Write Scroll-Stopping Social Posts (Even If You're Just Starting)
Learn the simple 3-part formula for creating engaging social media posts that convert, whether you're selling coffee, consulting, or any other product or service. This includes real examples, pro tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
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
1: Hook ā 2: Story/Value ā 3: CTA
Let's break it down.
Step 1: The Hook (First Line)
This has one job: Make them stop scrolling.
A few 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 (good and bad): ā "Check out our new coffee blend!" ā "Your morning coffee is lying to you..." ā "New fitness program launch!" ā "Forget everything you know about weight loss..." ā "Book a consultation today!" ā "Here's why most consultants are wrong..."
Step 2: The Middle (Story/Value)
This must be 3-4 lines maximum. Pick one approach:
The Story Path:
- (A) Problem: "Used to struggle with..."
- (Leads to a) Discovery: "Then I found..."
- (That leads to a) Result: "Now I..."
The Value Path:
- Status quo: "Most people think..."
- Reality: "But actually..."
- Real solution: "Here's what works..."
Step 3: The Call-to-Action
Strong CTAs create FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), like these ones (some classics):
- "Try this before [deadline] ā"
- "Limited spots available ā"
- "Early bird pricing ends soon ā"
- "Swipe up to [specific benefit] ā"
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 ā
Quick Checks Before Posting:
How many does your copy pass?
- The Scroll Test
- Would YOU stop scrolling?
- Is the first line intriguing?
- Does it create curiosity?
- The Value Test
- What's in it for them?
- Is it clear and specific?
- Does it solve a real problem?
- The Action Test
- Clear next step?
- Reason to act now?
- Easy to take action?
Pro Tips:
- Format for Scanning:
- Short paragraphs
- Use line breaks
- Add emojis strategically
- Create Urgency:
- Limited time
- Limited quantity
- Special access
- Test Your Hook:
- Read just the first line
- Would it make YOU curious?
- If not, rewrite it
Common Mistakes Fixed:
A few words can make the difference! Here are some examples of beginner copy mistakes (with the "better" alternative):
ā "We're excited to announce..." ā "Want to know a secret?"
ā "Buy now!" ā "Claim your spot ā"
ā Long, dense paragraphs ā Short, punchy lines
Your Turn
- Pick your hook type
- Choose the story or value path
- Add a clear CTA
- Format everything for easy reading
Remember: Focus on the transformation you offer, not the features you built.