Read time: 4 minutes.
In today’s issue, we’re talking attention.
More specifically, grabbing attention with the first sentence. It’s the determining factor when driving the audience from one line to the next. That’s our goal.
You can use these strategies to get whatever you wish from your writing.
Watch this…
I’ll be completely honest.
Your first sentence is by far the most important. Don’t believe me?
Think again. You’re reading this, aren’t you?
You’re basically only here because I want you to be. I could go on all day.
But I won’t.
What I will do, is teach you the power of copywriting. With that, how to double down on the first line of anything you write. It’s gonna give you control over everyone who’s unknowingly sucked into your thoughts.
They won’t even know what hit ‘em. It’s sick!
💥 The Power of Line 1
Go back to the first thing I said.
The part about me being honest. Did it hook you? I’d put money on it.
Provoking someone’s attention is incredibly powerful, especially if you know what you’re doing. When the reader’s hooked, they’re far more likely to keep reading.
That means, they’ll listen to you. You’ll act as a beacon for their thoughts. A destination for their wallet.
Good news! But there’s one problem.
You have to actually get it right, which is what I’m about to share with you.
🪝 How to Craft Good Hooks
You probably didn’t realize that I got you again.
Remember when I told you (just now) to “Go back to the first thing I said?”
Well, that was another example of how to hook the reader. And I’ll give you the trick up front:
When you start writing, you gotta immediately begin talking to them. The reader.
Right. Away.
You gotta be the guy that everyone gravitates toward when you walk in the room. The only difference is, they’re walking into your room. Not the other way around.
What will you say when they come in?
You have to address them. So here are a few of your options:
- Ask a question
- Tell them what you’re about to do
- Tell them to do something
These few methods work wonders when getting the attention of your reader.
I’ll tell you why.
Ask a question
Asking questions is a great way to get ‘em to your next sentence. Why?
Because it naturally “forces” them to look for an answer. And if they can’t come up with one on their own, they’ll keep reading to find it.
Ultimately, this question is going to set up your next sentence. Make it interesting, you have to keep them. Once they get through a few lines, it’s way easier.
The only time they’ll click off is if you give them a reason.
So, don’t! Your words matter. Be careful.
Tell them what you’ll do
This is the exact method I used to start the issue you’re currently reading.
I said, “I’ll be completely honest.” I told you what I was about to do (be honest).
So, naturally, you want to know what I’m about to say (since I’m being honest). Next, I make a decently bold claim and try to back it up.
That should’ve got you interested in reading which makes you desire the information that I am promising to provide. It’s simple, not all that easy.
But you can still take advantage of it.
Tell them to do something
Yup, you’re right.
I did this when I told you to go back to the first line. It works, right?
When you tell someone to do something, they usually listen. Unless it’s your mom telling you to make your bed. Then you’re most likely tuning out.
But still, when you inspire action (and it comes from someone they want to hear) they’ll take action. Great for us!
Next time you craft your hook (line 1) try telling the reader to do something. Point them to where they can benefit.
🎁 In Summary
Become the king of line 1. You’ll capture their attention easily.
Here’s how:
- Ask a question
- Tell them what you’re about to do
- Tell them to do something
If you can manage to get good at this, you’ll wield much power over your following.
Use it for good and you will see growth!
Good luck!
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