The secret to keeping readers hooked (it’s easier than you think)
Most think great content is about what you say, but the magic lies in how you structure it. One simple technique keeps readers hooked - and once you learn it, you won’t look back.
Ever been in a conversation and someone says, “Remind me to tell you what happened yesterday.”
Suddenly, you’re on the edge of your seat.
What happened?
Was it hilarious?
Shocking?
Embarrassing?
You’re hooked, and they haven’t even started the story.
That’s the magic of an open loop.
It’s a question your brain has to answer, a breadcrumb trail you can’t help but follow. And when you use open loops in your content, they do the same thing - pulling your audience in, keeping them engaged, and making them hang on to every word.
But how does it work?
And how can you do it without sounding gimmicky?
Let’s dive in.
➡️ Paid Subscribers: 60 irresistible open loop templates to keep your audience hooked
What’s an open loop?
An open loop is an unresolved question or idea.
Think of it like this:
It’s the moment in a movie trailer when they flash a clip of a character gasping, and the screen cuts to black.
It’s the friend who says, “You won’t believe what happened this morning,” before pausing dramatically.
In content, open loops create tension.
Tension makes people curious.
And curiosity keeps them reading.
Why open loops work (and why people will thank you for them)
Open loops aren’t just about getting attention.
They’re about creating good tension - the kind that makes your audience feel invested.
Here’s why they’re so effective:
They make people curious.
An open loop promises something worth sticking around for. You’re setting up the “I need to know this” moment.They guide attention.
Sprinkle open loops throughout your content, and you’re leading your readers from one point to the next, like a trail of breadcrumbs.They make your content unforgettable.
When you create an open loop, it sticks in your audience’s mind, even if they step away. It’s like planting a little post-it note that says, “Don’t forget to come back to this.”
How to use open loops (with examples)
Alright, so how do you actually use open loops?
Here are three simple ways to add them to your content:
1. Tease with a question
Start with a question that makes people curious.
For example:
“What’s the one habit that all successful freelancers swear by?”
“Have you ever wondered why some people’s LinkedIn posts blow up while yours feel like shouting into the void?”
Questions like these are irresistible - they create curiosity and promise answers.
2. Start a story… but don’t finish it
Here’s an example:
“A client once told me they were ready to quit their business altogether. What happened next completely changed the way they worked—and their results. But before I tell you how it ended, let’s talk about why so many people feel like giving up.”
Now, your reader is invested.
They’re waiting for the end of the story, and they’ll stick around to hear it.
3. Hint at a big reveal
Drop a clue, but save the payoff for later.
Try this:
“There’s one change I made to my email subject lines that doubled my open rates. It’s surprisingly simple, and I’ll share it in just a moment.”
You’re planting a hook, but you’re also building trust by making it clear you’ll deliver.
How to avoid sounding like clickbait
Here’s the danger with open loops.
They can go very wrong if you’re not careful.
We’ve all seen the “You won’t believe what happens next!” headlines.
And we’ve all felt cheated when the content didn’t deliver.
Don’t be that person.
Here’s how to use open loops without losing your audience’s trust:
Deliver on your promise.
If you tease a story, make sure the ending is worth it. If you hint at a tip, make sure it’s valuable. Broken promises break trust.Stay authentic.
Open loops should feel natural - like something you’d say in conversation. If it feels forced, your audience will sense it.Keep it balanced.
Too many open loops can feel overwhelming. Use them like seasoning: Just enough to keep things interesting.
Where to use open loops in your content
Open loops work just about anywhere, but here are a few key places where they shine:
Headlines.
A strong headline is an open loop. For example:
“Why most LinkedIn profiles fail (and how to fix yours).”Introductions.
Use your opening lines to plant a hook. For instance:
“Most people make the same mistake in their pitches. Here’s what it is—and how to fix it.”Transitions.
Keep your audience moving through your content with mini open loops. Try this:
“Before we dive into the steps, there’s one critical mistake we need to talk about.”Email subject lines.
Subject lines are the perfect place for open loops. Think:
“How I landed my dream client (without social media).”
Here’s the golden rule: Always close your loops.
If you leave your audience hanging, you’ll lose trust faster than you can say unsubscribe.
If you teased a tip, deliver it.
If you started a story, finish it.
Closing the loop is what keeps your audience coming back.
Open loops are more than a writing trick—they’re a way to connect with your audience, guide their attention, and make your content unforgettable.
So next time you’re writing, ask yourself:
How can I create curiosity? How can I leave them wanting more?
Start small.
Add one or two open loops to your next post or email and watch what happens.
Your readers won’t just stick around - they’ll thank you for it.
And hey, if you’ve got a favourite open loop technique (or a burning question about how to use them), drop me a message.
I’d love to hear it.