Vintage Hooks For TikTok
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A discussion on how classic advertising hooks from the early 1900s can be effectively adapted for modern TikTok marketing.
Core Concept
- Fundamental human psychology in advertising hasn't changed since the 1910s
- Old successful ad hooks can be repurposed for modern platforms like TikTok
- Focus on understanding the underlying human nature element of classic ads
Notable Examples of Classic Ad Hooks
-
Wall Street Journal Success Story Ad
- Narrative of two college graduates - one subscribes to WSJ, gets better career
- Shows power of comparison and aspirational messaging
- Still widely replicated today in various forms
-
Piano Player Ad
- Hook: "They laughed when I sat down, but when I started to play..."
- Uses the "curiosity gap" technique
- Later adapted by sites like BuzzFeed and Upworthy
- Modern version: "10 reasons why... you won't believe #7"
Modern Application Strategy
- Find vintage print magazine ads from 1930s-40s
- Analyze the psychological triggers and human nature elements
- Adapt the core hook for TikTok format
- Maintain the fundamental psychological appeal while updating presentation
Success Metrics
- Madison Reed example: Built $150M revenue business using these principles
- Multiple platforms create "halo effect"
- Organic content drives brand awareness
- Paid ads perform better due to prior exposure
- Improved search rankings from increased brand searches
- Better performance on platforms like Amazon due to increased recognition
Current State
- Strategy still works but more competitive than early days
- Not as effective as initial discovery period
- Still viable for new entrants if executed well
- Best suited for both physical and digital products
Sam Parr
Host of MFM and fitness influencer
Sam Parr is a serial entrepreneur and business media pioneer.
In 2016, he founded The Hustle, a business news media company that started in his kitchen with just $12 and grew to eight figures in revenue.
Sam led the charge in making newsletters popular when few believed in their potential.
After four successful years, he sold The Hustle to HubSpot, a publicly traded company. Now operating as HubSpot Media, The Hustle reaches 3 million readers daily, employs a team of nearly 100, and has been the launchpad for dozens of its staff to found their own media companies and newsletters.
Sam remains the host of the popular business podcast, My First Million, and continues to start and sell companies. He also co-founded Hampton, a highly vetted community for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, and teaches people to write better through his platform, Copy That.