Creating a Hook Card (Title Card)

A hook card, also known as a title card, is a crucial element in your NextSteps journey. It serves as the first impression for your audience, aiming to capture their attention and entice them to explore further. This guide will walk you through the process of creating an engaging hook card using the NextSteps platform, developed by the Jesus Film Project.

Understanding the Importance of Hook Cards

Hook cards play a vital role in digital content by:

• Immediately capturing the audience's attention
• Creating curiosity and interest in the content
• Setting expectations for what's to come
• Enhancing user engagement from the start

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Hook Card

Step 1: Prepare Your Journey

1. Log in to your NextSteps account.
2. Navigate to the journey builder interface.
3. If starting a new journey, you'll see a placeholder card.

Step 2: Remove the Placeholder Card

1. Locate the small menu icon at the top right corner of the placeholder card.
2. Click on the icon and select "Delete Card".
3. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Step 3: Create a New Card

Choose one of these methods:

• Drag a connector from the social view card to create a new card.
• Click on the "add step" button in the top right corner of the journey builder.

Step 4: Select a Background for Your Hook Card

1. Visit a royalty-free media website (e.g., Pixabay or Unsplash).
2. Create an account if required.
3. Use the search bar to find appropriate media. For example, search for "walking sunrise".
4. Select your desired video or image.
5. Download the media in your preferred quality (e.g., 4K for videos).

Step 5: Apply the Title Card Template

1. In the NextSteps journey builder, select your newly created card.
2. Choose the "Title card" template from the available options.

Step 6: Replace the Background Media

1. Click on the "background" dropdown on your title card.
2. Select the current placeholder video (e.g., "Jesus" video).
3. Choose one of these options:
   • Click "change video" to replace the current video.
   • Delete the current video and select "upload file".
4. Upload your new background media by either:
   • Dragging the file into the "drop video here" box.
   • Clicking "upload file" and selecting the video from your computer.

Step 7: Customize the Text

1. Click on the existing text on the title card.
2. Edit the text to match your journey's theme and message.
3. Ensure the text is clear, concise, and engaging.

Step 8: Enhance the Call-to-Action Button

1. Locate the "Watch Now" button on the card.
2. Add an appropriate icon to indicate that the button leads to a video.
3. You can customize the button text if needed.

Step 9: Contextualize for Your Audience

1. Review your hook card and consider your target audience.
2. Adjust the text, imagery, and overall design to resonate with your specific audience.
3. Ensure the message aligns with the cultural and contextual factors of your viewers.

Best Practices for Creating Effective Hook Cards

• Visual Appeal: Use high-quality, relevant images or videos that align with your message.
• Clear Messaging: Keep text concise and impactful, immediately conveying the essence of your content.
• Audience Focus: Tailor your content to your target audience's interests and cultural context.
• Brand Consistency: Ensure your hook card aligns with your overall brand identity.
• Call-to-Action: Include a clear and compelling call-to-action to guide users on what to do next.

By following these steps and best practices, you can create a hook card that effectively captures attention and sets the stage for your NextSteps journey. Remember, the key is to create something that resonates with your specific audience and encourages them to engage further with your content.For more detailed information on using NextSteps and its features, visit the NextSteps Support Page. Additionally, explore the Jesus Film Project Tools for more resources to enhance your digital ministry efforts.