Podcast Summary: "SPECIAL SERIES ===> Say This First: Hooks That Convert! 🪝"

Episode: Bathroom Break #37
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Hosts: Jay Schwedelson (Do This, Not That Podcast) & Daniel Murray (The Marketing Millennials)

Introduction and Collaboration

In this special episode of the "Bathroom Break" series, Jay Schwedelson from the "Do This, Not That" podcast teams up with Daniel Murray from "The Marketing Millennials" to deliver quick, actionable marketing tips. The casual and engaging atmosphere sets the stage for an insightful discussion on enhancing marketing strategies through effective hooks.

Defining Clickbait: Good vs. Bad

Timestamp [02:40]

The primary focus of the episode is the concept of clickbait in marketing. Jay introduces a provocative stance: “Clickbait is good” (02:40). He clarifies that while traditional clickbait—where the headline promises something unrelated to the actual content—is detrimental, using compelling hooks to attract attention is beneficial.

Jay Schwedelson:
“I think the word clickbait has got a bad rap. It should be leaned into, as long as the hook delivers on the promise of the content” (02:40).

Daniel concurs, emphasizing the distinction between spammy tactics and strategic hooks that drive engagement.

Daniel Murray:
“When I say clickbait is good, I’m really talking about aggressive hooks, especially in your subject lines… They’re the start of your social media video. If you’re not hooking people early, they’re not staying” (04:26).

Effective Hook Strategies

Timestamp [04:26] - [07:46]

Both hosts delve into the mechanics of crafting effective hooks. Jay cites a statistic highlighting the potency of negative subject lines, stating they are “three times more effective than something positive” (04:26). This aligns with the inherent human curiosity and desire to avoid negative outcomes.

Jay Schwedelson:
“The number one goal in marketing is to get attention. If you’re not getting attention, you’re failing at marketing” (05:04).

Daniel expands on the necessity of capturing attention within the first few seconds, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, which is evolving to resemble TikTok in its video content delivery.

Daniel Murray:
“Every day is getting more and more like TikTok… You need to see this tactic or latest 2025 trends written in bold letters on your video as a written hook” (06:05).

Platform-Specific Insights

Timestamp [06:05] - [07:46]

The discussion highlights how different platforms require tailored hook strategies. On LinkedIn, for instance, the integration of written hooks directly into video content is becoming essential due to changes in how videos are displayed.

Jay shares innovative approaches like Instagram’s new feature allowing users to trial Reels with a non-follower group. This enables marketers to test different hooks and select the most effective one before a full-scale release.

Jay Schwedelson:
“Spotify’s new feature lets you trial your reels with a non-follower group before you post it to everybody” (06:05).

Practical Tips and Tools

Timestamp [07:46] - [08:48]

Both hosts provide actionable advice for marketers:

1. Optimizing Subject Lines: Replace generic phrases with more compelling alternatives.

   • Instead of “Try this,” use “Do this.”
   • Instead of “Watch this,” use “Don’t miss this.”

2. Testing Hooks: Utilize A/B testing for hooks to determine which versions resonate best with the audience.

3. Bold Written Hooks: For video content, ensure the first few words are prominently displayed on the screen to instantly grab attention.

4. Consistent Application: Apply these strategies consistently across all marketing channels to differentiate your content from competitors.

Daniel Murray:
“If you’re not using aggressive hooks, people are going to ignore your emails and you need to get the email open” (04:26).

Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of the importance of hooks in modern marketing. Jay and Daniel encourage marketers to embrace bold, attention-grabbing strategies while maintaining authenticity and relevance to their content. By doing so, marketers can significantly enhance engagement and conversion rates.

Daniel Murray:
“Please keep doing them [boring hooks] because then our posts will stand out” (07:46).

Notable Quotes

• Jay Schwedelson [02:40]:
  “Clickbait is good. It’s part of the human psyche that it works. So you should lean into it.”

• Daniel Murray [04:26]:
  “The number one goal in marketing is to get attention, whether you like it or not.”

• Jay Schwedelson [05:04]:
  “If you’re not getting attention, you’re failing at marketing.”

• Daniel Murray [06:05]:
  “You need to see this tactic or latest 2025 trends written in bold letters on your video as a written hook.”

Conclusion

This episode of "Bathroom Break" offers valuable insights into the strategic use of hooks in marketing. By distinguishing between effective hooks and detrimental clickbait, Jay and Daniel provide marketers with practical strategies to enhance their campaigns’ effectiveness. Whether through optimized subject lines, platform-specific tactics, or innovative testing methods, the hosts emphasize the critical role of attention-grabbing techniques in achieving marketing success.

For more marketing tips and strategies, follow Jay Schwedelson on the "Do This, Not That" podcast and Daniel Murray on "The Marketing Millennials." Tune into future episodes of "Bathroom Break" for additional insights and actionable advice.