You’ve put real effort into your content. You know your stuff, you’ve said something meaningful, and then… barely anyone sees it. Annoying, right?
The problem probably isn’t your content. It’s the hook. Those first few seconds where someone decides if they’re going to keep scrolling, or keep reading. Most of us are so focused on making content that gets likes or saves… but if no one actually stops to read it, it doesn’t matter how good it is.
So here’s what I’ve learned (and what I teach my clients): if you want your content to get shared, saved, and remembered, you need to stop writing hooks for likes and start writing hooks that make people go, “Omg I need to send this to someone.”
Let me break down the difference, so you can start writing hooks that actually get your work seen.
1. Likes say “this helps me.” Shares say “this makes me look smart.”
Most hooks are written with one person in mind: the reader. Which makes sense, but if you want more reach, you need to think one step ahead. People don’t just share things because they’re helpful. They share because it makes them look helpful, or insightful, or ahead of the curve. That’s the magic of “social currency.”
So instead of writing a hook like: “Here’s how to stop overthinking your content”
Try something like: “Most business owners are stuck in a content loop they don’t even realise they’re in—here’s how to spot it (and fix it fast).”
See the difference? It’s got that “you’ll want to send this to your biz bestie” vibe.
2. Specificity > general advice every time
Here’s the thing: vague hooks are the fastest way to get scrolled past. Stuff like “5 tips to grow your audience” is just too generic. What’s way more share-worthy is when you get ultra-specific, like:
“The simple Instagram story format that tripled replies for my client (without dancing or pointing).”
Specifics build trust fast. And they make people feel like they’ve found a hidden gem of info, which makes them more likely to share it.
3. Shake up what they thought they knew
Want to stop someone mid-scroll? Say something that makes them pause and go, “Wait, what?”
This is called a pattern interrupt. It’s where you challenge something your audience already believes, or frame it in a way they haven’t heard before.
For example: “The content advice that sounds helpful—but is actually costing you clients.”
Or: “Why your most ‘helpful’ posts might be keeping you stuck.”
These kinds of hooks create tension, and people want to resolve that tension by reading, saving, or sharing.
4. Show what makes your insight better than the usual stuff
One thing I’ve seen again and again: people want to feel like they’ve found something smarter, deeper, or more effective than the usual advice. Hooks that say:
“You’ve probably tried [common thing]. Here’s why that’s not working—and what to do instead.”
Or:
“Forget what you’ve heard about [thing]—this is the real reason it’s not converting.”
It positions you as the expert. And it helps your reader feel like they’re discovering a shortcut, an edge, or something that not everyone knows yet. That’s gold.
5. Don’t be afraid to raise the stakes
One of the biggest mistakes I see? Playing it too safe.
If you’ve got something worth saying—say it clearly and with confidence.
Instead of: “How I improved my welcome sequence”
Try:
“This 1 email recovered £6,000 in lost sales last quarter, and you can copy the exact formula.”
It’s not about exaggerating. It’s about owning the value of what you know.
✨Bonus: One small mindset shift that changes everything
If you take just one thing from this post, let it be this: Stop asking, “Will someone want to read this?”
Start asking, “Would someone proudly share this with their audience?”
Because in the world we’re in now, people are the algorithm. Sharing is how your content gets seen.
And people only share what makes them look good.
So next time you sit down to write a caption, headline, or carousel opener—test it with that filter.
And if you want help coming up with scroll-stopping hooks that actually convert, that’s my thing. My Instagram Fix session is where we fine-tune your messaging, fix the parts that aren’t landing, and make sure your content starts doing its job again.
Want to learn the exact hook framework I use with my clients? 👉 Book your 60-minute Instagram Fix session here. Or if you’re more of a DIY-er, grab my Instagram Growth Bundle for instant prompts, frameworks, and plug-and-play content ideas that actually sell—no guesswork needed.
Let's make your content do the work for you.
Gali xo
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