5 Powerful Steps to Write Awesome LinkedIn Hooks (From A Legendary Ghostwriter)

Looking to captivate your LinkedIn audience?

Discover the art of crafting compelling LinkedIn hooks with insights from a legendary ghostwriter and renowned LinkedIn copywriter, Matt Barker. He’s achieved impressive results with his posts, and in this guide, I’ll share his five-step process to write an awesome LinkedIn hook that drives both engagement and conversions and also talk about my own LinkedIn Journey at the end.

Quick Table: 5 Steps to Create Awesome LinkedIn Hooks with Examples (by Matt Barker)

Step	Description	What It Serves For	Example of Hook
Step 1: Start with a Basic Hook	Start with a simple, straightforward hook.	Serves as the foundation for your hook.	“Some things I learned.”
Step 2: Add a Timeline	Incorporate a timeline into your basic hook.	Adds a sense of urgency or relevance.	“Some things I learned yesterday.”
Step 3: Incorporate Numbers	Add numbers to make your hook more specific.	Provides clarity and suggests value.	“Five things I learned yesterday.”
Step 4: Add a Topic	Introduce a topic to your hook.	Provides context and tells the reader what the post is about.	“Five things I learned about copywriting yesterday.”
Step 5: Add Curiosity and Power Words	Use power words and elements that spark curiosity.	Makes the hook irresistible and adds specificity.	“Five secrets I learned about writing incredible LinkedIn hooks yesterday.”

Main Takeaways

A compelling hook can significantly boost your post’s visibility and engagement.
Use Matt Barker’s five steps to write a powerful LinkedIn Hook:
- Start with a basic hook
- Add a timeline
- Incorporate numbers
- Include a topic
- Add curiosity and power words
Understanding Matt Barker’s 3 P’s Formula (Product, Person, Payoff) can help you craft a hook that resonates with your target audience.
On my personal LinkedIn journey, consistency and focusing on niche topics can lead to a significant increase in impressions and engagement.

Introduction
- What to Expect from This Guide
- What is a LinkedIn Hook?
- Why You Need to Have A Good LinkedIn Hook
- Who is Matt Barker?
- Why Should We Learn from Him?
5 Steps to Create Powerful LinkedIn Hooks (By Matt Barker)
Bonus Tips from Matt Barker
- Unlocking the Free P’s Formula
My Journey with LinkedIn Writing
- The Starting Line: Where it All Began
- The Turning Point: When Things Started to Click
- The Results: Impressions Speak Louder Than Words
- Beyond Impressions: The Metrics That Really Matter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion: The Power of a Great LinkedIn Hook and My Journey
- Wrapping It Up: The Takeaways
- What’s Next: The Road Ahead

Introduction

What to Expect from This Guide

In this guide, I’ll be focusing on the art of crafting compelling LinkedIn hooks. Let’s be clear right off the bat: the steps and examples I’ll be sharing come directly from Matt Barker’s insightful newsletter named ‘Build A Powerful 10-word hook in 5-steps’. I’ll provide a step-by-step breakdown of his proven method for crafting hooks that grab attention and drive engagement. If you find these insights valuable, I highly recommend checking out his newsletter for even more expertise.

My LinkedIn Journey: A Personal Touch

At the end of this guide, I’ll switch gears and share my own journey on LinkedIn since I started writing again. You’ll see how writing again on LinkedIn regularly has impacted my reach, engagement, and overall LinkedIn success.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to craft hooks that resonate, all based on proven methods from a LinkedIn pro. Whether you’re new to LinkedIn or looking to up your game, there’s something here for you.

What is a LinkedIn Hook?

A LinkedIn hook is essentially the opening sentence or two of your LinkedIn post. It serves as your first impression, your initial pitch, and your opening argument all rolled into one. Its primary purpose is to grab the reader’s attention and compel them to click the “See More” button to read the rest of your post. In a sea of endless scrolling and information overload, a well-crafted hook acts as your beacon, signaling to readers that your content is worth their time. It sets the stage for what’s to come, providing a snapshot of the value you’re about to deliver. Whether you’re sharing industry insights, personal anecdotes, or professional updates, your hook is the gateway to engagement on LinkedIn.

Why You Need to Have A Good LinkedIn Hook

The ‘See More’ Button and Algorithmic Advantage

The “See More” button is more than just a design element; it’s your gateway to greater visibility. Good hooks encourage more clicks on this button, and each click signals to LinkedIn’s algorithm that your post is engaging. The more clicks you get, the further your post will go in the LinkedIn feed, giving you an algorithmic advantage.

The Promise of Value

Your hook is essentially a promise to the reader—a promise that you’ll deliver value if they decide to engage further with your content. A weak hook means fewer clicks on “See More,” less engagement, and ultimately, less visibility for your valuable content.

The Importance of First Impressions

We all skim through content, whether it’s blog posts, YouTube videos, or LinkedIn updates. Your hook is often the only part of your post that people will fully read, making it a key driver of engagement.

Summary Table: Why You Need to Have A Good LinkedIn Hook

Subheading	Summary
The ‘See More’ Button and Algorithmic Advantage	Good hooks encourage more clicks on “See More,” boosting your post’s reach and giving you an algorithmic advantage.
The Promise of Value	A compelling hook is a promise to deliver value, leading to more engagement and visibility.
The Importance of First Impressions	The hook is often the only part fully read, making it crucial for driving engagement.

Who is Matt Barker? The Man Behind the Words

Matt Barker is a renowned copywriter and ghostwriter on LinkedIn, known for delivering high-value content that resonates with his audience. He’s not just a writer; he’s an educator with amazing courses and resources that can help you elevate your LinkedIn game.

Why Should We Learn from Him?

Matt Barker is not just another LinkedIn influencer; he’s a proven expert in the field of copywriting and content creation and has achieved impressive results with his posts. Here’s why you should consider him your go-to resource for LinkedIn hooks:

Impressive Track Record: With 25 million post impressions in just two years, he’s demonstrated that his methods work.
Conversion Focus: Unlike many who focus solely on vanity metrics, Matt understands the business side of LinkedIn. He’s not just getting impressions; he’s converting those into actual leads and revenue.
Educational Approach: Matt isn’t keeping his secrets to himself. He offers valuable courses and resources that teach you how to replicate his success.
Specialization in Hooks: After analyzing his posts, it’s clear that Matt places a significant emphasis on crafting powerful hooks. This specialized focus makes him an ideal teacher for anyone looking to master this particular skill.

By learning from Matt Barker, you’re not just learning how to write better; you’re learning how to leverage LinkedIn as a powerful tool for business growth.

Now that we’ve established why Matt Barker is the go-to expert for LinkedIn hooks, let’s dive into his 5-step formula for crafting hooks that truly resonate.

5 Steps to Create Powerful LinkedIn Hooks (By Matt Barker)

In this section, I’ll walk you through the 5 steps Matt Barker recommends for crafting a LinkedIn hook that not only grabs attention but also encourages engagement. Remember, these steps and examples are sourced directly from Matt Barker’s newsletter, so all credit goes to him.

Step 1: Start with a Basic Hook

The first step, according to Matt Barker, is to start with a basic hook. It might sound bland at first, but don’t underestimate its importance. This is your starting point, the skeleton upon which you’ll build a more compelling hook.

First version of Hook suggested by Matt:

This is version one, and while it serves as a foundation, it doesn’t provide any insights into what the reader will gain from the post. That’s where the next steps come in.

Step 2: Add a Timeline

The next step, as Matt Barker suggests, is to add a timeline to your basic hook. This could be something like “Some things I learned yesterday,” “Three years ago I,” “In two years I want to be,” or “Back in 2019 I”.

Adding a timeline brings a sense of urgency or relevance to your hook, allowing you to frame the concept in a more contextual way.

The second version of Hook suggested by Matt:

This is version two of your hook. While the timeline adds an extra layer of interest, we still don’t know what the post is about. Clearly, there’s room for improvement.

Step 3: Incorporate Numbers

The third step, as advised by Matt Barker, is to incorporate numbers into your hook.

Adding numbers not only makes your hook more specific but also gives the reader a clearer idea of what to expect. It suggests the value the reader will get from the post and signals the time it will take them to read it.

The third version of Hook suggested by Matt:

This is version three of your hook. While the number 5 adds specificity and suggests value, the hook still needs further refinement to be truly compelling.

Step 4: Add a Topic

The fourth step, according to Matt Barker, is to add a topic to your hook. By adding this element, you tell the reader how many things you learned, when you learned them, and what you learned about in a single hook. You’re hitting the how, when, and what, all in one or two lines. This is crucial because you haven’t even opened up the content yet.

The fourth version of Hook suggested by Matt:

This is version four of your hook. The reader starts to understand what they’ll get from this post. But Matt says that it’s still not good enough, and I agree.

Step 5: Add Curiosity and Power Words

The final step, as emphasized by Matt Barker and with which I totally agree, is to inject your hook with curiosity and power words. This is the key to making your hook irresistible. For example, instead of saying “Five things I learned,” you could say “Five secrets I learned.” This simple change from “things” to “secrets” adds a layer of curiosity that makes the reader want to click “See More.”

Also, changing simple “copywriting” to power words like “Writing incredible LinkedIn hooks” gives power, provides more detail to the topic and adds specificity.

The fifth (final) version of Hook suggested by Matt:

It’s a perfect hook designed to attract engagement. And there you have it! By following these 5 steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting LinkedIn hooks that not only catch the eye but also get the clicks.

Thank you, Matt, for these invaluable insights.

Summary: Steps for Creating a Powerful LinkedIn Hook

Step	Description	What It Serves For	Example of Hook
Step 1: Start with a Basic Hook	Start with a simple, straightforward hook.	Serves as the foundation for your hook.	“Some things I learned.”
Step 2: Add a Timeline	Incorporate a timeline into your basic hook.	Adds a sense of urgency or relevance.	“Some things I learned yesterday.”
Step 3: Incorporate Numbers	Add numbers to make your hook more specific.	Provides clarity and suggests value.	“Five things I learned yesterday.”
Step 4: Add a Topic	Introduce a topic to your hook.	Provides context and tells the reader what the post is about.	“Five things I learned about copywriting yesterday.”
Step 5: Add Curiosity and Power Words	Use power words and elements that spark curiosity.	Makes the hook irresistible and adds specificity.	“Five secrets I learned about writing incredible LinkedIn hooks yesterday.”

Bonus Tips from Matt Barker

Unlocking the Free P’s Formula

In the world of content creation, Matt Barker offers us a valuable insight known as the “Three P’s (Product, Person, Payoff) Formula.” This formula serves as a guide to crafting compelling and effective content that resonates with your audience.

Product: The first “P” stands for “Product.” It’s all about understanding what you’re delivering to your readers. Think of it as the promise you make to your audience. Are you delivering insights, tips, or strategies? The product is essentially what your content is all about.
Person: Moving on to the second “P,” which represents “Person.” This part of the formula prompts you to consider who your content is intended for. Are you creating content for CMOs, business owners, or a specific niche audience? Identifying the target audience ensures that your content is tailored to meet their needs and interests.
Payoff: Lastly, the third “P” signifies “Payoff.” This aspect is all about answering the question: Why should your audience read your content? What’s in it for them? Your content should provide a clear and valuable payoff for your readers. It’s the benefit they’ll gain from consuming your content.

To illustrate this formula in action, let’s take a look at an example of Hook that Matt provided.

Example: “7 Note-Taking Habits Digital Writers Must Do to Generate Endless Ideas.”

Here, the “Product” is the habits—what the article is about. The “Person” is digital writers—who the article is for. And the “Payoff” is “to generate endless ideas”—why they should read it.

This insight from Matt Barker is just the beginning of our learning journey. I’m excited to explore more from other thought leaders like Justin Welsh in the future. Matt Barker’s wisdom is a valuable stepping stone, and we’ll be diving deeper into the art of powerful LinkedIn writing by learning from the best in the field.

The Three “P’s” of a Powerful LinkedIn Hook

Element	Description	Example
Product	What you’re delivering to your readers. It’s the promise or the core of your content.	“7 Note-Taking Habits” (What the article is about)
Person	Who your content is intended for. Identifies the target audience.	“Digital Writers” (Who the article is for)
Payoff	Why your audience should read your content. It’s the benefit they’ll gain from consuming it.	“To Generate Endless Ideas” (Why they should read it)

My Journey with LinkedIn Writing

The Starting Line: Where it All Began

I’m not just preaching about the power of LinkedIn writing; I’m living it. I recently jumped back into the LinkedIn writing game, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster. Initially, my posts were like whispers in a noisy room—barely any impressions.

The Turning Point: When Things Started to Click

The game-changer for me was when I started writing posts regularly again, specifically 5 work days a week. The number of impressions and profile visits I had started increasing dramatically after I started posting regularly again.

But I didn’t just write about anything; I focused on niche topics that I’m passionate about—like leveraging AI into content media engines, AI content workflows for creating long-form videos, and keyword planning using ChatGPT. The moment I dialed into these specific areas, that’s when things really started to click. My posts weren’t just whispers anymore; they were starting to echo across LinkedIn.

The Results: Impressions Speak Louder Than Words

Once I honed in on these niche topics and started posting consistently, the numbers started speaking for themselves. We’re talking 3,000 impressions on one post about leveraging AI in content media engines, 1,778 on another discussing AI content workflows for long-form videos, and 1,653 on a piece about keyword planning with ChatGPT. That’s a range of 1.5k to 3.5k impressions per post, people!

Beyond Impressions: The Metrics That Really Matter

But here’s the kicker: impressions are just the tip of the iceberg. What really counts is how many of those impressions turn into DMs, how many DMs lead to sales calls, and ultimately, what the ROI is. I’ve already started receiving DMs from people interested in content writing, which is a promising start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your Burning Questions About LinkedIn Hooks and Matt Barker, Answered

You’ve made it this far, and you’re probably brimming with questions. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Here are some FAQs that might be swirling in your mind.

Q1: Can I Use Matt Barker’s Hook Formula on Other Social Media Platforms?

Answer: Absolutely. While the formula is tailored for LinkedIn, the principles of a good hook—clarity, curiosity, and value—apply universally. Feel free to adapt it for Twitter, Facebook, or even your blog posts.

Q2: How Long Should My LinkedIn Hook Be?

Answer: Matt Barker recommends a 10-word hook, but there’s no hard and fast rule. The key is to keep it concise while packing a punch. You want to give enough information to entice the reader to click “See More” without overwhelming them.

Q3: How Do I Know if My Hook is Working?

Answer: Metrics, metrics, metrics. Keep an eye on the number of “See More” clicks, likes, comments, and shares your post receives. These are immediate indicators of your hook’s effectiveness.

Q4: Is Matt Barker’s Newsletter Free?

Answer: While I can’t speak for all of Matt Barker’s content, the insights I’ve shared here are from his publicly available newsletter.

Q5: Can I Use Multiple Hooks in a Single Post?

Answer: While the focus here is on the initial hook, you can certainly use sub-hooks to introduce new sections or ideas within your post. Just don’t overdo it; you don’t want to dilute the impact of your main hook.

Q6: What If I’m Not a Writer? Can I Still Craft a Good Hook?

Answer: Yes, you can! Writing is a skill that can be learned and honed. With practice and by following proven formulas like Matt Barker’s, you’ll be crafting killer hooks in no time.

Q7: How Can I Learn More From Matt Barker?

Answer: Matt Barker offers a range of courses and has a strong LinkedIn presence. Following him there is a good start. You can also sign up for his newsletter for regular insights.

Conclusion: The Power of a Great LinkedIn Hook and My Journey

Wrapping It Up: The Takeaways

If there’s one thing to take away from this guide, it’s that a well-crafted LinkedIn hook can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a seasoned LinkedIn pro or just starting out, the insights from Matt Barker’s newsletter can elevate your posts from scroll-past material to must-click content.

Main Takeaways:

The Importance of a Good Hook: A compelling hook can significantly boost your post’s visibility and engagement.
Matt Barker’s Five Steps to a Powerful LinkedIn Hook:
- Start with a basic hook
- Add a timeline
- Incorporate numbers
- Include a topic
- Add curiosity and power words
Matt Barker’s 3 P’s Formula – Product, Person, Payoff: Understanding these elements can help you craft a hook that resonates with your target audience.
My Personal Journey: Consistency and focusing on niche topics can lead to a significant increase in impressions and engagement.

My Journey: A Testament to Consistency and Strategy

And as for my own LinkedIn journey, the results speak for themselves. By focusing on niche topics and posting consistently, I’ve seen my impressions skyrocket from a mere whisper to a resounding echo across the LinkedIn platform. But remember, impressions are just the start; the real metrics to watch are DMs, sales calls, and ultimately, ROI.

What’s Next: The Road Ahead

I’m not stopping here. I’m diving deeper into the metrics, even cooking up my own—Revenue Per Impression (RPI). I’m also planning to launch my own newsletter, inspired by the likes of Matt Barker and Justin Welsh.

Now, it’s your turn. I challenge you to try out Matt Barker’s five-step formula for crafting an irresistible LinkedIn hook. I’ll be doing the same and tracking the results. Let’s elevate our LinkedIn game together!