Title your sell clicks.
Your intro sells books read.
If your intro doesn't motivate readers to scroll down, you'll lose them. You've worked hard to create your content. Perfecting your introduction ensures that your content gets the attention those efforts deserve.
Your title sells clicks . @GeorgeDrennan2 says your intro sells books read through @CMIContent. #WritingTips Click to Tweet These seven tips can help you craft a compelling blog post introduction to engage your readers beyond the headline.
1. Highlight a common problem
People read content for its value. For business blogs, that usually means a solution to a problem. By highlighting a difficult point in your introduction, you immediately grab the reader's attention. It tells them they are in the right place. You understand their problem.
Here is an example from Ahrefs :
In the example above, the second paragraph reads: “Sound like you? You're in the right place. ”
Once you've provoked the pain point, you need to provide a solution in the rest of your content.
2. Tell the reader what to expect
When you provoke a pain point, you start the clock to tick. If you don't let your audience know how you'll help, they'll quickly lose patience and give up.
Your introduction should set expectations and answer the reader's question: Is this worth my time?
Your introduction should answer the reader's question: Is this worth my time? @GeorgeDrennan2 via @CMIContent #WritingTips Click to Tweet By letting your audience know what they can expect, you make decisions much easier.
this is a example from Shopify :
This introduction serves as the thesis of the content – what will be covered, in order, and what the audience can expect to take away.
Very few visitors read the content from start to finish. Presenting your point helps people find the information they need quickly. They may go to a specific section, view the entire section, or realize the content won't provide what they need.
3. Explain the benefits
Some people read a blog post because they want to learn something that will help them improve their lives. Whether it's a tutorial on how to make pancakes or a guide on how to increase customer retention, your readers want results.
Make your intro more engaging by selling the benefits of your content. How will reading your blog post help them?
this is a example from Backlinko :
The introduction lays out the benefits of the paper in clear terms. Be clear about what your content is about and how your audience can benefit from reading it.
4. Ask a question
When you ask a question in your introduction, you invite the reader to ponder an answer. You actively think about the topic in the first place.
this is a example from Neil Patel :
When you use a question in your introduction, you must back it up with an answer or responses in the body.
5. Get up
Conflict is the essence of drama. Anyone who has studied telling stories Everyone knows the importance of confrontation in creating tension and engaging an audience.
When it comes to blog post introductions, you can create a confrontation by challenging longstanding beliefs or strategically acting to controversial topic in your niche.
Create conflict by challenging longstanding beliefs in your intro, @GeorgeDrennan2 said via @CMIContent. #WritingTips Click to Tweet Here is an example from AllBusiness :
Confrontational introductions typically lead to three reactions:
- Readers disagree.
- Readers agree.
- Readers wonder why you're challenging this topic.
In all three cases, they keep reading to learn more. They will want to know how you reached that conclusion.
6. Use a quote
Quotations can be a great way to build credibility and create an attractive book. A quote can back up your point and provide a framework for structuring the rest of your content.
A quote can summarize a common belief or best practice and build counter-argument in your content.
this is a example from Forbes :
Similar to a question-based introduction, a quote-based opening can become a scaffold for lazy to write . It's much easier to get into the habit of using the words of an established voice than building an original argument. Use them infrequently.
Avoid overusing citations in your niche (a saying is “content is king” in marketing). Use quotes from unexpected voices or source quotes from thought leaders.
7. Write the final introduction
The introduction is the first thing your readers see, but it should often be the last thing you write for two reasons.
Intros are the first thing your readers see, but it should often be the last thing you write, says @GeorgeDrennan2 via @CMIContent. #WritingTips Click to Tweet First, the introduction is more important than any other paragraph in the essay. Every word has value. When you start a new piece of content, it's easy to waste time crafting the perfect intro. It is more effective to start by writing down your main points.
Second, you understand the topic better once you've written your content element. You may find that the introduction you spent hours drafting no longer aligns with your central point after you've finished the rest of your essay.
If you have some inspiration, write a brief intro as a placeholder. You can come back to it after completing the rest of the post.
Open strong
Your introduction is extremely important. It convinces people to keep reading or bring them back to the search results page or read other content. Using these tips, you can create a compelling intro for your next blog post.
Try different tactics and stay tuned analysis to see what suits your niche and writing style.
Cover photo by Joseph Kalinowski / Content Marketing Institute
Post a Comment
Post a Comment