Heck Yeah!”)
You've got the talent.
But are you getting those dream clients to stop scrolling and actually engage?
If you're hearing crickets instead of 'cha-ching,' it's time to amp up your hook game!
Think of hooks as the sparkly bait that lures your ideal clients right into your net. And guess what? I've got 20 of 'em to share. Let's dive in, shall we?"
The Power of a Good Hook (and Why You Need 'Em)
"Why are hooks so important? Because, in today's digital jungle, attention spans are shorter than a goldfish's memory. You've got seconds to make an impression. A good hook stops the scroll and sparks curiosity. It's the 'Hey, you! Yeah, you!' of the internet. It turns 'meh' into 'tell me more!'
Think of it like this: You wouldn't go fishing without bait, right? Same goes for attracting clients. You need something irresistible to reel 'em in. So, let's get you some bait that's tastier than a double-chocolate chip cookie."
Now that we understand the power of hooks, let's explore where you can effectively use them.
Where to Use Hooks?
Before we dive into the hooks, it’s good to know where they can be used. There are a variety of ways you can use hooks, and it’s not limited to just social media, but here are some examples of places where they can be effective:
Social Media Post - Just a plain text post.
Social Media Picture (Or Carousel) - These can be presented on the photo itself, in the carousel, or in the caption.
Social Media Reels/Videos - Present the question in either asking verbally (with large captions) - or as written text at the beginning of the video.
Signage & Print - Think anything in terms of old-school marketing, these methods still work- just not as widely or easily as online. Think things like business cards, flyers, brochures, handouts, billboards, etc.
In Person - Think “Elevator pitch”, as you just met someone and only have sixty seconds to captivate them to inspire them to follow up with what you do. Remember that the type of hook changes depending on the context. For example, instead of simply stating you are a photographer, ask 'Have you ever considered how a single image could transform your brand's perception?' This sparks immediate interest and opens the door for further conversation.
Website - It's great to have these scattered throughout your copy to keep the reader engaged and continue to scroll out of curiosity, which hopefully turns into a client! Consider using them on your homepage, about page, and service pages to highlight key benefits and spark interest. (Don’t forget about your Page Descriptions, too!!)
Email Marketing - Using hooks in subject lines, but also within the body of your emails. Think about using them to tease upcoming offers, share client success stories, or announce new blog posts. Example: Subject Line: “Stop Hiding! Your Dream Clients Are Waiting..."
Client Onboarding Materials - Use hooks in welcome packets, questionnaires, and other materials to build excitement and anticipation for the photoshoot. Example: "Get ready to unleash your inner brand superstar! Here's what to expect..."
Public Speaking/Podcasts - If you do any public speaking, use hooks to grab the audience's attention and make your presentation more engaging. Example: "Imagine a world where your brand speaks for itself... it starts with your images."
20 Hooks to Captivate Your Audience
Now, for the meat & potatoes for why you’ve come here. Each hook will provide an example to help inspire! Have additional ideas, hooks or questions? Drop a comment below!
(Use a mix of these, and feel free to add your own flair!)
1. The "Problem/Solution" Hook: "Tired of blurry, awkward selfies? Let's ditch the phone and create personal branding photos that actually make you look like a boss!"
Tip: Present an issue to grab their attention. This should be a common problem that your ideal client would have.
2. The "Curiosity Gap" Hook: "I found the secret to attracting your dream clients... and it's not what you think!"
Tip: Start with something that would keep the viewer engaged, such as “I can’t believe…”. This could be a funny engagement, or something informational that would help your viewer base.
3. The "Direct Question" Hook: "Are you ready to stop hiding behind your brand and finally show your true personality?"
Tip: This direct question can be anything, such as “Are you ready to…”, “What would you do with…”, etc. then you can lead into the rest of the post.
4. The "Bold Statement" Hook: "Your personal branding photos should be as unique as your fingerprint. Let's make 'em unforgettable."
Tip: Don't be afraid to make a strong, confident declaration. This shows expertise and conviction. Make sure the statement reflects a key benefit your clients are looking for.
5. The "Unexpected Twist" Hook: "Forget everything you know about headshots. We're about to break all the rules."
Tip: Challenge conventional wisdom and offer a fresh perspective. This hook works especially well if your approach is different from the norm. Highlight the difference.
6. The "Relatable Struggle" Hook: "We've all been there: staring at a camera, feeling like a deer in headlights. Let's change that!"
Tip: Show empathy and understanding. Acknowledge common fears or challenges your clients face. This builds trust and rapport.
7. The "Benefit-Driven" Hook: "Imagine attracting clients who are genuinely excited to work with you. That's the power of killer personal branding photos."
Tip: Focus on the tangible results your clients will achieve. Paint a vivid picture of the positive outcomes.
8. The "Storytelling" Hook: "Once upon a time, a small business owner had a big dream... and it all started with a powerful photo."
Tip: Use narrative to engage your audience. Stories are memorable and create emotional connections. Keep it short and to the point.
9. The "Visual Hook" (Use a compelling image): "This photo changed everything for [Client Name]. Want to know how?"
Tip: Leverage the power of visuals. A strong image can instantly grab attention. Use the caption to create curiosity.
10. The "Playful Challenge" Hook: "Dare to be different? Let's create personal branding photos that make you stand out from the crowd."
Tip: Invite your audience to step outside their comfort zone. Use playful language and create a sense of adventure.
11. The "Humor Hook" "Let's make photos so good, your competition will ask for your photographer's number."
Tip: Use humor to break the ice and make your brand more approachable. Keep it light and relevant to your niche.
12. The "Behind the Scenes" Hook: "Want to know what really happens during a personal branding photoshoot? Hint: It involves laughter and maybe a few dance moves."
Tip: Offer a glimpse behind the curtain. People love seeing the human side of a business. This builds trust and transparency. (Note: Zdarko Photography has BTS videos with many of their packages! Wink Wink)
13. The "Myth-Busting" Hook: "Myth: You need to be an influencer to have amazing personal branding photos. Busted!"
Tip: Challenge common misconceptions and set the record straight. This positions you as an expert and builds credibility.
14. The "Testimonial Teaser" Hook: "[Client Name] went from 'invisible' to 'in-demand' after their photoshoot. Here's how..."
Tip: Use social proof to build trust and credibility. Tease a client's success story to pique interest.
15. The "Interactive" Hook: "Drop a GIF in the comments if you're ready to level up your personal branding!"
Tip: Encourage engagement and interaction. Ask a question, create a poll, or invite comments. This helps organic reach for social media posts.
16. The "Listicle" Hook: "5 Mistakes You're Making With Your Personal Branding Photos (And How to Fix Them)"
Tip: People love lists. They're easy to digest and provide valuable information. Add a sense of urgency.
17. The "Future Pacing" Hook: "Picture yourself landing your dream clients, all thanks to your amazing personal branding photos. Let's make it happen."
Tip: Help your audience visualize their desired outcome. Focus on the positive transformation.
18. The "Empathy" Hook: "I know how overwhelming it can be to put yourself out there. That's why I'm here to help."
Tip: Show compassion and understanding. Acknowledge the emotional aspect of your business.
19. The "Simple Solution" Hook: "One photo can change your entire brand. Let's find that photo."
Tip: Offer a clear and concise solution to a common problem. Emphasize simplicity and ease.
20. The "Exclusivity" Hook: "Unlock the secret to attracting high-paying clients with these insider tips."
Tip: Create a sense of exclusivity and value. Position your expertise as a premium offering.
21. Bonus Hook - The "Wait/Scroll" Hook: "You won’t believe the last hook in this list!", or “Wait for it…”
Tip: People will stay engaged if they expect to see something. How many times have you watched a video for them to draw out the conclusion, but you stayed because you were waiting for that “thing.”
Did the hook work on you?
In Conclusion…
These are just a handful of examples to help you along the way. There are more than just words for hooks, but there is also audio hooks, visual hooks, and other ways to stimulate, captivate and immerse your audience.
