5 Hooks to Use In UGC

UGC is everywhere. But creating UGC that engages and sells requires some skill.

And nailing the hook is the first step to any piece of content that works.

So here are 5 types of hooks to help your army of creators create UGC that crushes.

1. Surprising and Unordinary

Leverage the element of surprise. Emotionally arousing images are processed more rapidly and more vividly.

• Use information that challenges expectations.
• Share unique or unusual perspectives on common topics.
• Include unordinary objects that make people do a double-take.
• Experiment with unique formats that stand out from the typical UGC they see.

2. Something Satisfying: Mesmerizing Visuals or Offer Closures

Another incredibly effective hook is offering something satisfying, either through mesmerizing visuals or by providing closure to pain points.

The satisfying visuals could be pleasing patterns, textures, or motions.

On the other hand, people are naturally drawn to content that offers closures to their problems.

Start with a common issue your audience faces, then promise a resolution that makes them stick around for more.

For example, "How this [product] finally solved my [problem]."

3. Verbal Hook + Visual Hooks

Sometimes, the most powerful hooks combine a strong sound with eye-catching visuals.

Like the sound of opening a can of beer with the visual hook of a "non-alcoholic taste test."

Or a loud BANG of dropping a giant package of cookies, followed by another hook about how expensive the cookies are ("$300").

The verbal hook grabs their attention, while the visual hook keeps them engaged and wanting to know more.

4. Relatable Visuals or Topics

Research shows it's easier for people to make sense of new information when it's clearly related to what they already know.

So use imagery that feels real and relatable to your audience, like taking selfies.

Bring up situations they can instantly connect with, like struggling with the Sunday Scaries or wondering if a t-shirt will shrink.

5. Trending Format

Use the power of virality by using trending formats.

Stitch popular videos as the start of your content, or use green screens to insert your message into formats people already know and love.

The idea is to piggyback off the built-in engagement of these trending formats. People are more likely to stop and watch content that looks familiar and has already proven to be engaging.

So the next time you send out a content brief to your ambassadors or UGC creators, use this newsletter to layer in different hooks.