Hook variants and when to use them
Six hook structures we generate for every idea, with the situations each is built for.
In the Drafting stage, you can request Hook workshop — we generate six variants in different structures and you pick one. The structures aren't random; each is calibrated for a different context.
1. Contrarian
"Everyone says X. Here's why they're wrong." Sets up a contradiction. Best when you have a genuinely unpopular opinion backed by data or experience. Dies if you're manufacturing a fake disagreement.
2. Numeric
"47 days. 3 apps. Zero paid ads." The signature distro rhythm: three concrete numbers followed by a punchline. Works almost everywhere. Requires actual numbers — no fudging.
3. Story
"I quit my job 18 months ago to build X." First-person narrative opener. Best for long-form (LinkedIn, newsletter). Slower to pay off, but highest emotional charge when the story is true.
4. Question
"What if the real bottleneck is X?" Invites the reader to think before scrolling. Best on Reddit and communities where people actually engage rather than skim.
5. List promise
"3 things nobody tells you about Y." Classic but still effective. The trick is making sure the three things are actually non-obvious. If readers can guess them, the promise is broken.
6. Provocative confession
"I was wrong about Z." Admits a mistake. High emotional charge. Best on X and LinkedIn; backfires on Reddit ("cool story bro").
Picking one
We don't auto-pick. Reading all six and deciding is part of the practice — it forces you to think about framing before you commit to 500 words of body. If you're rushed, default to numeric on X and story on LinkedIn.