9 Proven Techniques for Writing Blog Introductions That Work

We all know that the internet is full of skimmers – you’re probably one of them. That gives me about 8 seconds to say a few words and capture your attention.

Hopefully, I’ve survived this long.

Writing blog introductions seems like it should be easy, but the truth is, it can be really hard.

If you’re just started up a new blog, you’re probably still struggling with your intros. You know what your mission is, but you’re probably not always sure how to do it.

Well, we’re going to change that.

Understanding the Psychology Behind Effective Blog Introductions

Our brains are a mysterious place. But inside all of that mystery, there are also basic, primal pathways that make us somewhat predictable.

The Human Attention Span

Our attention span lasts just a few seconds. Sadly, it’s shorter than ever. (Insert rant about social media and cell phones here – ok, maybe not a rant, I’m as hooked as everyone else.)

Because of our ADD addled brains, most people scan through a post the minute they land on it. That quick scan can make or break your post…and your website.

The first 50 words (or so) of your blog are crucial in deciding whether a reader is going to stay or bounce right off the page to your competitor’s website.

By focusing on a strong introduction, you can capture that visitor’s attention – but, you’re going to have to make those 50 words count.

You want your blog intro to hook the reader’s attention and the easiest way to do that is to provide a snapshot of what the post they’re about to read is all about. You don’t have to give everything up, but you should set the tone for what’s to come.

Those 50 words are key to creating an emotional connection with the reader by addressing their needs, concerns, or curiosity. Feeding into these psychological triggers will go a long way to making sure their stay is beyond the normal time limit our brain puts on us.

By using powerful words, creating a sense of urgency, or posing a compelling question, writers can engage the reader’s emotions and make them more invested in the content. This brief yet impactful introduction acts as a gateway, guiding the reader into the main body of the blog while ensuring that they are intrigued enough to stay.

Ultimately, mastering the art of crafting these first few sentences can significantly influence the overall success and reach of a blog post.

Psychological Triggers

There are many psychological triggers we are compelled by everyday. Fear, need, desire, and even FOMO play a part in our daily lives and behaviors.

These innate behaviors pull us toward the various things we need or push us away from the things we should avoid. Humans seeking others to create a village. Hunters gathering food to survive. Learning to make fire to stay warm. Early man figured out a lot of who we are and what we would become.

The three triggers that can really set things off on the right foot? Curiosity, emotional connection, and relevance. Each of these three psychological triggers can make or break your blog introduction paragraphs.

1. Curiosity: Humans are naturally curious beings. When a blog introduction poses an intriguing question or presents an unexpected fact, it stimulates the reader’s curiosity. This curiosity triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, which motivates the reader to seek answers or further information.
2. Emotional Connection: Engaging the reader’s emotions can create a strong bond with the content. By addressing the reader’s needs, concerns, or aspirations, the introduction can evoke feelings such as empathy, excitement, or even urgency. This emotional engagement activates the brain’s limbic system, making the reader more invested in the material.
3. Relevance and Personalization: When readers perceive content as relevant to their personal experiences or interests, they are more likely to continue reading (duh). This sense of relevance triggers the brain’s attention network, making the reader feel understood and valued. Personalized content resonates more deeply, encouraging the reader to explore further.

These psychological triggers work by engaging different parts of the brain, making the reading experience more rewarding, emotionally satisfying, and personally meaningful. By tapping into these triggers, writers can craft introductions that captivate and maintain the reader’s attention.

Common Mistakes that Make Readers Bounce

1. Information Overload: Don’t overwhelm your readers with too much detail right at the start. (Yes, I’m guilty.) Keep your introduction paragraph concise and focused on the main point to maintain the reader’s attention.
2. Generic Statements: A generic or vague opening sentence can fail to capture interest. Instead, use a specific focus or surprising fact to create interest and engage your readers from the first sentence. Many experienced bloggers recommend using surprising statistics in your opener.
3. Lack of Evidence: Unsupported claims can lead to skepticism. Ensure that any statements you make are backed by credible evidence or examples, establishing your authority and credibility.
4. Skipping Short and Sweet: Long-winded introductions can deter readers. (Again, I am totally guilty of this one.) Aim for a concise summary that introduces the main ideas without delving into the entire piece.
5. Cliché Openings: Cliché phrases can make your content feel unoriginal. Strive for a good hook that is fresh and relevant to your audience, making the introduction paragraphs stand out.
6. Overpromising and Underdelivering: Ensure that your introduction aligns with the headline’s promise. Misleading introductions can frustrate readers, causing them to leave in search of content that meets their expectations.

If you can avoid these common writing pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to writing strong introductions that keep your readers scrolling through your article instead of someone else’s.

Essential Elements of a Compelling Blog Introduction

Ever listen to 50 Cent? While you were bumping In Da Club (affiliate link), did you notice how many times the chorus repeats? Did you notice that the song starts with a short bridge and then rolls right into the chorus?

There’s an old saying in the music business: Don’t bore us, get to the chorus.

You’ve heard it called “the hook” and it’s an apt name for it. Like trout in the river, your readers are floating along when they see a tasty tidbit floating in front of them…

…but they don’t see the hook until it’s too late. Wham, the hook is set and you’re reeling in a big one.

The whole idea of writing the perfect hook in music applies to the science of writing a good blog introduction paragraph.

Remember to go back to your psychological triggers – make it relevant. If you and I have the same problems and struggles, we’re more likely to connect. It’s human nature. People like people like them.

Would you read something that you had no interest in or connection to? Probably not. Unless you’re really bored or a serial cereal box reader (it’s a true affliction, don’t mock me).

And the more you connect with people on that level, the more they will learn to trust you. Trust builds credibility and authority. That’s the best pathway to repeat visitors.

Your introduction should…well…introduce your post. You want it to set the stage, give a little sneak peek, and leave them wanting more as it segues into your main content.

9 Proven Blog Introduction Techniques That Work

I’ve complied 9 of my favorite tricks of the trade when writing blog introductions. Each of these methods can be used at different times – both to vary things up (so you don’t sound like an automaton) and depending on what’s called for in any given situation.

Try each one of them over the course of the next few weeks and let us know what you think in the comments.

The Shocking Statistic

The shocking statistic approach is a powerful method for grabbing your reader’s attention right from the start. By presenting an unexpected or eye-opening statistic in your introduction paragraph, you immediately pique curiosity and create a sense of urgency, forcing readers to continue exploring your content so that they can learn more.

This method works because it relies on the brain’s natural response to surprising information, activating the reader’s attention and making them more receptive to learn more (ie read on).

To use this method effectively, begin your introduction with a statistic that directly relates to your blog post’s main point. Ensure that the statistic is relevant, credible, and impactful. It pays to cite your source (and if appropriate, link to it).

Example: If you were writing a post about climate change, you might lead with, “Did you know that 2022 was the fifth warmest year on record since 1880?” This sets the stage for your article about climate change and its impact on the planet. (Fun fact – it was tied with 2015 for fifth warmest.)

Example: If you had a blog about personal finance, you might start your blog introduction with, “More than half of all Americans have less than $1,000 in savings.” This statistic immediately highlights a financial issue that many can relate to, drawing them into the article to read more about people who are just like them (Don’t forget, people like people like them.)

Curiosity is a strong drive in people – it’s why they’re googling things on the internet – and the shocking statistic approach taps directly into that. By starting off with a surprising fact or stat, you create an emotional and intellectual hook that makes readers curious about the “why” or “what can be done” about your fact.

This method also showcases your knowledge of the subject matter and helps build authority (and Google loves that!).

The Personal Story

The personal story method is pretty self-explanatory if you ask me. By sharing a personal story from your experiences, you create an immediate connection between you and the reader. You humanize the subject matter, make it relatable, and provide a unique perspective that builds a bond between you and your audience.

Hopefully, you’re a good storyteller.

Example: If you’re writing a blog post about overcoming procrastination, you might start with, “I remember the night before I had a paper due as a freshman in college. It was the 90s, so I had one of those standalone word processors and it just crapped out on me. Panicked, I took the floppy disk out of the drive and ran to the library, hoping it wasn’t closed. Speeding up the stairs to the computer lab, I found an empty machine and slipped the disk in the drive. I had forgotten to save anything – the disk was completely blank.”

This sets the stage for a continuation of the story – more about how my procrastination cost me and how the story ends. Did I make it? Did I get in trouble? Did I fail?

(It’s actually a true story from my own brief college experience. Thanks to a lot of coffee and a friend that lived in my dorm, I was able to finish the paper. I didn’t get much sleep and I seem to remember I didn’t get a very good grade on that paper, but it taught me a lot about procrastination.)

Example: For a blog about healthy eating, you might begin with, “Growing up, my family meals consisted of processed foods and sugary snacks. It wasn’t until my health scare in my late twenties that I decided to change my eating habits.”

(My mother would kill me if you all thought that was true about me. She fed us well and we didn’t get a lot of junk growing up.)

This method works because it taps into the reader’s emotions and their own experiences, making the content more relatable and engaging. Readers are naturally drawn to stories and once again, you’ve created that curiosity about the story with readers wanting to know what happened next.

The personal story method is excellent for creating that emotional tie between reader and writer. Plus, it’s a big part of Google’s E-E-A-T and can be a great boost to your SEO efforts.

The Question

Want to start your post off strong? Use a question in your blog intro to draw readers in and get them reading so they can learn the answer. Posing a question makes your reader an active participant in the post as it gets them thinking about how they might answer the question and reading further to learn more.

The question technique works especially well because it makes the reader invested in the outcome. They want to know the answer. And hopefully, you plan on giving it to them – or at least giving them food for thought.

Example: If you’re writing a blog post about improving productivity, you might start with, “Have you ever wondered why some days you seem to accomplish so much, while other days you can barely get anything done?” I challenge any reader to not nod along and think, “Yes. Why is that?,” and read further. It’s human, it’s relatable, and it’s something we all want to know more about.

Example: For a blog about travel, you might begin with, “What’s the one destination you’ve always dreamed of visiting, but haven’t yet?” I have my answer, do you? Of course you do. And because you have an answer, you want to read further to see a) how this compares to the author’s answer and b) is there some solution that you’re going to offer that will help make me make my dream come true?

(In case you’re wondering, it’s Thailand – and if you make this blog big enough, I promise I will go and write all about it.)

Example: In a post about healthy eating, you could start with, “Do you know what’s really in the food you eat every day?” This question challenges readers to consider the quality of their diet and primes them for the information you’re about to share. It also elicits a sense of danger (and perhaps fear) because we all know there’s a lot of bad stuff in our food. Reading the article will tell us more.

By starting your first paragraph with a question, you open yourself up to being able to write the post that answers the question or solves the problem. Your question creates interest and everyone is leaning in to focus on the point you’re about to make. You’re essentially feeding yourself the question and you’re about to knock it out of the park with your answer.

The Problem and Solution

The problem-solution format can be used by itself or worked in with other methods to make your first paragraph a winner. We all have problems. Often we’re on the internet looking for a solution. It’s not rocket science that if you give the people what they want, they’re going to respond.

Example: If you were writing a blog post about reducing stress, you might start with, “Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of work and life, leaving you stressed and exhausted?” This introduction taps into a common struggle many people face, instantly capturing their attention. You can then follow up with, “Discover practical techniques to manage stress and regain control of your life.”

Example: For a blog about improving sleep quality, if you started it with, “Struggling to get a good night’s sleep – despite trying everything?” This question highlights a widespread problem, prompting readers to continue reading in search of a solution. The introduction could continue with, “Explore proven strategies to enhance your sleep and wake up refreshed.”

The format is simple. Problem. Solution. Discussion of how to apply that solution or the step by step instructions on how to accomplish it. In one post, you’ve single handedly solved my problem and made a lasting impression on me. You become a valuable resource that I will turn to later when I find I have another problem within your niche.

The Controversial Statement

We all love a challenge and sometimes we even like to be challenged. The controversial statement can be a great way to introduce your post, kick off the first paragraph, and get people talking.

But fair warning – be careful how controversial you go. It could backfire on you if you’re not careful. My band got banned from Russia for their statement and act – they were literally chased out of the country.

(By this time, I had left the band, so I had to watch it all unfold on the news. I was very afraid for my friends and wasn’t sure what was going to happen to them.)

It wasn’t the first time we faced controversy. We were pretty good at it.

That controversy sold us a lot records and filled concerts because they wanted to watch and see what crazy thing we might say or do next.

The trick to this one is you need to create a bold, thought provoking statement that relates to your niche. You can’t just throw something out of context into the mix for the hell of it. Or maybe you can. I’m kind of all over the place with that.

You don’t want to be offensive (unless that’s your niche), but you want something that is capable of stirring debate and encouraging discussion.

After presenting your idea or point of view, provide the follow up that builds that discussion. You may agree with your statement in which case you’ll want to back it up with context and evidence to support your claims. If you disagree with the statement, discuss the opposing viewpoint and why it makes more sense.

It’s never a bad idea to look at things from both sides, but you should take a position one way or another to make things more relatable and personable.

Example: You have a niche blog about remote work and state, “Remote work is making employees lazier and less productive.” This statement challenges a popular belief that remote work increases productivity and flexibility. You’re in the hot seat now.

You might then continue, “While many argue that remote work offers greater flexibility and work-life balance, studies have shown that some employees struggle to maintain productivity without the structure of an office environment. Let’s explore the impact of remote work on productivity and how companies can address these challenges.”

This method works well the same way that Howard Stern (affiliate link) was able to conquer the airwaves. His brand of “shock jock” humor appealed to some and left others with their jaws on the floor. But both sides kept listening – some for enjoyment and some to register their absolute disdain for the man. Both groups made him very rich.

The Empathy Angle

The empathy angle is a powerful tool for writing a killer blog intro that resonates and connects with your readers. This approach involves connecting with your audience on an emotional level by acknowledging their feelings, experiences, or challenges. When readers feel like you “get them,” they are more likely to dig deeper and ultimately return for more.

Why does it work? We are all inherently empathetic creatures. When readers sense that an author genuinely understands their struggles or aspirations, they are more likely to feel a connection to the content. This emotional bond increases their investment in the material and makes them want to know more.

Example: If you have a mental health blog, you could try starting with, “We’ve all had those days when getting out of bed feels like an insurmountable task. The weight of the world seems too heavy to bear, and you’re not alone in feeling this way.” This introduction immediately acknowledges the reader’s emotional state, creating a sense of solidarity and understanding.

Example: If you write about parenting challenges, consider trying something like this, “Every parent has faced the sleepless nights and endless worries that come with raising children. It’s a world filled with love, but also with moments of crushing doubt. We’ve all been there at least once in our parenting lives.”

Each example shows how you can acknowledge the struggle that the reader is facing, connecting with them immediately. Follow that up with something personal or an explanation of how they’re not the only ones and you’ll find yourself turning pageviews into regular traffic.

The News Hook

Utilizing recent news or headlines can be an effective strategy to start a blog post because it taps into the reader’s existing awareness and interest in current events. By connecting your topic to a news story, you’re showcasing your knowledge of what’s going on in your niche (and perhaps the larger world around you) and turning your blog post into the “water cooler” where friends gather to discuss the latest news.

Do be careful when using this method, however. Using it too often can make your blog content short lived and frozen in time. Like hot trends, the news tends to fade fast as it is replaced by other stories and events. This can hurt your blog as you won’t be able to build evergreen content.

Here is some insight on how to best use the news to build a better blog:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly follow news outlets and industry specific publications to identify trending topics in your niche.
2. Choose Relevant News: Select news stories that resonate with your target audience and relate to your blog’s main point. This ensures that your content remains relevant and engaging. It may also help to keep it from diminishing in importance over time.
3. Build Your Introduction: Begin your blog post by summarizing the news story and explaining its significance. Then, seamlessly transition into your main topic, highlighting how it relates to the news.t.
4. Provide Insight: Don’t just share the news – share why it’s important to your topic and how it might affect your related niche. Offer your perspective or analysis on the news story, adding value to the reader by providing context or a unique angle.

Example: Is your niche climate change? Then you have plenty to talk about. Something like this could be a great intro. “In a recent report, scientists revealed that 2023 has seen record breaking temperatures worldwide. As climate change continues to escalate, understanding its impact on our environment is more crucial than ever.”

Example: If you’re writing about digital marketing, you might cover a news story like this: “With the recent surge in data privacy concerns following the latest social media scandal [be specific about the scandal], businesses must rethink their marketing strategies to build trust and transparency with their audiences.”

The news can be powerful stuff, but remember, some may disagree with the news, especially these days. Be prepared to back up your thoughts and beliefs and explain your position. Just jumping on any news story and trying to fit it into your post is not a good method.

The Analogy or Metaphor

Using an analogy or metaphor in your blog introduction is a creative way to engage readers by relating complex or unfamiliar concepts to something they readily understand. Think about parables in The Bible and how they are used to teach a core tenant of the religion at a time when people might not believe the stories.

This technique works by drawing parallels between your topic and a familiar idea, making it more accessible and relatable. Analogies and metaphors can simplify complicated subjects, making them more digestible and memorable for readers.

Start your introduction by comparing your blog topic to a well known concept, object, or experience. This sets the stage for your content by providing a familiar frame of reference. Ensure that the analogy or metaphor is relevant and enhances the reader’s understanding of the topic.

Analogies and metaphors tap into our shared knowledge and experience, creating a mental bridge to the new information you’re presenting. This connection not only makes the content more relatable but also aids in retention, as readers are more likely to remember concepts linked to familiar ideas.

This method is particularly effective when introducing complex or abstract topics that may be challenging for readers to grasp. It’s also useful when you want to add a creative flair to your writing or when your audience appreciates imaginative storytelling.

Example: If you’re writing an introduction for a post about the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, your first paragraph might be, “Think of your life as a symphony orchestra. Each aspect – work, family, health, and leisure – represents a different instrument. When they play in harmony, the result is a beautiful symphony. But if one of them is out of tune, the entire performance suffers.” This analogy helps readers visualize the concept of balance in a relatable way, setting the tone for the rest of the article. It also provides space to continue with the analogy through out the post (ie your work is the brass section, your family is the percussion, and so on).

The Direct Approach

Sometimes, you just have to blurt it all out and get to the point. The direct approach is exactly what it sounds like – starting your post by explaining exactly what the post is. Writing analogies or relating your topic to recent news doesn’t always work and it’s those times where you just need to get to the heart of the matter and get things rolling.

A great way to start a direct approach blog post? “Today’s post is all about why your plants keep dying no matter how hard you try.” (Obviously, I’m pulling from the dark recesses of my psyche – I can see my banana plant off in the corner, wilted and sad.)

Some readers don’t have time to mess around with your fun, creative approach to starting off your article and they’re here to find the answer to their problem now. This would be a great method if you wrote a handyman blog and you were covering things like how to stop a leak or what to do if you smell gas – if I’m looking for those answers, I don’t want to read a funny story about what happened to you once or wade through your statistics about how often leaks occur in new homes. I need help before this leak destroys everything!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Blog Introduction

Nailing your blog introduction requires a thoughtful approach, and this step-by-step guide will help you get the opening right every time.

1. Research and Gather Facts: Begin by researching your topic thoroughly. Look for surprising statistics, relevant quotes, or intriguing anecdotes that can serve as a strong hook. Ensure that your facts are credible and directly related to your main point, setting the stage for the rest of your content.
2. Draft Multiple Versions: Don’t settle for the first introduction you write. Experiment with different styles and approaches, such as using a question, a personal story, or a shocking statistic. Draft several versions and choose the one that best captures the essence of your post and engages your audience.
3. Edit and Tighten Up Your Intro: Once you’ve selected your best draft, refine it by removing any unnecessary words or phrases. Focus on clarity and conciseness, ensuring that your introduction paragraph is impactful and to the point. Aim to make every word count to maintain the reader’s attention. Remember – you’re trying to nail it in the first 50 words.
4. Test and Measure Effectiveness: After publishing your blog post, monitor its performance to gauge the effectiveness of your introduction. Use analytics tools to track metrics such as bounce rate and time spent on the page. Consider A/B testing different intros to see which style resonates most with your audience. Use this data to continuously improve and refine your future blog introductions. If you find it’s not working, try one of the other drafts you created.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to write intros that your readers will react to and remember.

Common Blog Introduction Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Too Vague or Generic: A lackluster opening that lacks specificity will crash and burn. Ensure your introduction has a clear focus and provides a concise summary of what to expect in the post.
• Making Unsupported Claims: Statements without evidence or examples can lead to skepticism. Back up your claims with credible data or personal stories. Remember, your goal is to build trust with the reader.
• Writing Overly Long Introductions: Lengthy intros scare your readers away (trust me, I know). Give a quick summary that highlights your main point, but don’t give away the farm in the first paragraph.
• Using Cliché Openings: Overused phrases can make your content feel unoriginal. Strive for a fresh and relevant hook that grabs the reader’s attention from the first sentence.
• Failing to Deliver on the Title’s Promise: Ensure your introduction aligns with the expectations set by your title. Misleading intros can frustrate readers and will push your bounce rate higher.

Writing is hard. Good writing is even harder. But like anything, practice makes perfect. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep trying new things. It will come in time. Build your content strategy and execute. You’ll find that sometimes the best thing you’ve ever written will be completely ignored, while the worst, throw away article you slapped together will get ranked #1 in Google and generate tons of traffic. It happens.

Read your intro back to yourself after you’ve completed the article. Does is still hold true? Does it make sense? Does it make you want to read more? If you feel it’s a bit weak, take another crack at it now that you have the entire post written.

And most of all – have fun with it. If it all feels like a chore and you’re not having fun with it, then it’s not worth all of the hours you’ll sink into it to build an incredible blog.