---
name: "Lead magnet generator"
repo: https://github.com/ognjengt/founder-skills
source: https://github.com/ognjengt/founder-skills/blob/HEAD/skills/lead-magnet-generator/SKILL.md
license: "MIT"
install: "npx skills add ognjengt/founder-skills --skill lead-magnet-generator"
page: https://100xlab.com/resources/agent-skills/ognjengt-founder-skills--lead-magnet-generator--vd3pcb
---

# Lead Magnet Generator

## Purpose
Generate 2 viral lead magnet posts that get your audience to comment a trigger word in exchange for a free resource, maximizing engagement and DM opt-ins.

---

## Execution Logic

**Check $ARGUMENTS first to determine execution mode:**

### If $ARGUMENTS is empty or not provided:
Respond with:
"lead-magnet-generator loaded, proceed with additional instructions"

Then wait for the user to provide their requirements in the next message.

### If $ARGUMENTS contains content:
Proceed immediately to Task Execution (skip the "loaded" message).

---

## Task Execution

When user requirements are available (either from initial $ARGUMENTS or follow-up message):

### 1. MANDATORY: Read Reference Files FIRST
**BLOCKING REQUIREMENT — DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP**

Before doing ANYTHING else, you MUST use the Read tool to read ALL reference files:

```
Read: ./references/lead-magnet-patterns.md
Read: ../viral-hook-creator/references/hook-patterns.md
Read: ../viral-hook-creator/references/trigger_words.md
```

**What you will find:**
- **lead-magnet-patterns.md**: Lead magnet post structures, value framing techniques, and CTA patterns
- **hook-patterns.md**: 18 proven viral hook patterns with templates and psychology (from viral-hook-creator)
- **trigger_words.md**: Four categories of viral trigger words (from viral-hook-creator)

**DO NOT PROCEED** to Step 2 until you have read ALL three files and have the patterns loaded in context.

### 2. Check for Business Context
Check if `FOUNDER_CONTEXT.md` exists in the project root.
- **If it exists:** Read it and use the business context to personalize your output (industry terminology, audience, brand voice, authority metrics).
- **If it doesn't exist:** Proceed using defaults from the "Defaults & Assumptions" section.

### 3. Analyze Input
From the user's requirements, extract:
- **Lead magnet:** What are they giving away? (framework, template, checklist, course, etc.)
- **Credibility hook:** What effort/research backs it? (X hours studying, X months building, X years experience)
- **Inside contents:** What does the lead magnet contain? (for the detailed version)
- **Value anchor:** Price point to anchor value ($99, $199, etc.) or scarcity (will charge X in Y days)
- **Trigger word:** What word should people comment? (default: relevant keyword in CAPS)
- **Platform:** Twitter/X or LinkedIn

For any missing information, apply defaults from **Defaults & Assumptions** or ask the user.

### 4. Generate Lead Magnet Posts

**Step 4a: Generate Opening Hooks FIRST**
Using the hook patterns and trigger words from viral-hook-creator (read in Step 1), generate exactly 2 opening hook options:

1. Select 2 different patterns from hook-patterns.md that fit the lead magnet topic
2. Integrate 1-2 trigger words from trigger_words.md into each hook
3. Each hook should be 1-2 lines that create curiosity about the lead magnet

These hooks will serve as the opening lines for both post versions.

**Step 4b: Build Complete Posts**
Using the best hook from 4a, create exactly 2 versions:

**Version 1: Quick Format**
Structure:
```
[Opening hook from Step 4a]

[What you created from it]

[Value anchor - could charge $X / will charge $X soon]

Comment "[WORD]" and I'll send it to you for free (must be following)
```

**Version 2: Detailed Format**
Structure:
```
[Opening hook from Step 4a]

[What you built from it]

Inside you'll find:

→ [Benefit/content 1]
→ [Benefit/content 2]
→ [Benefit/content 3]
→ [Benefit/content 4]

Want the full [playbook/framework/guide]?

Comment "[WORD]" and I'll send it to you.

(Must be following)
```

**Platform Adaptation:**
- **Twitter/X:** Use the standard CTA endings above
- **LinkedIn:** Replace the CTA ending with:
```
1. Connect with me
2. Comment "[WORD]"

I'll send it straight to your DMs.

P.S. Repost for priority in the queue
```

### 5. Format and Verify
- Structure output according to **Output Format** section
- Complete **Quality Checklist** self-verification before presenting output

---

## Writing Rules
Hard constraints. No interpretation.

### Core Rules
- Lead with the credibility hook (effort, time, research, experience)
- Use specific numbers: "73 hours" not "many hours", "3 months" not "a long time"
- Value anchor must feel real and justified
- Trigger word should be relevant and memorable (usually the lead magnet type in CAPS)
- "Must be following" is required for Twitter/X (enables DMs)
- Keep it conversational, not salesy
- No emojis
- No hashtags in the main copy

### Format-Specific Rules
- **Quick Format:** 4-5 short paragraphs max. Punchy. Gets to the CTA fast.
- **Detailed Format:** Always use arrows (→) for the list. 3-5 bullet points. Each bullet is a specific benefit or content piece.

### Platform-Specific Rules
- **Twitter/X:**
  - Character limit doesn't apply (this is a thread opener or long post)
  - End with: `Comment "[WORD]" and I'll send it to you for free (must be following)`
  - OR: `Like + Comment "[WORD]" and it's yours for free. (Must be following so I can DM you)`

- **LinkedIn:**
  - Professional but still direct
  - End with the numbered CTA format:
    ```
    1. Connect with me
    2. Comment "[WORD]"

    I'll send it straight to your DMs.

    P.S. Repost for priority in the queue
    ```

### Opening Hook Rules
- Opening hooks MUST use patterns from viral-hook-creator's hook-patterns.md
- Integrate 1-2 trigger words from trigger_words.md
- Each hook should create curiosity and establish credibility in 1-2 lines
- Common patterns that work well for lead magnets: Authority Credibility, Data-Driven Insight, Time Investment

### Value Anchor Patterns
- "Could easily charge $X for this."
- "Will charge $X for it in Y days."
- "This would cost $X from a consultant."
- "Normally $X. Free for the next 48 hours."

---

## Output Format

```markdown
## Lead Magnet Brief
**Lead magnet:** [What they're giving away]
**Credibility:** [The effort/research/experience behind it]
**Value anchor:** [$X or scarcity framing]
**Trigger word:** [WORD]
**Platform:** [Twitter/X or LinkedIn]

---

## Opening Hook Options
(Generated using viral-hook-creator patterns)

### Hook 1: [Pattern Name]
[Hook text - 1-2 lines]

### Hook 2: [Pattern Name]
[Hook text - 1-2 lines]

---

## Version 1: Quick Format

[Full post using Hook 1 or 2 as opener]

---

## Version 2: Detailed Format

[Full post using Hook 1 or 2 as opener]
```

**Example (Twitter/X):**

```markdown
## Lead Magnet Brief
**Lead magnet:** Product Hunt launch checklist (Claude Skill)
**Credibility:** 3 months studying every #1 Product Hunt launch
**Value anchor:** Could charge $99
**Trigger word:** SKILL
**Platform:** Twitter/X

---

## Opening Hook Options
(Generated using viral-hook-creator patterns)

### Hook 1: Authority Credibility
I spent 3 months studying every #1 Product Hunt launch.

### Hook 2: Data-Driven Insight
I analyzed 247 Product Hunt launches that hit #1. Here's what they all had in common.

---

## Version 1: Quick Format

I spent 3 months studying every #1 Product Hunt launch.

Then I built a Claude Skill that gives you a personalized launch checklist based on YOUR product.

Could easily charge $99 for this.

Comment "SKILL" and I'll send it to you for free (must be following)

---

## Version 2: Detailed Format

I spent 3 months studying every #1 Product Hunt launch.

Then I built a Claude Skill that creates a personalized launch checklist based on YOUR product.

Inside you'll find:

→ Pre-launch timeline with exact tasks for each day
→ Hunter outreach templates that actually get responses
→ Community building tactics the top launches used
→ Launch day hour-by-hour checklist

Want the full playbook?

Comment "SKILL" and I'll send it to you.

(Must be following)
```

**Example (LinkedIn):**

```markdown
## Version 1: Quick Format

I spent 3 months studying every #1 Product Hunt launch.

Then I built a tool that gives you a personalized launch checklist based on YOUR product.

Could easily charge $99 for this.

1. Connect with me
2. Comment "SKILL"

I'll send it straight to your DMs.

P.S. Repost for priority in the queue

---

## Version 2: Detailed Format

I spent 3 months studying every #1 Product Hunt launch.

Then I built a tool that creates a personalized launch checklist based on YOUR product.

Inside you'll find:

→ Pre-launch timeline with exact tasks for each day
→ Hunter outreach templates that actually get responses
→ Community building tactics the top launches used
→ Launch day hour-by-hour checklist

Want the full playbook?

1. Connect with me
2. Comment "SKILL"

I'll send it straight to your DMs.

P.S. Repost for priority in the queue
```

---

## References

**These files MUST be read using the Read tool before generating posts (see Step 1):**

| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `./references/lead-magnet-patterns.md` | Value anchors, CTA patterns, post structures, and examples |
| `../viral-hook-creator/references/hook-patterns.md` | 18 proven viral hook patterns for opening lines |
| `../viral-hook-creator/references/trigger_words.md` | Viral trigger words to integrate into hooks |

**Why this matters:** Lead magnet posts need two things: (1) a viral opening hook that stops the scroll, and (2) a clear value-to-action structure. Hook patterns create the initial curiosity. Lead magnet patterns convert that attention into comments.

---

## Quality Checklist (Self-Verification)

Before finalizing output, verify ALL of the following:

### Pre-Execution Check
- [ ] I read `./references/lead-magnet-patterns.md` before generating posts
- [ ] I read `../viral-hook-creator/references/hook-patterns.md` before generating hooks
- [ ] I read `../viral-hook-creator/references/trigger_words.md` before generating hooks
- [ ] I have hook patterns, trigger words, value anchors, and CTA formats in context

### Opening Hook Check
- [ ] Generated exactly 2 opening hook options
- [ ] Each hook uses a DIFFERENT pattern from hook-patterns.md
- [ ] Each hook contains 1-2 trigger words from trigger_words.md
- [ ] Hooks are 1-2 lines that create curiosity

### Content Check
- [ ] Opening hook uses specific numbers (hours, months, years)
- [ ] Value anchor feels real and justified
- [ ] Trigger word is relevant and in CAPS
- [ ] Quick format is punchy (4-5 short paragraphs max)
- [ ] Detailed format uses arrows (→) for the list
- [ ] Detailed format has 3-5 specific bullet points

### CTA Check
- [ ] Twitter/X posts end with proper "Comment + must be following" CTA
- [ ] LinkedIn posts end with numbered CTA format + "P.S. Repost" line
- [ ] Trigger word matches in CTA

### Writing Check
- [ ] No emojis
- [ ] No hashtags in main copy
- [ ] Conversational tone, not salesy
- [ ] Active voice throughout

### Output Check
- [ ] Both versions are complete
- [ ] Brief accurately summarizes input
- [ ] Platform-appropriate CTAs applied

**If ANY check fails → revise before presenting.**

---

## Defaults & Assumptions

Use these unless the user overrides:

- **Platform:** Twitter/X (most common for lead magnet giveaways)
- **Trigger word:** The lead magnet type in CAPS (e.g., "FRAMEWORK", "CHECKLIST", "TEMPLATE")
- **Value anchor:** "Could easily charge $99 for this" (safe default)
- **Credibility format:** Time-based ("I spent X hours/months...")
- **Bullet count:** 4 items for detailed format
- **Tone:** Confident, direct, generous

If the user doesn't provide what's inside the lead magnet, ask for 3-5 key benefits or contents before generating the detailed version.

---

---

## Supporting file: references/lead-magnet-patterns.md

# Lead Magnet Post Patterns

This reference contains proven patterns for lead magnet giveaway posts that maximize comments and DM opt-ins.

> **Note:** Opening hooks are generated using `viral-hook-creator` patterns. This file focuses on value anchors, CTAs, and post structure.

---

## The Psychology

Lead magnet posts work because they stack three psychological triggers:
1. **Viral hook** — Stops the scroll with curiosity (from viral-hook-creator)
2. **Value perception** — "This is worth real money"
3. **Low friction** — "All I have to do is comment"

Miss any of these and engagement drops significantly.

---

## Value Anchor Patterns

Value anchors make the free offer feel valuable. Without them, people assume it's low quality.

### Direct Price Anchors
- "Could easily charge $[X] for this."
- "This would cost $[X] from a consultant."
- "Worth at least $[X] based on what's inside."
- "Normally $[X]."

### Scarcity/Urgency Anchors
- "Will charge $[X] for it in [Y] days."
- "Free for the next 48 hours."
- "Going behind a paywall next week."
- "First [X] people only."

### Social Proof Anchors
- "[X] people have already grabbed this."
- "[X]+ downloads in the first week."
- "The same framework [notable person/company] uses."

### Implicit Value Anchors
- "What I wish I had when I started..."
- "This took me [X] years to figure out..."
- "The exact [thing] I used to [achieve result]..."

---

## CTA Patterns

The CTA must be crystal clear and low friction.

### Twitter/X CTAs
**Standard:**
```
Comment "[WORD]" and I'll send it to you for free (must be following)
```

**With Like:**
```
Like + Comment "[WORD]" and it's yours for free.

(Must be following so I can DM you)
```

**With Repost:**
```
Comment "[WORD]" and I'll DM you.

Repost to help others find this.

(Must be following)
```

### LinkedIn CTAs
**Standard:**
```
1. Connect with me
2. Comment "[WORD]"

I'll send it straight to your DMs.

P.S. Repost for priority in the queue
```

**Alternative:**
```
Want it? Here's how:

1. Connect with me (so I can message you)
2. Comment "[WORD]" below

I'll DM you the link.

P.S. Repost this and I'll prioritize your DM
```

---

## Trigger Word Selection

The trigger word should be:
- **Relevant** to the lead magnet (FRAMEWORK, CHECKLIST, TEMPLATE, GUIDE, etc.)
- **Memorable** and easy to type
- **Uppercase** for visibility

### Common Trigger Words by Lead Magnet Type
- Framework → "FRAMEWORK"
- Checklist → "CHECKLIST" or "LIST"
- Template → "TEMPLATE"
- Course → "COURSE" or "FREE"
- Guide → "GUIDE"
- Playbook → "PLAYBOOK"
- Swipe file → "SWIPE"
- Tool/Software → "TOOL" or product name
- Blueprint → "BLUEPRINT"
- Custom/Specific → Use the product name (e.g., "SKILL")

---

## Post Structures

### Quick Format Structure
```
[OPENING HOOK - from viral-hook-creator]

[WHAT YOU BUILT]

[VALUE ANCHOR]

[CTA]
```

**Example:**
```
I spent 3 months studying every #1 Product Hunt launch.

Then I built a Claude Skill that gives you a personalized launch checklist based on YOUR product.

Could easily charge $99 for this.

Comment "SKILL" and I'll send it to you for free (must be following)
```

### Detailed Format Structure
```
[OPENING HOOK - from viral-hook-creator]

[WHAT YOU BUILT]

Inside you'll find:

→ [Benefit/content 1]
→ [Benefit/content 2]
→ [Benefit/content 3]
→ [Benefit/content 4]

Want the full [playbook/framework/guide]?

[CTA]
```

**Example:**
```
I spent over 100+ hours researching the best prompts for Claude, Gemini and OpenAI.

So I built a blueprint on how to prompt AI the right way.

Inside you'll find:

→ 100+ examples on how to actually prompt AI the right way
→ A guidebook on the best AI tools for specific tasks
→ Why traditional prompting won't cut it anymore
→ How to use the tools in sync

Want the full playbook?

Comment "FRAMEWORK" and I'll send it to you.

(Must be following)
```

---

## High-Performing Examples

### Example 1: SaaS Framework (Quick Format)
```
My team & I have developed dozens of SaaS products that raised over 150M+ combined.

So I've spent 73 hours packaging our learnings into this Framework.

Will charge $199 for it in 7 days.

Like + Comment "framework" and it's yours for free.

(Must be following so I can DM you)
```

**Why it works:**
- Team credibility + specific achievement ($150M)
- Specific time investment (73 hours)
- Urgency anchor (7 days)
- Like + Comment increases engagement

### Example 2: AI Prompting Guide (Detailed Format)
```
I spent over 100+ hours researching the best prompts for Claude, Gemini and OpenAI.

So I built a blueprint on how to prompt AI the right way.

Inside you'll find:

→ 100+ examples on how to actually prompt AI the right way
→ A guidebook on the best AI tools for specific tasks
→ Why traditional prompting won't cut it anymore
→ How to use the tools in sync

Want the full playbook?

Comment "FRAMEWORK" and I'll send it to you.

(Must be following)
```

**Why it works:**
- Specific time investment (100+ hours)
- Clear deliverable (blueprint)
- 4 specific bullet points showing value
- Simple CTA

### Example 3: Product Hunt Skill (Quick Format)
```
I spent 3 months studying every #1 Product Hunt launch.

Then I built a Claude Skill that gives you a personalized launch checklist based on YOUR product.

Could easily charge $99 for this.

Comment "SKILL" and I'll send it to you for free (must be following)
```

**Why it works:**
- Time investment with specific scope (every #1 launch)
- Personalization angle (based on YOUR product)
- Reasonable price anchor ($99)
- Direct CTA

---

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Weak opening hook** — Generic opener vs viral hook pattern with trigger words
2. **No value anchor** — Without price context, free feels worthless
3. **Vague bullets** — "Useful tips" vs "47 email subject lines that got 60%+ open rates"
4. **Complex CTA** — More than 2 steps kills conversion
5. **Wrong trigger word** — Generic words like "YES" or "ME" get lost in comments
6. **Missing "must be following"** — You can't DM non-followers on most platforms
7. **Too salesy** — Lead magnet posts should feel generous, not pushy

---

## Platform-Specific Notes

### Twitter/X
- Long-form posts work well
- "Must be following" is essential for DMs
- Repost requests can double reach
- Thread format can work for very detailed lead magnets

### LinkedIn
- "Connect with me" is necessary (can't message non-connections)
- More professional tone, but still direct
- "Repost for priority" creates urgency
- Avoid hashtags in the main post body

---

---

## Supporting file: skills/viral-hook-creator/references/hook-patterns.md

# Viral Hook Patterns Reference

This document contains 19 proven hook patterns with templates and examples. Use these as inspiration when generating hooks.

---

## Pattern Categories

1. Proxy Learning (Study/Collect)
2. Popular Name
3. Authority Credibility
4. Tools/Resources List
5. Cautionary Tale
6. Analysis-Based Insights
7. Achievement with Constraint
8. Steal My Process
9. Proxy Learning (Action-Based)
10. Myth-Busting
11. Reset Expectations
12. Opposite/Contrarian
13. Data-Driven Insights
14. The Unexpected
15. You're Losing
16. Tiny Change, Big Impact
17. Everything Wrong
18. Less Beats More
19. Behind-the-Scenes Testing

---

## 1. Proxy Learning (Study/Collect)

**Psychology:** People want shortcuts. "I did the research so you don't have to."

**Template:**
- "I study [topic] so you can copy them"
- "I collect [topic] like [unexpected comparison]"
- "I've analyzed [number] [items] so you don't have to"

**Examples:**
- "I study strategies that make SaaS startups grow so you can copy them."
- "I collect SaaS growth strategies like billionaires collect cars."
- "I've analyzed over 100+ growth strategies SaaS companies use to go viral."

**Best for:** Educational content, frameworks, templates, curated lists

---

## 2. Popular Name

**Psychology:** Authority by association. Leveraging well-known names/brands creates instant credibility and curiosity.

**Template:**
- "[Famous person] uses this [thing] and has over [percentage] [outcome]. Today I'm sharing it for free"
- "[Famous brand] used this [industry] strategy to secretly [action] their users"
- "I cracked the [industry] code [prestigious group] are gatekeeping"

**Examples:**
- "Alex Hormozi uses this template and has over 80% close rate. Today I'm sharing it for free."
- "Coca Cola used this marketing strategy to secretly dopamine spike their users."
- "I cracked the marketing code Fortune 500 companies are gatekeeping."

**Best for:** Authority borrowing, attention-grabbing openings, credibility building, curiosity hooks

---

## 3. Authority Credibility

**Psychology:** Social proof + expertise = trust. Numbers validate authority.

**Template:**
- "I run a [number]-person [business]. Here are [number] things I would never do again"
- "After [timeframe] in [industry], here's what nobody tells you"
- "Built [achievement] with [constraint]. Here's the blueprint"

**Examples:**
- "I run a 23-person software development agency. Here are 5 things I would never do again."
- "After 10 years in SaaS, here's what nobody tells you about scaling."
- "Built a 7-figure business with no employees. Here's the blueprint."

**Best for:** LinkedIn, thought leadership, strategic content, experience-based advice

---

## 4. Tools/Resources List

**Psychology:** Practical value. People love tools that save time.

**Template:**
- "Here are [number] tools that will save you [time/money]"
- "[Number] [resources] every [role] should bookmark"
- "Things are moving fast. Here are [number] tools that will save you [time]"

**Examples:**
- "Startup Founders, things are moving fast. Here are 15 tools that will save you 100+ hours."
- "Here are 12 AI tools that will save you 20 hours a week."
- "5 Chrome extensions every marketer should bookmark."

**Best for:** Quick-win content, listicles, resource roundups, practical value

---

## 5. Cautionary Tale

**Psychology:** People learn from others' mistakes. Stories create emotional connection.

**Template:**
- "I [action] and [negative outcome]. Here's what I learned"
- "My friend [did action] in [timeframe]. After [timeframe], [consequence]"
- "The [time] I [action] and [unexpected result]"

**Examples:**
- "My friend vibe coded an app in 2 weeks. After 5 months, he's still trying to fix bugs he couldn't understand."
- "I hired too fast and burned $200K. Here's what I learned."
- "The time I ignored customer feedback and lost 40% of my users."

**Best for:** Personal stories, lessons learned, vulnerability marketing, relatability

---

## 6. Analysis-Based Insights

**Psychology:** Research = credibility. Data satisfies our need for proof.

**Template:**
- "I analyzed [number] [items]. Here are the top [number] [insights]"
- "After studying [number] [examples], [surprising finding]"
- "Data from [number] [sources] reveals [insight]"

**Examples:**
- "I analyzed over 100+ growth strategies SaaS companies use to go viral. Here are the top 10 that you should steal."
- "I analyzed 1,000 LinkedIn posts. Here are the top 5 patterns that drove engagement."
- "After studying 200 landing pages, 87% ignored this one thing."

**Best for:** Data-driven content, research findings, industry insights, credibility building

---

## 7. Achievement with Constraint

**Psychology:** Constraints make achievements more impressive. "How did they do it?"

**Template:**
- "How I [achievement] in [timeframe] while [constraint]"
- "How I built [outcome] in [timeframe] while [limitation]"
- "[Result] with [limitation]. Here's how"

**Examples:**
- "How I built a $100k MRR SaaS in 3 months while still in college."
- "How I gained 300 users for my SaaS while still at Uni."
- "10,000 followers in 30 days with zero paid ads. Here's how."

**Best for:** Aspirational content, case studies, growth stories, inspiration

---

## 8. Steal My Process

**Psychology:** People want proven systems they can copy. "Steal" implies exclusivity.

**Template:**
- "Steal my [process] to [outcome]"
- "Steal my process to [achieve specific result]"
- "The exact [system] I use to [result]"

**Examples:**
- "Steal my process to get 10,000 followers in 30 days."
- "Steal my cold email sequence that books 15 calls per week."
- "The exact content system I use to go viral every week."

**Best for:** Tactical content, processes, frameworks, actionable advice

---

## 9. Proxy Learning (Action-Based)

**Psychology:** Vicarious learning. "I took the risk so you can learn safely."

**Template:**
- "I [did action] so you don't have to. Here's what I learned"
- "Spent [resource] on [thing] so you can skip it"
- "Tried [number] [items] to find the best one. Here it is"

**Examples:**
- "I read 50 marketing books so you don't have to. Here are the 3 that matter."
- "I spent $10K on courses so you can skip them. Here's what actually works."
- "Tried 30 project management tools to find the best one. Here it is."

**Best for:** Product reviews, comparisons, recommendations, saving time/money

---

## 10. Myth-Busting

**Psychology:** Contrarian views grab attention. People love being "in the know."

**Template:**
- "The biggest lie you've been told about [topic] is to [action]"
- "The biggest lie you've been told about [industry/trend]"
- "[Common belief] is completely wrong. Here's why"

**Examples:**
- "The biggest lie you've been told about SaaS growth is to run more paid ads."
- "The biggest lie you've been told about content marketing ."
- "Work-life balance is completely wrong. Here's why."

**Best for:** Contrarian takes, thought leadership, attention-grabbing content

---

## 11. Reset Expectations

**Psychology:** "Clean slate" thinking. Permission to start fresh.

**Template:**
- "Forget everything you know about [topic]"
- "Forget everything you know on [topic]. I'll teach you how to [outcome] in [number] steps"
- "Ignore all the advice about [topic]. Do this instead"

**Examples:**
- "Forget everything you know on SaaS. I'll teach you how to become profitable in 10 steps."
- "Forget everything you know about cold outreach."
- "Ignore all the advice about work-life balance. Do this instead."

**Best for:** Disruptive content, new frameworks, paradigm shifts, bold statements

---

## 12. Opposite/Contrarian

**Psychology:** Cognitive dissonance creates curiosity. "Wait, what?"

**Template:**
- "[Authority/Company]'s [public advice] [contradicts] their [internal practice]"
- "Everyone tells you to [action]. I did [opposite] and [result]"
- "[Big company]'s internal team [ignores/bans] the [practices] they recommend publicly"

**Examples:**
- "Netflix's most successful shows break all their own public guidelines."
- "Apple's internal design team ignores 90% of their public design principles."
- "Stripe's engineering team banned the coding practices they recommend publicly."

**Best for:** Contrarian content, personal brand building, debate-starters, viral potential

---

## 13. Data-Driven Insights

**Psychology:** Numbers feel objective and trustworthy. Surprising data creates curiosity.

**Template:**
- "After studying [number] [items], we found [surprising stat/finding]"
- "I studied [number] [examples] to find [unexpected insight]"
- "[Percentage] of [group] don't know this about [topic]"

**Examples:**
- "After studying 100K cold emails, we found longer subject lines get 3x more responses."
- "I studied 100+ viral posts to find the perfect share trigger."
- "I tracked 50 successful founders for a year. None of them use a to-do list."

**Best for:** Research-backed content, industry reports, surprising stats, credibility

---

## 14. The Unexpected

**Psychology:** Pattern interruption. Finding uncommon threads creates insight.

**Template:**
- "The one thing I noticed about every [successful group]"
- "The [counterintuitive habit] shared by every [successful person] I interviewed"
- "Every [high-performer] does this [unexpected thing]"

**Examples:**
- "The one thing I noticed about every 7-figure newsletter."
- "The counterintuitive habit shared by every CEO I interviewed."
- "The fastest-growing startups all removed this one popular tool."

**Best for:** Pattern recognition, insights, thought leadership, curiosity

---

## 15. You're Losing

**Psychology:** Loss aversion is powerful. Fear of missing out drives action.

**Template:**
- "You're losing [metric] by [common action]"
- "Your [thing] is costing you [consequence]"
- "Every [timeframe] you don't [action], you lose [result]"

**Examples:**
- "You're losing 12 hours every week by following the standard meeting schedule."
- "Your documentation process is stealing 23% of your team's creative time."
- "Your productivity tools are wasting 40% of the time they're supposed to save."

**Best for:** Problem-aware audiences, conversion content, urgency, wake-up calls

---

## 16. Tiny Change, Big Impact

**Psychology:** Small actions feel achievable. Disproportionate results create curiosity.

**Template:**
- "One [small action] can [big result]"
- "A [tiny change] can [massive outcome]"
- "[Small modification] [unexpectedly large impact]"

**Examples:**
- "One settings change can double your team's output."
- "A 2-minute calendar adjustment can recover 6 hours of your week."
- "Removing one Slack channel type boosted productivity by 26%."

**Best for:** Quick wins, optimization content, tactical tips, low-effort high-reward

---

## 17. Everything Wrong

**Psychology:** Challenge assumptions. Comprehensive problem identification creates trust.

**Template:**
- "Everything you know about [topic] is wrong, because [reason]"
- "Everything you know about [topic] is wrong, because [surprising truth]"
- "Your entire approach to [topic] is backwards. Here's why"

**Examples:**
- "Everything you know about productivity is wrong, because rest periods beat work periods by 3x."
- "Everything you know about team size is wrong, because smaller teams ship 4x faster."
- "Everything you know about user interviews is wrong, because angry customers give better feedback."

**Best for:** Paradigm-shifting content, educational content, thought leadership, bold claims

---

## 18. Less Beats More

**Psychology:** Simplification is appealing. "Doing less" feels counterintuitive and interesting.

**Template:**
- "[Group] with less [thing] outperform those with more [thing]"
- "I cut [thing] in half and [surprising positive result]"
- "[Fewer X] beats [more X]. Here's the data"

**Examples:**
- "Teams with no project managers outperform those with dedicated PMs."
- "Products with fewer features retain users 2x longer."
- "Companies with no roadmap raise 3x more funding."

**Best for:** Counterintuitive insights, minimalism content, efficiency, simplification

---

## 19. Behind-the-Scenes Testing

**Psychology:** Specific personal sacrifice details (late nights, long hours) create authenticity and trust. The reader thinks "they actually did the work" and wants to know the verdict. Combining effort with a comparison or hands-on test creates a strong curiosity gap.

**Template:**
- "I stayed up until [time] [timeframe], [testing/comparing action]"
- "I spent [duration] [timeframe], [running/testing specific experiment]"
- "I pulled an all-nighter [doing specific hands-on action]"

**Examples:**
- "I stayed up until 2 AM yesterday, testing Opus 4.6 and GPT-5.3-Codex side by side."
- "I stayed up until 3 AM last night, A/B testing 47 different subject lines on my actual email list."
- "I spent 6 straight hours yesterday, running every AI writing tool through the same 10 prompts."
- "I pulled an all-nighter rebuilding my entire funnel in two different platforms to see which one actually converts."

**Best for:** Product comparisons, tool reviews, experiment results, AI/tech content, personal brand building

---

## Usage Guidelines

### When generating hooks:
1. Match pattern to content type and goal
2. Personalize with user's specific data/stats
3. Adapt language to platform norms
4. Combine patterns when appropriate (e.g., Authority + Data-Driven)
5. Always create curiosity gap - promise value, withhold details
6. Use specific numbers over vague terms
7. Test variations within same pattern

### Pattern Selection Matrix

| Goal | Best Patterns |
|------|---------------|
| Build authority | Authority Credibility, Analysis-Based, Data-Driven |
| Drive engagement | Myth-Busting, Opposite/Contrarian, You're Losing |
| Provide value | Tools/Resources, Steal My Process, Proxy Learning |
| Tell stories | Cautionary Tale, Achievement with Constraint |
| Challenge norms | Reset Expectations, Everything Wrong, Less Beats More |
| Quick wins | Tiny Change, Tools/Resources, Steal My Process |
| Show credibility through action | Behind-the-Scenes Testing, Proxy Learning, Achievement with Constraint |

### Platform-Pattern Fit

| Platform | Best Patterns |
|----------|---------------|
| X/Twitter | Data-Driven, Opposite/Contrarian, Analysis-Based, The Unexpected, Behind-the-Scenes Testing |
| LinkedIn | Authority Credibility, Achievement with Constraint, Cautionary Tale, Analysis-Based, Behind-the-Scenes Testing |
| Instagram | Tiny Change, Tools/Resources, Steal My Process, Achievement with Constraint |
| TikTok | You're Losing, The Unexpected, Myth-Busting, Cautionary Tale |
| General | Proxy Learning, Analysis-Based, Data-Driven, Steal My Process |

---

---

## Supporting file: skills/viral-hook-creator/references/trigger_words.md

# Viral Trigger Words Reference

Trigger words amplify emotional impact and can increase engagement by ~10x. Use 1-2 per hook for maximum viral potential.

---

## Category 1: Insider Words

**Purpose:** Create exclusivity, scarcity, and "insider knowledge" feeling. Makes readers feel they're getting privileged information.

**Best paired with:** Authority Credibility, Steal My Process, Proxy Learning, Analysis-Based patterns

**Word bank:**
secretly, quietly, discovered, revealed, uncovered, hidden, actually, underground, behind-the-scenes, confession, leaked, exposed, unspoken, overlooked, buried, invisible, ignored, unpublished, undisclosed, internal, private

### Examples in Action

**Pattern: Steal My Process**
- ❌ Weak: "Here's my process to get 10K followers"
- ✅ Strong: "Steal my secretly tested process to get 10K followers"

**Pattern: Authority Credibility**
- ❌ Weak: "I run a 23-person agency. Here's what works"
- ✅ Strong: "I run a 23-person agency. Here's what nobody tells you (quietly revealed)"

**Pattern: Analysis-Based**
- ❌ Weak: "I analyzed 500 viral posts. Here's what I found"
- ✅ Strong: "I uncovered patterns in 500 viral posts nobody talks about"

---

## Category 2: Helper Words

**Purpose:** Highlight pain points, losses, and urgency. Triggers loss aversion (fear of missing out or continuing to lose).

**Best paired with:** You're Losing, Cautionary Tale, Problem/Solution patterns, Tiny Change Big Impact

**Word bank:**
losing, wasting, costing, stealing, killing, sabotaging, destroying, bleeding, leaking, draining, missing, sacrificing, throwing away, burning, hemorrhaging, squandering, forfeiting

### Examples in Action

**Pattern: You're Losing**
- ❌ Weak: "You're losing time with bad meetings"
- ✅ Strong: "You're bleeding 12 hours every week on pointless meetings"

**Pattern: Cautionary Tale**
- ❌ Weak: "I hired too fast and it cost me money"
- ✅ Strong: "I hired too fast and it hemorrhaged $200K in 6 months"

**Pattern: Tiny Change, Big Impact**
- ❌ Weak: "One meeting change saved me time"
- ✅ Strong: "One calendar tweak stopped me from wasting 8 hours per week"

**Key difference:**
- "Losing time" = generic, forgettable
- "Bleeding 12 hours" = visceral, shareable (~10x more engagement)

---

## Category 3: Thinker Words

**Purpose:** Challenge assumptions, create intrigue, and position content as contrarian or counterintuitive. Makes readers question what they know.

**Best paired with:** Myth-Busting, Opposite/Contrarian, Reset Expectations, Everything Wrong, Data-Driven Insights

**Word bank:**
backwards, opposite, counterintuitive, paradox, irony, myth, misconception, illusion, fallacy, contradiction, reversal, upside-down, inverse, contrarian, unconventional, paradoxical, misunderstood

### Examples in Action

**Pattern: Myth-Busting**
- ❌ Weak: "The advice about posting daily is wrong"
- ✅ Strong: "The biggest myth about posting daily is completely backwards"

**Pattern: Opposite/Contrarian**
- ❌ Weak: "Everyone says hustle. I did the opposite and grew faster"
- ✅ Strong: "Everyone preaches hustle. The paradox: I worked half the hours and grew 3x faster"

**Pattern: Reset Expectations**
- ❌ Weak: "Forget everything about productivity"
- ✅ Strong: "Everything you know about productivity is a misconception. Here's why"

---

## Category 4: Amplifiers

**Purpose:** Intensify any message or pattern. Use with other trigger words or standalone to boost emotional impact.

**Mix with any category or pattern for intensity boost**

**Word bank:**
every, all, none, always, never, only, biggest, worst, zero, entirely, completely, totally, absolutely, literally, exactly, precisely

### Examples in Action

**Amplifier + Insider Word**
- ❌ Weak: "I found a pattern in viral posts"
- ✅ Strong: "I uncovered the only pattern every viral post shares"

**Amplifier + Helper Word**
- ❌ Weak: "You're wasting time on social media"
- ✅ Strong: "You're literally bleeding 15 hours every single week on social media"

**Amplifier + Thinker Word**
- ❌ Weak: "This advice is backwards"
- ✅ Strong: "This advice is completely backwards. Here's the exact opposite that works"

**Standalone Amplifier Usage**
- ❌ Weak: "I analyzed 1,000 posts and found insights"
- ✅ Strong: "I analyzed exactly 1,000 posts. Zero of them followed this 'rule'"

---

## Integration Guidelines

### DO:
- ✅ Integrate naturally during hook creation (not as an afterthought)
- ✅ Match trigger word category to hook pattern type
- ✅ Use 1-2 trigger words per hook (more = diluted impact)
- ✅ Combine amplifiers with other categories for maximum effect
- ✅ Use specific numbers with trigger words ("bleeding 12 hours" not "bleeding time")
- ✅ Test: Does the trigger word make the hook feel more compelling?

### DON'T:
- ❌ Force trigger words awkwardly into hooks
- ❌ Use multiple trigger words from same category in one hook
- ❌ Use trigger words without specific details (e.g., "secretly revealed" needs context)
- ❌ Overuse amplifiers (one per hook maximum)
- ❌ Mix incompatible word types (e.g., "secretly bleeding" rarely works)

---

## Quick Reference: Pattern-to-Trigger-Word Matching

| Hook Pattern | Best Trigger Words | Example |
|--------------|-------------------|---------|
| Authority Credibility | Insider words | "I run a 23-person agency. Here's what **nobody tells you**" |
| You're Losing | Helper + Amplifier | "You're **literally bleeding** 12 hours **every** week" |
| Myth-Busting | Thinker words | "The **biggest myth** about SaaS is **completely backwards**" |
| Steal My Process | Insider words | "**Steal my secretly tested** cold email sequence" |
| Opposite/Contrarian | Thinker + Amplifier | "**Every** expert says X. The **paradox**: doing the opposite works" |
| Data-Driven | Amplifier | "I analyzed **exactly** 1,000 posts. **Zero** used this tactic" |
| Cautionary Tale | Helper words | "I hired too fast and **hemorrhaged** $200K" |
| Tiny Change | Helper + Amplifier | "One tweak **stopped me from wasting literally** 8 hours/week" |

---

## Impact Comparison

Understanding the measurable difference trigger words make:

| Without Trigger Words | With Trigger Words | Engagement Multiplier |
|-----------------------|-------------------|----------------------|
| "You're losing time on meetings" | "You're bleeding 12 hours every week on meetings" | ~10x shares |
| "I found patterns in viral posts" | "I uncovered the hidden patterns nobody talks about" | ~8x saves |
| "Common advice is wrong" | "The biggest myth is completely backwards" | ~12x engagement |
| "Here's my process" | "Steal my secretly tested process" | ~7x clicks |

**The difference is measurable.** Trigger words transform good hooks into viral hooks.