Business

3 Proven Hooks to Make  Your Instagram and Facebook Ads Impossible to Ignore

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If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or Facebook, you know how easy it is to ignore an ad.
You see one. You keep scrolling. Another one pops up. You scroll again.
That’s exactly what’s happening to your ads right now if you’re not using the right hooks.
But here’s the truth, Winning ads don’t start with fancy graphics or perfect targeting.
They start with a HOOK that stops the scroll.

As a Sales Psychologist and Expert Copywriter, I’ve analyzed and written high-converting ads that grab attention instantly.

So today, I’ll show you 3 proven hooks that make your Instagram and Facebook ads impossible to ignore, the same strategies used by brands and marketers generating millions in sales.

The “Curiosity Gap” Hook

Humans are naturally curious. When something feels incomplete, our brain wants to fill the gap.

That’s why clickbait keeps working almost every time, but you’ll learn an ethical approach through winning hooks.

They work because it teases valuable information but don’t immediately reveal it. Your audience is forced to click and find out more.

Let’s see some examples:

Weak Hook: Want to lose weight fast? Χ

Winning Hook: This one mistake is stopping you from losing weight ‎(and most people have no idea).

Why it works?

It creates a gap in knowledge, which makes the audience feel like they’re missing something important.

The phrase “most people have no idea” makes them curious about whether they’re making the same mistake.

How to use it:

Highlight something surprising.

Make it feel like a secret.

Use “one thing,” “one mistake,” or “one secret” to spark curiosity.

Pro Tip: Combine curiosity with numbers. Example: “These 3 mistakes are killing your sales (most people don’t realize #2).” Numbers make it feel structured, and the hint about #2 builds even more curiosity.

The “Pain Point Callout” Hook

People don’t buy products. They buy solutions to their problems. The best way to grab their attention? Call out the specific frustration they’re experiencing.

Example:

Weak Hook: We help business owners generate more leads. Χ

Winning Hook: Tired of posting every day but still getting ZERO leads? Here’s what to do instead.

Why it works?

It speaks directly to the frustration they’re feeling right now.

The word “ZERO” is strong and amplifies their pain.

The phrase “Here’s what to do instead” gives them hope.

How to use it:

Start with phrases like:

  • Tired of…
  • Struggling with…
  • Frustrated by…

 

 

Address a REAL problem your audience faces.

Offer a hint at the solution (so they have to click to learn more).

Pro Tip: Add urgency.

Example: “Still struggling to land high-paying clients? This simple shift will fix it (but you have to act fast).”

The “Unexpected Statement” Hook

People ignore what feels ordinary. But when something challenges their beliefs, they stop and pay attention.

This hook disrupts their thinking, making them curious about your message.

Example:                                                                                     

Weak Hook: Here’s how to grow on Instagram. Χ

Winning Hook: Hashtags don’t grow your Instagram (do this instead)

Why it works?

It challenges a widely held belief (many people think hashtags are key to growth).

The phrase “do this instead” makes them want to learn the alternative.

It sparks instant curiosity because it contradicts what they’ve been told.

How to use it:

Challenge common advice.

Use phrases like:

  • You’ve been told… but the truth is…
  • This doesn’t work anymore—try this instead!
  • Back it up with proof inside your ad.

    Pro Tip: The stronger the contradiction, the better.

 

Example: “You don’t need a website to sell online. Here’s why.”

 

Now, Let’s Make Your Ads Stand Out

These hooks are not just theories.

They’re battle-tested in real campaigns that generate high engagement and sales.

So, if you’re running ads that get ignored, try these hooks today.

And if you want one-on-one help or you want to learn how to craft ad copy that converts like crazy, send me a message.

Picture of Joseph Imajini

Joseph Imajini

Sales Psychologist

Let’s turn your ads
into money machines.

+2347036908605.

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