LinkedIn Hook and Post Template Library: 55 Formulas

This library contains 50+ proven LinkedIn formulas across three categories: hook templates (what earns the See More click), post body templates (what earns the engagement and follows), and lead magnet post templates (what drives comment + DM conversion). Every template is written as a fill-in-the-blank structure with the formula name, the template, and an example. No theory. Just copy, fill, post.

Three rules for using any template in this library:

1. Replace every bracket with real, specific data. [company] gets deleted. "Prosp.ai, an outbound platform for B2B agencies" gets read.
2. Never use an em dash anywhere. Replace any with a comma, a full stop, or nothing.
3. One idea per line. No walls of text. Three lines per paragraph maximum.

How hooks work

The hook is the first two lines of your LinkedIn post. It is the only thing visible before someone clicks See More. Every word in those two lines exists for one reason: to make clicking See More feel unavoidable.

A hook earns the click through one of five mechanisms:

Curiosity gap: the reader does not know the answer yet and needs to click to get it.

Contrarian claim: the first line directly contradicts something the reader believes.

Specific number: a precise figure implies there is specific, real information inside.

Pain recognition: the first line names something the reader is actively frustrated by.

Stakes escalation: the first line implies something significant will be won or lost.

Hooks that do not work: vague openers, compliments, preamble, context-setting. The first line must be the most interesting sentence in the post. If it is not, the post will not be read regardless of how good the body is.

The hook is lines 1-2. Everything else depends on these.

Apply any hook to any post structure from the next sections.

Your bad (but it's not your fault)

Template

Your [skill/trait] is lacking because [external factor] let you down

(But fix this 1 thing and it'll be 10x better)

Example

Your writing sucks because school failed you

(But fix this 1 thing and it'll be 10x better)

Why it works. Removes the reader's self-blame, creates relief, and opens a curiosity gap. The parenthetical is the See More bait.

Stop this. Seriously.

Template

Never start your [action] with [common unnecessary practice].

You're not [someone known for the practice]. Plus, [reason why it's bad].

Example

Never start your cold email with "Hi, my name is.."

You're not Eminem. Plus, there's a signature in your emails.

Why it works. The absurd comparison (You're not Eminem) is funny and specific. The practical reason lands the logic. The tone is peer-level, not preachy.

You're not fooling anyone

Template

Are you being [provocative callout] with your [topic/asset]?

Just [following the common approach] and hoping you'll avoid [negative consequence]?

Example

Are you being basic with your brand copy?

Just covering off the basics and hoping no one will look any closer?

Why it works. The confrontational first line forces the reader to self-evaluate. The second line describes the reader's actual behaviour in a way that feels uncomfortably accurate.

Listen, you need this

Template

[Target audience]: You need [critical element]

(And not just because [superficial reason]).

Example

Founders: You need an audience.

(And not just because it's cool).

Why it works. The direct address (Founders:) makes the reader feel personally called out. The parenthetical dismisses the obvious reason, which raises the stakes of what the real reason must be.

It's becoming popular to...

Template

There's a rising trend in [industry/platform] to [behaviour], [get sub-par outcome] then [misguided conclusion].

Example

There is a growing tendency on social media to have a quick go on ChatGPT at something, demonstrate how bad the output is, then conclude that AI is useless and everything 20th century is safe and superior.

Why it works. The reader has either seen this behaviour or done it themselves. Both create engagement. One as recognition, one as defensiveness.

That's not what's stopping you

Template

Most people know exactly [common knowledge or action].

The problem isn't [common limiting belief].

Example

Most people know exactly what to do to reach their goals

The problem isn't lack of information

Why it works. Invalidates the reader's excuse and reframes the problem. They have to keep reading to find out what the real problem is.

Stop doing that. It's self-sabotage

Template

Stop [common misguided behaviour], [specific related actions], then [common follow-up action]

It's [list negative outcomes].

Example

Please stop creeping on your competitor's sites, reading their messaging, assuming it's better than yours and trying to emulate it.

It's disempowering and puts you in a place of "not enough"

Why it works. Describes a behaviour the reader has definitely done. The specificity of the three-action chain (creep, read, emulate) is what makes it feel like the writer was in the room.

Mistake you're probably making

Template

If you're a [specific audience], you're likely making this mistake:

[common mistake relevant to audience].

Example

If you're a first time leader or manager, you're probably making this mistake

Wanting to be right all the time.

Why it works. The ICP-specific callout creates instant relevance. The downward arrow or line break creates the cliff-hanger that requires the click.

Mistakes that cost dearly

Template

I made X huge mistakes during my first Y months/years of [endeavour].

(these cost me [specific losses])

Example

I made 3 BIG mistakes in year 1 of business.

(these lost me £155k+ and 417 hours)

Why it works. The specificity of the loss figures (£155k+, 417 hours) signals that real, detailed information follows. Generic losses like "a lot of money and time" do not work.

Mistakes you don't want to hear

Template

Here's the no.1 mistake [specific group] make on/in [platform/context]

(this may be hard to hear):

Example

Here's the no.1 mistake people make on LinkedIn

(this may be hard to hear):

Why it works. The parenthetical warning creates anticipation. Telling someone something may be hard to hear is the fastest way to guarantee they keep reading.

Mistakes you'll want to avoid

Template

When I was [age], I [made a significant career move] to [pursue new venture].

Big mistake.

[Give a specific reason why].

Example

When I was 26, I quit my 9 to 5 to go all in on freelance writing.

Big mistake.

I had less than 60 days of cash runway with rent to cover and bills to pay.

Why it works. The two-word sentence (Big mistake.) is a pattern interrupt. The specific financial detail makes it feel real and relatable.

Proven strategy

Template

I [achieved desirable outcome] in just [short time frame].

I also [additional related outcome].

Here's my X-step strategy:

Example

I doubled my impressions in just 1 month.

Also doubled my followers too.

But there's a strategy behind this.

Why it works. Two concrete outcomes stacked together imply a system. The phrase "there's a strategy behind this" creates a curiosity gap.

Winning insights

Template

At [age], I began [endeavour].

At [later age], I [achieved significant milestone] [unlocking significant outcome].

Here are X [insights] that helped make this happen:

Example

At 21, I started a company in university.

At 27, I sold it becoming a multi-millionaire in the process.

Here are 21 hard lessons I learned along the way:

Why it works. The age-to-age arc is a compressed story. The reader wants to know what happened in between.

It's not about X, it's about Y

Template

[Common belief or practice] isn't about [traditional focus].

It's about [deeper purpose or impact].

Why it works. Reframes something familiar in a way that feels like an insight rather than a list. The contrast structure (not X, actually Y) is one of the most reliable engagement triggers on LinkedIn.

A superior method

Template

[Common belief or practice] [negative consequence].

Here's the [notable method] [famous individuals or groups] use instead:

Why it works. Borrowing credibility from famous people or high-performing groups removes the need for the writer to establish authority on their own.

Simple steps

Template

X [easy/simple/quick] steps to [achieve impressive result] in [short time frame], even if you [face common obstacle]:

For context: I took [long time period] to [achieve similar result] the first time.

Why it works. The contrast between the promise (quick steps) and the context (took me much longer) creates credibility. You are not pretending it was always easy.

Time-saving process

Template

Save [time frame] learning [skill]

Here's my X-step [process/method] (I've [reached goal] using this):

Why it works. Leading with the time saving makes the value proposition immediate. The proof point in the parenthetical is the credibility anchor.

Choose or be chosen

Template

If you don't [take specific action], don't expect [desirable outcome].

If you don't [take specific action], don't expect [desirable outcome].

If you don't [take specific action], don't expect [desirable outcome].

Why it works. The triple repetition creates rhythm and builds momentum. Each line lands harder than the one before it. Works well as a standalone hook or as an opener to a how-to post.

Progressive milestones

Template

My first [time period] doing [activity], I [achieved very little].

The next [time period]: [small milestone].

The next [time period]: [bigger milestone].

By the end of [larger timeframe]: [massive milestone].

But I could've done it quicker.

Here are the X mistakes I'd avoid if starting over:

Why it works. The progression narrative shows growth, the hook is the "could've done it quicker" line. That is what earns the See More click.

These are full post structures: hook + body + CTA. Apply your own hook from Section 1 or use the hook built into each template.

Thing everyone does is dumb

Template

[thing everyone does] is dumb.

People do [thing]. [They only get X results]

I [did/do not do that thing]

Never even thought about [doing it]

[I'm getting significantly better outcome]

Skip [the dumb thing]

[your name], out

Why it works. The personal contrast structure (people do X, I don't) positions the writer as a contrarian with receipts. The sign-off makes it feel like a peer talking, not a brand.

Controversial: it's impossible to do X today

Template

It's impossible to [achieve a common goal] on/in [platform/context] today.

Instead, here's what's achievable today:

• You can [specific action] to [achieve specific goal].
• You can [specific action] to [achieve specific goal].
• You can [specific action] to [achieve specific goal].

It'll only take you [realistic time investment].

However, in [relatively short time frame], you'll have:

• [Desirable outcome]
• [Desirable outcome]
• [Desirable outcome]

Don't say: "I want to [achieve common goal] today"

Instead, say: "I want to [engage in specific daily action] today"

Why it works. Kills a goal, replaces it with something achievable, and gives the reader a reframe they can use immediately. The don't say / instead say structure is a high-engagement format on LinkedIn.

Secret revealed

Template

People ask me how I [achieved desirable outcome] so quickly.

My secret? I [daily action].

People ask me how I [achieved desirable outcome].

My secret? I [daily action].

People ask me how I [achieved desirable outcome].

My secret? I [daily action].

But the truth is, there is no secret. Just [core principle].

To [achieve key outcome], you have to [high-level advice].

Here are X steps to get you started:

1. [Step]
2. [Step]
3. [Step]

Why it works. The repeating My secret structure creates anticipation. Paying it off with "there is no secret" subverts the expectation in a way that feels honest rather than disappointing.

How to fix broken thinking

Template

Why does [specific audience] face [common problem]?

Because they believe [common misconception].

Here's my [unique strategy] to help you [unlock desirable outcome]:

The reality is, [summarise why the problem exists].

The secret lies in [specific solution].

Benefits of this approach:

1. [Benefit]
2. [Benefit]

By adopting [specific strategy], you eliminate [specific problem] and [unlock desirable outcome].

Here's how to think about it:

• [Mental reframe]
• [Mental reframe]

When you [plan your strategy], consider:

• [Strategic component]
• [Strategic component]
• [Strategic component]

Why it works. Diagnoses a belief before offering a solution. Posts that explain why a problem exists earn more trust than posts that just give tips.

I achieved X without Y

Template

I [achieved goal Y] without [common pre-requisite 1].

I [achieved goal Y] without [common pre-requisite 2].

I [achieved goal Y] without [common pre-requisite 3].

To [achieve goal Y], all you really need to do is:

1. [Core action]
2. [Core action]
3. Rinse and repeat.

Everything else is just a distraction.

Why it works. Removing assumed prerequisites lowers the barrier to entry. The reader stops thinking "I can't do this" and starts thinking "maybe I can".

3 reasons you don't get what you want

Template

X reasons [people/audience] don't [take desired action].

1. [Reason]
2. [Reason]
3. [Reason]

Here's the solution:

1. [Step]
2. [Step]
3. [Step]

[Summarise the benefits this solution unlocks]

PS. [Personal insight or future content tease]

Why it works. Problem-then-solution is the most reliable post structure on LinkedIn. Three problems keeps it scannable. The PS creates a reason to follow.

How to get people to take action

Template

I've worked with [impressive number] of [relevant professionals].

Here's how they [achieve desirable outcome]:

[Summarise key principle].

1. [Actionable step]
2. [Actionable step]
3. [Actionable step]

This is how you [reach specific goal] without [common pre-requisite].

• If you want [benefit A], then [take action A]
• If you want [benefit B], then [take action B]
• If you want [benefit C], then [take action C]

Simple, effective, repeatable.

Apply these steps for [time period] and watch what happens.

Why it works. Borrowed credibility (worked with X number of people) plus the conditional if/then structure gives the reader clear decision logic.

How my client did X quickly

Template

How my client [achieved desirable outcome] in [timeframe] (with [specific method])

[Briefly explain client's starting point]

But they [encountered problem]

They said: "[Direct quote from client expressing their struggle]"

I suggested they [solution offered].

• Reason why / benefit
• Reason why / benefit

Here's what we did next:

• Strategic step 1
• Strategic step 2
• Strategic step 3

The result? [Key positive results].

[Give inspiring takeaway].

PS. If you're interested in achieving the same in [timeframe], [relevant CTA]

Why it works. Client stories have three things that list posts do not: a named problem, a named person, and a before/after. All three drive trust faster than abstract advice.

I've been doing X for Y time

Template

I've [engaged in action/platform/context] for [timeframe].

In which time, I've:

• [Achievement]
• [Achievement]
• [Achievement]

Here's what I didn't do:

• [Common tactic]
• [Common tactic]

Instead, I did this:

• [Effective strategy]
• [Effective strategy]
• [Effective strategy]

So don't just [follow common advice].

[Briefly summarise your overall effective strategy]

PS. [Relevant question for audience]?

Why it works. The what I didn't do section is the most powerful part of this template. It validates the reader for not doing those things and positions the writer as someone who figured out a better way.

Most X are painful, you must not do this

Template

Most [common activity/asset] I see are [negative descriptor].

[Target audience], you must keep this in mind:

[Key insight].

The [activity/asset] is NOT for [incorrect assumption].

It's for [correct assumption].

Common mistakes I often see:

• [Mistake]
• [Mistake]
• [Mistake]

Here's how to [achieve goal]:

• [Actionable insight]
• [Actionable insight]
• [Actionable insight]

Always remember to [crucial step].

This way, you can [achieve desirable outcome] easier/faster/cheaper.

Why it works. The NOT for / It's for flip is a strong reframe. It tells the reader they have been using something wrong without shaming them directly.

You've been lied to

Template

"[Provocative statement that challenges a common belief]."

[Truth that contradicts the common belief].

[Briefly elaborate on core idea].

• [Example of action related to truth]
• [Example of action related to truth]
• [Example of action related to truth]

[Personal observation about people who have embraced the truth].

[Key takeaway].

[Call to action or question for audience].

Why it works. Opening with a quote creates a visual pattern interrupt. The contradiction of a commonly held belief is one of the highest-engagement post structures on LinkedIn.

Last month vs this month

Template

Last month, I made X through [specific channel].

This month, I've made that in just X days.

By the end of [timeframe]? I'll probably hit Y per month.

Here's how I know:

• [stats about posting, DMs, bookings, conversations]
• [stats about posting, DMs, bookings, conversations]

My point?

Random [actions] lead to a random/unscalable business.

I've built a system on [platform] that allows me to:

A) [achieve outcome]

B) [achieve outcome]

And all I do every week is:

1. [simple weekly action]
2. [simple weekly action]

Why it works. Financial or metric progression shown month-to-month is one of the strongest proof formats on LinkedIn. The specificity of the stats is what makes it credible.

The best way to book meetings on LinkedIn

Template

The best way to book meetings on LinkedIn:

Not asking for meetings.

[Explain what changed and why the old way no longer works].

Here's how to do it instead:

1. In your content: [specific action]
2. On your profile: [specific action]
3. In your DMs: [specific action]

Sales isn't about forcing meetings.

It's about earning them.

Why it works. The counterintuitive hook (not asking for meetings) immediately creates tension. The structure gives three actionable areas which implies completeness without being overwhelming.

Stop chasing vanity metrics

Template

Stop chasing [vanity metric].

Start chasing [real conversion].

[Vanity metrics] are just a quick ego boost.

[Real conversion method] opens much more doors.

A strong, clear CTA turns scrollers into [desired action].

Tell your audience exactly what to [do].

Your profile should shout: I'm here to help.

Make it inviting. Keep it simple. One action only.

Share real challenges that invite discussion.

Quality conversations lead to real growth.

Why it works. The stop/start contrast structure is instantly readable. Each line is a standalone point which makes the post work on mobile without formatting.

Lead magnet posts drive comment + DM conversion. The structure is: hook, proof, what's inside, and the CTA.

CTA formats that work: Comment "WORD" and I'll DM you / Like and comment "WORD" / Connect + comment "WORD"

Big results, simple mechanism

Template

Monday: [do simple thing]

Tuesday: [achieve significant outcome]

It isn't [hard/difficult]

[prove stated results are real]

In fact, I've compiled the [valuable resource]

And I just created a full breakdown on:

• [what's included]
• [what's included]
• [what's included]

Why this works:

• [reason]
• [reason]
• [reason]

Comment "[word]" and connect with me and I'll send it to you.

Why it works. The Monday/Tuesday structure implies a two-day turnaround which is an extreme claim that makes the reader want to know if it is true.

My mechanism gets specific outcome

Template

My [mechanism] gets [desirable outcome].

(My [subject-specific] secret weapon)

Most people's [thing] fails because they [common pitfall].

But there's a way to [avoid pitfall] and [achieve desirable outcome].

I've compiled everything I know about [subject], including:

• [included material]
• [included material]
• [included material]

These aren't theoretical concepts.

I've used these strategies to [achieve outcome] and [get uniquely impressive results]

Want my complete [topic] playbook?

1. Connect with me

2. Comment "[thing]" below

And I'll send it right over.

PS. If we're already connected, just drop the comment and I'll DM it to you.

You will never get X if you don't do Y

Template

You will NEVER get [desirable outcome].

If you don't [do specific thing].

I see this every day.

People trying to [achieve desirable outcome] without [specific thing]

[more context on why the thing matters]

I've helped [X target audience] get [desirable outcome], and I've documented our exact process.

Inside my [helpful resource]:

• [value chapter]
• [value chapter]
• [value chapter]

With [thing that can be copied] so you can [achieve desirable outcome] in [timeframe].

Comment "[thing]" and connect with me for access.

These frameworks got X outcome

Template

These [mechanism/channel] frameworks generated [tangible outcome: meetings, calls, revenue]

We didn't reinvent the wheel.

We collected the best frameworks we could find from top [industry] experts.

And we tested them.

We ditched the ones that didn't perform and kept the ones that did.

You can find [specific frameworks] in a nicely curated [resource format].

(used to be reserved to our team and clients)

Just comment "[thing]" and connect with me and I'll DM you.

Getting bad results? Not anymore

Template

Getting [bad outcome] from [specific channel/mechanism]?

Not anymore.

I'm giving away everything I've used to get:

• [desirable outcome]
• [desirable outcome]

All within [time frame]

In this resource you will find everything you need for:

• [what is included]
• [what is included]
• [what is included]

If you want this:

1. Connect with me
2. Comment "[thing]"

PS. Repost this post to get priority.

After X years of testing, here's my playbook

Template

After X years of testing, I've finally created the most effective [channel/mechanism] playbook ever.

([insane numeric outcome]. Not a joke.)

Most [target audience] struggle with [channel/mechanism]. They [do unstructured thing] and hope for the best.

I've built a repeatable system. It focuses on two key things:

[Key thing 1] and [Key thing 2].

So I put together a full document with our whole process:

1. [What is covered]

2. [What is covered]

3. [What is covered]

And much more.

Just connect with me and comment "[thing]" and I'll send it your way.

I made X in short time with specific thing

Template

I made [a lot of money] in [short time] with [channel/mechanism].

(with [no thing people think you need])

This isn't about:

• [thing that doesn't work]
• [thing that doesn't work]

This is about building a real system that brings [desired outcome]

(And yes, it works for ANY B2B offer)

I've recorded a detailed video breakdown showing:

• [what is included]
• [what is included]
• [what is included]

My average client implements this in [timeframe] and sees first results within [timeframe]

Comment "[thing]" and I'll send you the [resource]

(make sure you are connected)

I used to believe X was stupid

Template

I used to believe [channel/mechanism] was stupid.

But guess what? I was dead wrong.

I just ran my first [channel/mechanism] and the results were pretty amazing:

• [numeric result]
• [numeric result]
• [numeric result]

And since this worked so well, I created an internal playbook to replicate this every month.

It includes:

• [thing that is included]
• [thing that is included]
• [thing that is included]

Now, this is meant to be an internal resource.

But since it was so helpful, I'm sharing it for free for the next 48 hours.

• Like this post
• Comment "[thing]"
• Connect with me if you haven't already

I'll send it over.

This is the biggest arbitrage on LinkedIn right now

Template

This is the biggest arbitrage on LinkedIn right now.

In the past [timeframe], I have:

• [growth metric]
• [growth metric]
• [pipeline metric]

And [X%] of my growth has come from ONE main strategy:

[Strategy name].

Ever since I started, people have asked me:

"How do you come up with so many ideas for [strategy]?"

So I just created a [word count]-word guide breaking down my exact process, including:

• [specific included element]
• [specific included element]
• [specific included element]

Want access?

Like this post

Comment "[word]"

I'll send you a copy.

I charge clients X for this. Here it is for free

Template

I charge $X to implement this system for my clients.

But here it is for free.

[describe why the thing being spoken about is important]

Because by having this [system] in place, you can:

• [achieve desirable outcome]
• [achieve desirable outcome]
• [achieve desirable outcome]

Yet, most [target audience] don't have [specific thing].

So I created a free mini-course showing you how to [do specific thing] in less than [timeframe].

It includes:

• [what it includes]
• [what it includes]

Want access?

• Like this post
• Comment "[WORD]"
• Send me a connection request so I can DM you

I'll send you the link.

All formulas in one place. Fill in the brackets and post.

Quick hook selector

For a mistake / lesson post:

"I made X [huge mistakes] during my first Y [months] of [endeavour]. (these cost me [specific loss])"

For a contrarian post:

"[Common belief] isn't about [traditional focus]. It's about [deeper purpose]."

For a mistake reveal:

"Here's the no.1 mistake [specific group] make on/in [platform]. (this may be hard to hear):"

For a credentials post:

"At [age], I began [endeavour]. At [later age], I [achieved significant milestone]. Here are X lessons that helped make this happen:"

For a challenge post:

"If you're a [specific audience], you're likely making this mistake:"

For an identity post:

"[Target audience]: You need [critical element]. (And not just because [superficial reason])."

For a reframe post:

"Most people know exactly [common knowledge]. The problem isn't [common limiting belief]."

For a trend post:

"There's a rising trend in [industry/platform] to [conduct trend behaviour], [get sub-par outcome] then [misguided conclusion]."

Quick post selector

For a contrarian opinion:

Use: Thing everyone does is dumb

For sharing a reframe:

Use: How to fix broken thinking

For showing results:

Use: Last month vs this month

For sharing a client win:

Use: How my client did X quickly

For positioning against bad advice:

Use: You've been lied to

For sharing your method:

Use: I've been doing X for Y time

For educational content:

Use: 3 reasons you don't get what you want

For authority building:

Use: How to get people to take action

For LinkedIn-specific advice:

Use: The best way to book meetings on LinkedIn

For vanity metric commentary:

Use: Stop chasing vanity metrics

Quick lead magnet post selector

For launching a new resource:

Use: This is the biggest arbitrage on LinkedIn right now

For sharing a proven system:

Use: After X years of testing, here's my playbook

For social proof first:

Use: These frameworks got X outcome

For challenging a belief first:

Use: You will never get X if you don't do Y

For a turnaround story:

Use: I used to believe X was stupid

For revenue proof:

Use: I made X in short time with specific thing

For giving away a client resource:

Use: I charge clients X for this. Here it is for free

For a simple results claim:

Use: Big results, simple mechanism

Rules to apply to every post

1. Hook must earn the See More click on its own. If removing the body makes the hook feel incomplete, it is working.
2. No em dashes. Replace with a comma, a full stop, or split into two sentences.
3. One idea per line. Three lines maximum per paragraph. LinkedIn mobile users scan vertically.
4. No hashtags in the body. Move them to the end or remove entirely. Hashtags in the body kill the reading rhythm.
5. Specific beats generic. £155k beats "a lot of money". 417 hours beats "so much time". 3 out of 4 beats "most people".
6. Lead magnet CTA must be specific: Comment "OUTBOUND" not Comment below. The keyword makes it easy to fulfil and easy to filter real interest.
7. One CTA per post. Not like, comment, share, and follow. Pick one. The more options you give, the fewer people act.