How to Write an Article Introduction That’s Irresistible

Have you ever come across an article and been immediately hooked? Perhaps the first few sentences snagged your attention and refused to let go or piqued your interest with new information about a topic you didn’t know about.

As a reader, coming across an irresistible blog is a dream. But as a writer, crafting one can feel like more of a nightmare. How do you create an introduction that will engage your reader and make them want to keep reading when you only have a few sentences in which to do it?

Below we’ll explore what makes an irresistible article introduction and tips you can use in your own writing.

The Purpose of an Introduction

A good introduction will provide a clear and concise overview of the main points to be discussed in the body of the work, and should have what the industry calls a “hook.” This is a bit of information or a question that intends to immediately capture the reader’s interest.

Additionally, this part of the article should provide context for the rest of the piece so readers will know what to expect from the rest of your article. This makes them more likely to stick around and read the blog through to the conclusion.

Elements of a Good Introduction

There are several components of a well-written article introduction. These are important to include because readers expect content to flow logically and be easily readable and understandable, no matter the topic.

• The hook. Your introduction should begin with a strong hook that immediately interests your audience and makes them want to keep reading. Without a hook, you run the risk of losing your reader’s attention before they even reach the main body of your article, let alone the end of it.
• Background information. Include enough background information to allow the reader to understand the general topic and angle of the article, but don’t get into too much detail here.
• What they’ll read next. Tell your audience what you’re about to tell them, and then use the rest of the article to deliver on that promise.

Hooks to Use in Your Introduction

Statistics

Statistics make a great hook, but make sure whatever you choose is interesting and relevant to your topic.  A good statistic can be a great way to make your readers care about something they might not have ordinarily thought much about, but a boring or irrelevant statistic will only serve to turn readers away. Instead, find a fact they aren’t likely to know that will pique their curiosity and make them want to find out more about what you have to say.

Questions

Asking a question in your introduction is another great way to get the attention of your target audience. This technique is especially effective if you can ask a question that most people would answer “no” to.

By posing a question, you can get readers thinking about the topic and how it affects them personally. If you’re not sure what questions to ask, try brainstorming with a friend or family member or browsing online. Make sure you answer the question asked in the introduction in the body of your article though — your readers will be looking for it.

The longer you go without answering the initial question that interested readers in the first place, the higher the risk that they will lose that interest and stop reading before they reach the end.

Definitions

Defining key terms in your introduction can be a helpful way to orient readers who may not be familiar with the topic. This is especially important if you’re writing for a specialized audience or using jargon that might not be familiar to everyone. This can help avoid confusion and frustration later on. By defining these terms upfront, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page from the start.

How to End Your Introduction

Make sure to conclude your introduction with a strong and persuasive statement. The end of your introduction should first and foremost invite your audience to continue reading.

It should also leave them with a strong impression of your argument or purpose. Let readers know that you intend to elaborate on statistics or answer questions in the article and they can find the information they want by continuing to read. This will help to ensure that your readers are engaged from beginning to end.

Learn How to Write An Article Introduction With McDougall Interactive

As you can see, writing a good introduction isn’t as difficult or intimidating as it might seem at first glance. By following the steps outlined above and including elements such as a hook and context, you can write an irresistible introduction that will engage your reader and persuade them to keep reading.

Contact McDougall Interactive today at 877-623-4291 for more writing tips or to sign up for expert content marketing help.