How to Hook Readers in 7 Seconds Using Curiosity
Turn cold subscribers into buyers by mastering the art of the open loop
You’ve got 7 seconds.
That’s how long it takes your reader to decide whether to keep reading or click away.
And let’s be honest — in the coaching and personal brand space, you're not just competing with other coaches.
You're up against school run texts, podcast notifications, WhatsApp voice notes from their VA, and the siren song of TikTok.
So, what’s the secret to stopping the scroll, getting the click, and turning a casual subscriber into a captivated reader (and eventually, a client)?
Curiosity.
It’s not new. But when done right, it’s lethal (so make sure you use it ethically).
It’s also one of the most underused conversion tools in your entire funnel.
Why Curiosity Works (Even If Your Subscriber Is “Too Busy”)
Here’s the psychology:
Curiosity is a tension. A gap in knowledge. A nagging “I have to know what happens next” that our brain has to resolve.
It’s the same reason we binge-watch Netflix.
And the same reason that one “hey, we need to talk” text keeps you awake all night.
When you use curiosity in your copy, especially your subject lines and email intros, you create an open loop that the brain wants to close.
And people will click just to close the loop.
The Science Behind the Curiosity Gap
In a 1994 study, Loewenstein G. discovered that when someone feels curious, their brain’s reward centre lights up — the same way it would if they were offered food or money.
Your audience isn’t just interested.
They’re biologically driven to find the answer.
Which means: If you learn how to write curiosity-driven emails, you’ll naturally increase engagement, time on page, and ultimately… sales.
7 Curiosity Triggers to Use in Your Emails (Backed by Psychology)
These aren’t gimmicks — they’re powerful, proven techniques you can use to hook readers and keep them reading (even when they’re not ready to buy yet):
1. The Unfinished Thought
“Most coaches think writing daily emails takes hours... but that’s only true if—”
You’ve opened a loop. And your reader now has to know the answer.
This is perfect for subject lines or opening sentences.
2. The Unexpected Truth
“I stole this from a 7-year-old and turned it into a $10K sales week.”
What’s the 7-year-old? How did you make $10K?
You’ve built curiosity by subverting expectation, and now they’re invested.
3. The Forbidden Lesson
“The advice I give private clients (that I’d never share on social media).”
People love to feel like they’re getting the inside scoop.
Position the email as something exclusive or even a little controversial, and you’ve got them.
4. The Tiny Tease
“There’s one line in yesterday’s email that made 27 people reply...”
Simple. Specific. And curiosity-driven.
It hints at value without revealing it, which is the sweet spot.
5. The Open Loop Story
“Last year, I nearly walked away from copywriting. Here’s why that was the best decision I ever made.”
We’re hardwired to need narrative resolution. If you open a personal story, readers will stick around to find out how it ends.
6. The “Wrong” Statement
“Most welcome emails are a waste of time. Here’s what to do instead.”
Contradict something your audience believes or has been told — then back it up.
You’ll earn attention and trust.
7. The Irresistible Promise
“Steal this 2-minute trick to get 3x more email replies.”
Be specific about what they’ll get — but leave out how.
Let their brain fill in the gap, and they’ll click to find the answer.
Curiosity Checklist: Use This Before You Hit Send
Ready to put this into action?
Here’s a quick checklist you can run through when writing your subject lines and intros:
✅ Does this line create a question in the reader’s mind?
✅ Does it tease value without giving the full answer?
✅ Is the curiosity relevant to the offer or transformation I’m selling?
✅ Does it feel natural, not gimmicky, for my audience?
✅ Would I click this if it landed in my inbox?
You don’t need to use all seven curiosity triggers in every email.
Just one strong hook can be enough to pull the reader down the page — and into your offer.
Want Done-for-You Curiosity Hooks?
If writing curiosity-driven copy makes you feel like you’re overthinking every word…
I’ve already done the hard work for you.
Inside the Email Templates for Coaches & Personal Brands bundle, you’ll get:
Plug-and-play curiosity-based subject lines
High-converting email intros that get read
CTA formulas to turn that curiosity into conversions
Whether you’re launching, nurturing, or just trying to show up more consistently, these templates help you sound like you, only more profitable.
Related Blogs to Read Next
To deepen your email strategy, check out these:
Subject Line Secrets: How to Get More Opens & Clicks on Your Emails
The Secret Art of Timeless Sales Copy That Lasts for Decades
Final Word: Curiosity Is a Skill — Not a Talent
It’s not just something you “have.” It’s something you learn.
Every email you write is a chance to get better at opening loops, teasing value, and guiding readers toward a click.
Curiosity doesn’t just get you opens.
It gets you clients.
Hey there, Rebecca here.
My mission is to write copy that feels unmistakably you—capturing your voice, sharing your stories, and engaging your audience in a way that drives real impact.
