Blogging Tips Weekly - What is a Hook, and How to Use a Hook to Draw Readers in?

If you are going to die, how would you spend your last seconds on earth?

Okay. That was dramatic. But I got your attention. (And don't you worry your pretty, little head. I'm certain you have a long and prosperous life ahead.)

Your blog, however, is much more ill fated. With millions of blogs on the web, readers don't stay in one place for long. This gives your blog mere seconds to "live."

How long do visitors stay on a blog?

Visitors to your blog are on a strict timer. Don't let them leave so quickly.

I haven't actually conducted an analysis myself. But according to online resources, visitors stay on one site for anywhere between a few seconds to a few minutes.


Problogger used a metric tool once, and concluded that visitors spend, on average, 96 seconds on his site. (You can read his article here.)


96 seconds is short, especially for a blog as interesting as his. If you want your readers to linger, then, you need to capture their attention, and do it quickly. 

What is a hook?

In journalism, a hook is something that draws the audience in. It sparks curiosity in readers and tells them why they should read your blog RIGHT NOW.

So, want to capture readers and make them stay? Add a hook (or two) to each blog entry.

Hook your readers, so they'll stay and come back.

Why are hooks helpful?

Do I have to explain this part? Okay. Fine. Consider this scenario: I'm blogging about a lipstick haul from target.


Here's a version without hooks:

I wandered into Target today. 

I walked through the makeup aisle, as always. 

I saw L'Oreal's latest spring collection. I picked one of the lipsticks from this collection in "bubble gum pink." 

I love this color, because it's so pretty and spring-y.

(Insert swatch.)

Excuse me, you still awake? 

Wakeup lazy cat. The good part's coming.

 

Here's a version with hooks:

Have you seen the latest spring collection from L'Oreal? Bursts of pinks, reds and funky colors, all with some type of yummy name -- mango peach or sugar plum berry, anyone?

No thanks, but I'll take -- and I did -- a lipstick in "bubble gum pink." Its color looks as delicious as its name.

(Insert swatch)

Thanks again, L'Oreal, for offering us the latest and best makeup for spring. Now that I've just hopped into Target and got mine, when are you getting yours?

Hope you get the idea.

Where should I place hooks?

Essentially, anywhere you want. However, I suggest two places: 1) In the beginning, to "hook" the reader, and 2) in the middle, when your writing starts to "lag." The minute you feel like you are blabbing, wake it up with a catchy tune.

Suggestions for writing hooks

Your hook should reflect your own personality, as well as the unique voice of your blog. Do what you are comfortable with, but if you run into writer's block, here are some suggestions:

Question

This is my favorite type of hook. Ask a question, let readers think of an answer. Then they have just invested in your blog, and will most likely remain.

Quotes

Quotes work because they are interesting and exudes a personable approach. They don't even have to be from famous people.

Example:
"Time heals everything," said my best friend, who survived one of the worst breakups with a boyfriend.

If she can let something as precious as a 5-year relationship go, you can part with the brand, new Jimmy Choos you cannot afford...


Dilemma

Bloggers, especially women, like to lend a hand and offer advice. Start your blog entry with a dilemma. Ask people for their help.

Example:
Polka dots or stripes? I just can't decide. With a limited budget, I can only pick one trend to buy. Really need readers' help today.


Metaphor


Metaphors make people think on a different dimension -- and everyone likes intellectual stimulation.


Example:
If blogs are like books, then my blog is a comic book. I write with humor and use a lot of pictures.

Wow. I just said an earful. That's all for today girlies.

Do you use a hook to draw readers in?

If so, do you have any good ideas for writing a good hook?