9 Tips for Crafting a Strong Intro Sentence

As I embarked on my freelance writing journey, one of the earliest challenges I faced was nailing the introduction sentence. More often than not, I would plunge into the main content and even wrap up the conclusion before stumbling back to the beginning.

The struggle to craft a captivating opening was daunting, often taking days to hit the right tone. After all, the introduction has to hook the reader, providing the first impression while encouraging them to read on.

A well-crafted introduction can be the difference between gaining a new subscriber or losing a potential lead. In this post, I will share nine simple techniques that helped me write good introduction sentences, guiding readers from mere curiosity to full engagement.

Table of Contents

How to Start a Strong Introduction

Creating an effective introduction is vital for capturing your audience’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of your article.

Here are three powerful methods to start your introduction in a way that captivates readers from the very first sentence:

1. Starting with a Quote

Utilizing a quote can immediately hook your readers by introducing a voice or perspective that aligns with your article’s theme. Whether it’s a famous quote or an industry expert’s insight, a well-chosen quote can establish authority and capture interest.

For example, Sam begins his piece, The Hidden Costs of Hobbies and Side Projects, with: “You have to sacrifice in life, or your life will become the sacrifice.”

This quote intensifies the title’s ominous tone, prompting readers to reflect on their own hobbies and the potential hidden costs.

2. Setting a Scene

Vividly describing a scene at the start of your article invites readers into a specific moment. This technique makes your topic more relatable and engaging.

In Your OKRs Aren’t OKRs, the author captures the monotony of setting business objectives with a relatable scenario:

“Picture this: A new quarter is upon you, and your team is grudgingly setting OKRs. Eyes roll, sighs echo, and you hear someone mutter (or yell) ‘why do we even bother?’”

3. Using Statistics or Fun Facts

Starting with a statistic or fun fact instantly captures attention by surprising readers or piquing their curiosity. This method can challenge assumptions and establish credibility.

For example, an article on the benefits of eye contact begins with: “Over 50% of employers interpret a struggle to make eye contact as nervousness or lack of confidence.”

1. Keep it short.

Short, punchy sentences are easy to understand and retain attention. Aim for three short paragraphs at most, and don’t bury the lead. Use tools like our Paragraph Rewriter to make your content concise.

2. Say something unexpected.

Engage your readers by saying something surprising or unexpected. This could be a personal story or compelling data that shifts their perspective.

3. Don’t repeat the title.

Use your introduction to expand on the promise made in your title, providing context and highlighting the value of your content.

4. Use the word “you” at least once.

Establish a connection by directly addressing your readers. The word “you” turns your content into a conversation, making it more relatable.

5. Tell readers what’s coming next.

Guide your audience by outlining what they can expect in the article. Posing a question can also hint at the valuable information to come.

6. Explain why the article is important.

Highlight the relevance of your content. For example, an article on TikTok might lead with a surprising growth statistic to capture marketing professionals’ attention.

7. Refer to a concern or problem your readers might have.

People read articles to solve problems. Addressing a specific concern in your introduction shows empathy and establishes your article’s relevance.

8. Be careful telling stories.

While stories can captivate readers, keep them concise and relevant. Consider building up to the story’s conclusion throughout your article to maintain interest.

9. Use a stat or a fact to convey urgency.

Starting with an eye-catching statistic or fact draws readers in, underscoring the importance of your topic. For example, highlight how frequently old pipes burst in winter in an article by a plumber.

Using Generative AI to Write Content

The advent of AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper has been revolutionary for content creators.

These tools help overcome writer’s block, brainstorm ideas, and draft content quickly. However, while AI can be useful, it’s essential to refine its output with your expertise and experience to add depth and accuracy.

Here are steps to use AI for crafting a compelling introduction:

1. Determine the type of introduction you want.
2. Write a clear prompt for the AI, specifying the tone and style.
3. Review the AI-generated text for inaccuracies or areas that need clarification.
4. Edit the content to incorporate your voice and knowledge.
5. Verify any data, quotes, or facts included.

For example, using the prompt: “Write an introduction for an article on the benefits of morning exercise, starting with a surprising fun fact about mental health.”, the AI might generate: “Did you know that just 20 minutes of exercise in the morning can boost your mood for up to 12 hours?”

Making a Great First Impression

Whether you set a scene, share an anecdote, or use a quote, remember that empathy and relatability keep readers engaged. Always think about what would make you want to read the article and let that guide your introduction.

Introductions are challenging, but mastering them is worth the effort as it enhances reader retention and engagement.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2015 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Click Here For More Marketing tips and strategies.