FREE INSTAGRAM HOOKS FOR PERSONAL BRANDS
40 Instagram hooks that DON'T use pain points
How to use these Instagram hooks
1. Pick a hook
2. Fill the brackets
3. Post it
These Instagram hooks work as the first slide of a carousel, on-screen text in a Reel or a text-led Story. Pick the one that fits your niche, swap the [brackets] for something true and specific to you, then open the real example to see how it was done.
Want more Instagram content ideas for your business? The Grid Drop gives you weekly prompts, caption templates and Canva templates,
FOR YOUR PEOPLE
1. Calling Forth
Calling forth content tells the algorithm who your audience is and makes them feel seen. It’s great for growing a following full of your ideal clients.
#1
Dear algorithm, connect me with [target audience] who can relate… [then add a list]
Example: Dear algorithm, connect me with burnt-out biz owners who can relate… Inbox currently has 4,302 unread emails. Does work at 11pm with a glass of wine.
#2
You're seeing this because you're a [target audience] and, according to the algorithm, you're going through [list of niche things]
Example: You’re seeing this because you’re a lash tech and, according to the algorithm, you’re going through rebooking chaos and a fridge full of lash glue
#3
The [your niche or audience] canon event
Example: Burnout canon events: resenting a Slack notification, lunch at your desk, giving a client your WhatsApp
#4
First woman in my bloodline to [unhinged habit]
Example: First woman in my bloodline to spend 5 hours a day on Canva
#5
Ahh yes, ever since I was a little girl I've always dreamed of [4 to 6 mundane niche tasks]
Example: Ahh yes, ever since I was a little girl I’ve always dreamed of chasing invoices, renaming files and answering “quick questions”
#6
Gold star behaviour (as a [your audience or niche identity])
Example: Gold star behaviour (as a client): paying invoices on time, decent Wi-Fi for Zoom calls, pushing back on scope creep
#7
Isn't it [depressing] listening to [target audience] [niche] problems all day?
Example: Isn’t it depressing listening to exhausted parents talk about sleep regressions all day? (then show client wins)
#8
WTF IS [situation, bad habit or BS method]
Example: WTF is ‘working weekends’? WTF is ’24/7 access’? WTF is ‘giving your personal number to clients’?
HOT TAKE
2. Hot takes
Hot take and boundary content shows people what you stand for (and what you won’t put up with). It repels the wrong fits and attracts clients who already agree with you.
#9
Unfortunately, I do… [then share contrarian hot takes]
Example: Unfortunately, I do judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, I do believe you need branded templates for social.
#10
IDK who traumatised you, but you haven't failed if you [couldn't keep up with this outdated advice]
Example: idk who traumatised you but you’re not “bad with money” if you have fluctuating sales months
#11
The [target audience] trend that I AM HATING (and won't be recommending to my clients)
Example: The ‘natural nails luxury’ trend is killing overheads for nail techs. Why I HATE this trend.
#12
Strict boundaries I set with my [niche] clients (so they actually get [transformation])
Example: Strict boundaries I set with my design clients (so they actually get results): no WhatsApp, one round of edits, invoices paid upfront
#13
Things I DON'T do as a [your title] (that might raise a few eyebrows)
Example: I don’t post every day. I make all my content in Canva. I’m allergic to Notion.
#14
Things I no longer f*ck with, as someone who is [identity or niche]
Example: Neurotypical things I no longer f*ck with as an ADHD founder
#15
"[Assumption you hear all the time]" Me: ✋🏼
Example: “How’s your little hobby going?” Me: ✋🏼
#16
[Cheeky hard truth about your niche] (tough pill to swallow)
Example: Her £97 hooks templates won’t save your misaligned pricing
FROM THE FOUNDER OF THE GRID DROP
Weekly content strategy for founder-led businesses
Hi, I’m Jess, founder of The Grid Drop. Every Monday you get 5 content prompts with caption templates, Canva files and how-to guides, plus a 3-post-a-week strategy and co-working calls, so you never stare at a blank caption again.
“Took me 5 mins to make then got 25k views… f*ck me! I can’t even imagine that many people!”
Karinne, Holistic Shadow Work Coach
£135 + VAT per quarter.
LORE
3. Personality and lore
Personality and lore content makes you feel like a real person, not a brand. The more people get to know your quirks and running jokes, the more they trust you, which is great for building a community that follows you for you.
#17
"Let me talk to my team." The team: [fun thing] [tool] [drink] [a hope and a prayer]
Example: “Let me talk to my team.” The team: iced matcha, Canva, 6pm prosecco, a hope and a prayer
#18
Before you hit follow, you should probably know… [spicy takes, boundaries, values]
Example: before you hit follow, you should know… i will gently force you to take a lunch break
#19
Reasons why you shouldn't work with me… / Don't work with me if…
Example: Don’t work with me if you want a “yes” person instead of someone who will challenge you
#20
Reasons I have (or will) unfollow you
Example: you promise overnight success, you bad mouth your clients, you say you’ve ‘hit 10k months’ with no receipts
#21
Mini-me is [doing a manual task your service involves]
Example: mini me is currently fixing your broken systems (tiny you dragging a giant pencil across a spreadsheet)
#22
What people assume I do VS what I'd like to be known for
Example: What people assume I do: Instagram captions. What I’d like to be known for: sales strategy that doesn’t burn you out
#23
HAPPIER SINCE I…
Example: HAPPIER SINCE I stopped giving clients my WhatsApp number
#24
Rich because I [non-money marker of richness]
Example: Rich because I log off at 5pm
NERD ALERT
4. Expertise, with personality
Expertise content shows you know your stuff without sounding like a textbook. It builds authority and trust, which is great for turning followers into people who are ready to buy.
#25
I ranked my [year] [business decisions] (as a [your title])
Example: I ranked my 2026 business decisions (as a brand designer)
#26
Over my [number] yrs as a [your title], I've reviewed [number] [niche assets]. I can tell [what's going wrong] in [short time]
Example: Over my 4 yrs as a copywriter, I’ve audited 1000+ about me pages. I can tell where you’re losing leads in under 5 seconds
#27
My take on the [client industry] currently as a [your title]
Example: My take on charities using AI to “save money” on flyers (as a graphic designer)
#28
If I had [number] months to [goal], here's what I'd do
Example: I had 6 months to clear my hormonal acne before my wedding. Here’s every product I use…
#29
If you were to ask me about [topic], I'd say [surface advice], but on a deeper level…
Example: If you were to ask me about content, I’d say post more, but on a deeper level…
#30
Hey girl, [situation they're in], and that's okay! (the FaceTime post)
Example: Being 33 with zero savings even though you make 6 figures is nothing to be ashamed about, babe
#31
[GOAL] TASKS: daily, weekly, monthly
Example: SEPTEMBER LAUNCH TASKS. Daily: track leads, log off at 5pm. Weekly: batch content. Monthly: celebrate ALL wins
#32
Things I've forced my [niche] clients to consume
Example: Things I’ve forced my coaching clients to consume (books, podcasts and one very good spreadsheet)
RECEIPTS
5. Proof
Proof and trust content shows your work gets results, and low-lift fun keeps you posting on busy weeks. It’s great for warming followers up into clients and keeping your feed consistent.
#33
As a [identifier] running a [niche business], I'm not afraid to admit I can't afford these things
Example: As a mum of 3 running a graphic design business, I’m not afraid to admit I can’t afford these things
#34
Flight attendant: "OMG we have an emergency! Is there anyone who can [do your very niche, not life-saving thing]?"
Example: “OMG we have an emergency! Is there anyone who can fix a LinkedIn headline?”
#35
I GOT A TEXT! (then client reviews)
Example: I GOT A TEXT! (swipe for client reviews)
#36
I hate to do this, but it's time I publicly call out clients I've lost
Example: I hate to do this, but it’s time I publicly call out clients I’ve lost (then celebrate where they are now)
#37
[Number] [accounts] that changed my brain chemistry as a [your title]
Example: 5 Instagram accounts that changed my brain chemistry as a virtual assistant
#38
Just checking in to make sure you're not [doing this] again
Example: Just checking in to make sure you’re not rewriting your bio for the 100th time
#39
Just in case you forgot [reminder]
Example: Just in case you forgot: you don’t need to post every day to grow
#40
[Niche] advice I'd lovingly give after 2 [drinks]
Example: Business advice I’d lovingly give after 2 proseccos
The Grid Drop is a proven content engine that takes your business straight to the finish line
Get immediate access to my 3-track social growth and client conversion system, 5 creative and customizable content prompts & Canva templates straight to your inbox every Monday, plus co-working calls to get each post DONE & DUSTED in under 15 minutes.
No more brain overwhelms or vague fill-in-the-blank spaces that need hours of mental gymnastics to execute. This is the perfect formula for busy founders who are great at what they do, and not so great at high-converting, authority-building content.
Stop overthinking your socials. Jumpstart your creative spark and start signing ideal clients for £135(+ VAT) every quarter.
