Write Scroll-Stopping Social Posts (Even If You're Just Starting)

Let's be real - most social posts get ignored.

But there's a simple formula that works whether you're selling coffee, consulting or whatever.

The 3-Part Social Post Formula

[Hook → Story/Value → CTA]

Let's break it down.

Step 1: The Hook (First Line)

One job: Make them stop scrolling.

Proven hooks that work:

• "Here's a weird truth about..."
• "I was wrong about..."
• "The biggest lie in [industry]..."
• "Want to know why [common problem]..."

Examples that convert:

❌ "Check out our new coffee blend!"

✅ "Your morning coffee is lying to you..."

❌ "New fitness program launch!"

✅ "Forget everything you know about weight loss..."

❌ "Book a consultation today!"

✅ "Here's why most consultants are wrong..."

Step 2: The Middle (Story/Value)

3-4 lines maximum. Pick one approach:

The Story Path:

Problem: "Used to struggle with..."

Discovery: "Then I found..."

Result: "Now I..."

The Value Path:

Truth: "Most people think..."

Reality: "But actually..."

Solution: "Here's what works..."

Step 3: The Call-to-Action

Strong CTAs create FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out):

• "Try this before [deadline] →"
• "Limited spots available →"
• "Early bird pricing ends soon →"
• "Swipe up to [specific benefit] →"

Real Example That Works

Your morning coffee is lying to you...

Most brands claim "fresh roasted" but sit on shelves for months.

We roast daily. Ship immediately. And guarantee morning-perfect coffee every time.

Only 100 bags of our new Mountain Sunrise blend available →

Quick Checks Before Posting:

1. The Scroll Test

• Would YOU stop scrolling?
• Is the first line intriguing?
• Does it create curiosity?

2. The Value Test

• What's in it for them?
• Is it clear and specific?
• Does it solve a real problem?

3. The Action Test

• Clear next step?
• Reason to act now?
• Easy to take action?

Pro Tips:

1. Format for Scanning:

• Short paragraphs
• Use line breaks
• Add emojis strategically

2. Create Urgency:

• Limited time
• Limited quantity
• Special access

3. Test Your Hook:

• Read just the first line
• Would it make YOU curious?
• If not, rewrite it

Common Mistakes Fixed:

❌ "We're excited to announce..." ✓ "Want to know a secret?"

❌ "Buy now!" ✓ "Claim your spot →"

❌ Long, dense paragraphs ✓ Short, punchy lines

Your Turn

1. Pick your hook type
2. Choose story or value path
3. Add clear CTA
4. Format for easy reading

Remember: Good posts aren't written, they're rewritten. Your first draft won't be perfect.

[Back to Your Exercise →]

---

Ready for advanced techniques? Check out our [Social Media Marketing Series] for more templates, hooks, and strategies.