Hooks, CTAs, and Formats: 21 Fill‑in‑the‑Blank Templates That Don’t Sound Like AI
Templates shouldn’t make your posts generic—they should make shipping easier. Here are 21 fill‑in‑the‑blank structures used with founders, marketers, recruiters, and job seekers. They’re short, specific, and built to avoid cliché. To prove it, we include 12 fully filled example posts you can copy now.
Key Takeaways
- Use hook patterns to win the first two seconds.
- Pick a format (POV, lesson, case, checklist) before writing.
- End with a conversation CTA, not a victory lap.
What Is a LinkedIn Template?
Definition: A LinkedIn post template is a reusable structure for ideas, not finished copy.
When to use: You know your point but need speed and consistency.
Quick steps: pick format → drop in point & proof → remove filler → add CTA.
Pros: Faster drafts, consistent quality.
Cons: Overuse can dull voice—edit for your style.
7 Hook Patterns
- Belief flip — “I used to ignore churn interviews. Now it’s my first 3 hours weekly.”
- Number shock — “We cut support tickets 28% without hiring.”
- Moment‑in‑time — “Yesterday we told a customer ‘no’—and kept them.”
- Myth vs reality — “Myth: More features = more value. Reality: Fewer, clearer wins.”
- Tiny win — “A 10‑minute tweak lifted reply rate 12%.”
- If/then — “If you dread demos, try this 2‑line opener.”
- One‑line story — “Sophia almost quit—until we changed onboarding.”
7 Formats
- POV: Hook → stance → 3 reasons → question.
- Lesson: Hook → mistake → fix → next‑time rule.
- Case: Hook → context → what we did → result.
- Checklist: Hook → 5 bullets to follow today.
- FAQ: Hook → 3 Q&A → ask for one more Q.
- Offer intro: Hook → who it’s for → promise → next step.
- Hiring: Hook → role → mission → how to apply.
7 CTAs that Spark Replies
- “Where would this break in your world?”
- “What did we miss?”
- “Want the template? Say ‘template’ and I’ll DM.”
- “What would you test first?”
- “Have you tried this—what happened?”
- “If you disagree, what’s your strongest counter‑example?”
- “Which line would you cut?”
12 Filled Examples (Copy‑ready)
Examples for Founder, Marketer, Recruiter, Sales, Job Seeker, and General use cases — structured and trimmed to perform.
Templates are speed, not shortcuts. Say something real; let the template carry the structure. Save favorites in features.
Why Templates Don’t Have to Sound Robotic
A template only becomes cliché when the content is vague. Pair structure with proof (numbers, artifacts, quotes) and honest caveats. Your voice rides on top of the pattern.
Edit for rhythm: read your draft out loud once. Cut filler, keep verbs strong, swap buzzwords for specifics.
Filled Example (POV → Founder)
Hook: “Ship less, adopt more.”
Stance: Adoption beats feature velocity.
Reasons: 1) One “aha” path per ICP; 2) Support load drops; 3) Stories get clearer.
Question: “Where would this break in your context?”
Filled Example (Lesson → Recruiter)
Hook: “The 15‑minute screen that saved us hours.”
Mistake: chasing “culture fit” without signals.
Fix: three questions tied to day‑30 outcomes.
Next‑time rule: always ask for one concrete story.
CTA Swap‑Ins (keep it fresh)
- “If you disagree, what’s your best counter‑example?”
- “Want the checklist? Say ‘checklist’ and I’ll DM it.”
- “What would you test first?”
Save 5 Favorite Templates Reuse weekly for consistency