The Biggest Mistake in Video Content
Don't Introduce Yourself. Just Jump Right In.
90% of what makes a video successful is avoiding the mistakes that lead to bad videos.
And one of the biggest mistakes?
The long, drawn-out intro. Nobody wants to hear the “Hi, I’m Justin, and today I’m going to talk about…” speech.
That’s just not going to grab anyone’s attention.
Just jump right in.
When it comes to creating engaging video content, people want to hit the highway immediately. They want to get up to speed at 70 miles an hour without wasting time. The key to getting them there is the hook.
Why You Need a Strong Hook
The first few seconds of your video are absolutely crucial.
In fact, they’re often the only seconds that matter when it comes to catching and keeping attention.
The hook is everything.
It’s what draws the viewer in and convinces them to stay.
Think about it. You’re scrolling through LinkedIn or any social feed. What makes you stop and actually watch a video?
It’s usually something bold, intriguing, or direct. A great hook will instantly tell your audience why they should care.
Want to see a simple example? “Here are 5 mistakes I see done all the time on LinkedIn video content.”
That’s a hook.
It immediately tells the viewer what they’re about to learn, and it piques curiosity right from the start.
Stop Wasting Time on the "On-Ramp"
Most of us, when we first start sharing content, fall into the trap of creating an “on-ramp.” We slowly build speed, we start talking, and we warm up to the main topic. But let’s face it: nobody wants to sit through that.
Viewers don’t want to wait for you to get to the point. They want to jump right in, and they expect a fast-paced, engaging experience.
The on-ramp might be important for you to get into the flow of your content, but it’s not something your audience wants to wait for.
Once you’ve got their attention with a strong hook, you can hit the "highway" with your message.
The "highway" is the meaty middle of the video, the part where you get into the core of your content.
Then, once you've delivered the value, you can do an "off-ramp" to wrap things up with a succinct summary.
Creating the Perfect Hook
The best hooks grab attention within the first few seconds. Consider:
- Being direct: Start with something bold. “Here are 5 common mistakes” or “What most people get wrong about [topic]” will grab attention immediately.
- Being relevant: Make sure your hook speaks directly to your audience's pain points or interests. What problem are you solving? What’s in it for them?
- Being concise: Keep it short and sweet. The quicker you get to the point, the more likely they’ll stay engaged.
Don’t Let Your Audience Wait
The key takeaway here is that your audience doesn’t want to spend time on the on-ramp. They want to hit the highway right away, and the best way to get them there is with a compelling hook.
If you’re just starting out with video content, remember: no one cares about your long intro. Get straight to the point and deliver value quickly.
If you’re struggling to come up with the perfect hook, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. My website has 99 and a half hook ideas to get your video content started on the right foot.
Next time you create a video, remember: your hook is everything. Make it count, and your audience will thank you.
About Justin
Justin is a marketing nerd. His gateway drug was in middle school when he and his buddies would make up brand names and draw logos for fun. He graduated with a B.A. in Graphic Design from UW Eau Claire. He then cut his teeth leading the marketing for a $4 million non-profit, moving them into the digital age with new channels and systems. He joined a $60M healthcare manufacturer as marketing team of 1, helping grow them to $90M in three years. Justin became a full-time marketing entrepreneur in 2018. He now enables founders to grow their pipeline and thought leadership through social media videos. Follow him on Linkedin here.
