You can spend hours crafting a fascinating and well-researched blog post, but without an attention-grabbing introduction, your target audience may never see your piece. While the conclusion of your post should sum up your main points and leave a lasting impression, the introduction should engage the reader’s attention and convince them that reading the entire article is worth their time.
With millions of blog posts being published daily, yours needs a standout introduction to set it apart from the competition and keep people on your page. In this article, we’ll discuss how to increase traffic to your blog and expand your customer base by writing a blog post introduction that hooks your target audience. We’ll show you how to:
- Highlight a pain point
- Emphasize the post’s value
- Ask a thought-provoking question
- Make a compelling or controversial statement
- Engage with quotations
- Write the introduction last
1. Highlight a Pain Point
A common reason for going to blog posts is to find a solution to a problem. For example, if your sink is clogged, you might search for a post on how to unclog a drain and keep it clear. If you’re planning a trip abroad, you might look for ways to keep costs down. Readers looking for answers will want to know immediately whether a post can help them – and they won’t waste time on one that can’t. So if your post is offering a solution to a problem, highlighting that solution early in the introduction so readers immediately see the value in your post is a good idea. Don’t make them keep scrolling to find the most essential information – demonstrate that you recognize their problem and can help them solve it.
2. Emphasize the Post’s Value
Even if your post doesn’t offer an immediate solution to a problem, you should still emphasize the post’s value (and the value of your business). The introduction of your blog post is a good place to succinctly let the reader know what topic you’re covering and what you’re offering, such as a list of tips or a step-by-step guide. Essentially, when people ask themselves whether finishing your article is worth their time, give them a reason to say yes.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of planning a wedding on a budget.
Keep reading to learn more about proven ways to invest in your retirement.
These examples clearly and concisely inform the reader of the benefits they can expect to learn about by reading the post.
3. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question
Asking a question in your blog post introduction prompts your reader to pause and consider – and encourages them to keep reading to find out the answer. Ideally, the question should be open-ended and thought-provoking instead of simply requiring a yes or no response.
Why should you work with a real estate agent when searching for a rental home?
What are the benefits of remote work for companies?
How can you make a good impression at a job interview?
Posing a discussion question instantly builds interest in your article: now that the question has been asked, curiosity demands that it be answered. And addressing the reader in the second person (as “you”) speaks to them directly and helps them feel personally connected to the topic.
However, if you include a question in your introduction, make sure you answer it in the body of your blog post. If you don’t, you’ll lose credibility with your readers, and they probably won’t seek additional content from you or visit other pages on your site.
4. Make a Compelling or Controversial Statement
If the topic of your post could be controversial or prompt discussion, use the introduction to challenge a popular belief and ask your audience to think critically.
Standardized tests are a widely used method of measuring success, but they don’t give teachers the information they need to support their students.
You may believe you’re helping the environment by buying a hybrid electric vehicle, but you could be doing more harm than good.
Whether they agree or disagree with you, readers will keep reading to the end to find out the reasons you made the statement. And as a bonus, the topic may spark a heated discussion in the comments section and encourage people to share your post on social media, thereby helping your brand reach a wider audience.
5. Engage Readers with Quotations
Incorporating quotations into your blog post introduction adds some variation to your piece and provides a fresh perspective. However, you shouldn’t use any quote you find from a quick Google search. If you decide to use a quote in your introduction, make sure the writer or speaker is trustworthy and established in their field and ensure that the statement and voice relate well to your ideas. For example, if the topic of your article is education, you could use a quote from a famous teacher to give your stance credibility and back up your claims.
In addition, keep quotations brief. If they go on for more than a few lines, readers are likely to lose interest quickly and move on. And use quotations sparingly – too many could make the reader sense that you’re relying on quotes to prove your point instead of supporting your claims with facts.
6. Write the Introduction Last
There’s no rule that says you have to write the introduction first – in fact, it’s often best to save it for last. The introduction is probably the most important part of your piece; it’s what captures people’s attention and convinces them to keep reading. Fully developing all your main points before starting to write the introduction so that you have a firm grasp of the topic and the direction in which you want to go can be a good idea. And after you’ve done all your research, you’ll have a much better idea of how to make a lasting impact on your audience. If you write your introduction first (i.e., before completing your research and outlining your main points), you may find yourself complicating your editorial process and needing to do significant rewrites once all is said and done.
Conclusion
Your business’s content is what draws people to your website and sells your brand. If you’re ready to level up your writing and ensure it packs a punch, Proofed’s business services can help. Our editors have experience with a variety of industries and can help your blog reach a wide range of prospective customers. We know the impact that effective content has on your business, so schedule a call today and see what we can do for you.
