One of the first things a writer should be focusing on is how to write a blog introduction.

Once you have reeled the reader in with an enticing headline, you now need to seal the deal. Think about whenever you read an article - how does a great introduction make you feel? It most likely sets the tone, almost forcing you to keep reading.

Of course, the rest of the content is essential, but many writers seem to forget how vital the introduction is in attracting readers.

To get started, here are seven quick tips on how to write a blog introduction.

1. Start with a quote

“F*ck you!”

Imagine starting an article off with that quote. Then you tell a story about how someone told you that one day at work. Or something.

A quote that stands out is a great way to introduce your blog post. It can set the tone for what’s to come.

Here’s another example:

How’s that for a hook?

A lot of people fall into the trap of posting common quotes, though. For example, Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein, while saying lots of wise things, are often overused. Consequently, it may feel like you don’t have a lot to say because you are repeating thousands of other writers.

You want to make the reader think, “Why on earth have they included that?” Or, “I hadn’t thought of it like that.”

As Leonardo DiCaprio’s despicable character said in Django Unchained:

“You had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.”

2. Make a bold statement

“I’ve never once written an article I’m proud of."

A bold statement like that is bound to acquire some raised eyebrows. It shows fearless honesty and humanity, which a lot of people will resonate with.

This tactic may feel challenging at first. Making a bold statement may require you to take a stance - something you might feel uncomfortable with. Listen to that feeling.

If you’re uncomfortable posting something, it’s a sign you’re writing with emotion. Readers love that - it displays authenticity. A bold statement will tempt the reader into unraveling why you’ve said what you’ve said. You have provided a hook and can spend the rest of the article reeling them in.

3. State an unbelievable fact

“The high-five wasn’t invented until 1977.”

I know what you’re thinking - surely not? 

It got your attention. As an introduction, it’s served its purpose. Of course, it can’t be completely random. For the above fact, you could write:

“The high-five wasn’t invented until 1977. Who says it’s not the right time to create something new?”

You might not mention the high-five again in your article. It doesn’t matter. As long as the unbelievable fact transitions nicely into your piece, then you’ve got a good grasp on how to write a blog introduction.

4. Skip the introduction altogether

Some writers, mainly when writing listicles, ditch the introduction and get going straight away.

This is a great technique to make the article more skimmable. When encountering pieces with lots of points, such as “15 Ways to Improve Your Productivity,” readers probably won’t stick around for the entire length of your work. Instead, they’ll go through your subheadings. By skipping straight to the point, you’re giving the reader what they want from an early stage.

This might even inspire some appreciation and cause them to slow down because you’re “throwing out the playbook” on how to write a blog introduction.

5. Start in the middle of the story

Starting your article in the middle of your story allows you to make a bold entrance. You can then spend the rest of the article unraveling what you’ve written, so readers can understand what it all means.

Prolific Medium writer Jordan Gross perfectly executed this in his viral article: “5 Life Lessons Told Over 5 Glasses of Wine from a 99-Year Old Filled With Regret."

As you can see, Jordan has thrown you into the deep end. After the introduction, he then introduces the article by setting the scene, as shown in the section below the highlighted one.

This is one of the more exciting ways to write a blog introduction. It gives you room to experiment, as you take the reader on the journey and dictate how they should read it. It allows you to flex your creative muscles.

6. Build your credibility

If you’re writing an article about how to “make it on Medium,” for example, you need to make the reader believe you know what you’re doing. Think of it as a mini-CV.

You’re reassuring the reader you are writing from a position of authority. As a result, they will feel comfortable reading the rest of your article. So if you’re writing an article about making it on Medium, state how you’ve got to that point, tell the reader how many stats and followers you’ve got. Post a screenshot of your earnings.

Make the reader trust you.

7. Combine two or three of these tips

In the screenshot of Jordan’s article I posted earlier, you may have noticed that he uses two of the techniques I’ve mentioned. He starts with a crazy quote that immediately grabs the eye. It then becomes apparent this is a story that needs unraveling.

Combining these tips is a great way to ensure the reader will keep on reading. Essentially, you’re providing multiple hooks. Another great example is from Benjamin Hardy, one of Medium’s most famous writers. This is the introduction to his article, “How to Make $1,283,167+ Yearly As A Writer in Less Than 5 Years.”

Benjamin then establishes his credibility, explaining his remarkable accomplishments. They speak for themselves and make it impossible not to trust him.

Final thoughts

Learning how to write a blog introduction is like a boxer learning about footwork. You may gloss over it in favor of the picturesque right hook, but it is fundamental in your skill. An introduction lays the groundwork for what follows - planting your article in the right position from the first sentence.

If you take anything away from this article, let it be that your introduction is vital to your blog’s success. Knowing how to write a blog introduction is one of the first skills a writer needs.