The opening paragraph is the first thing a reader sees when they open your blog post; if you get this right, it can grab their attention and reel them in, but they may never read on if you get it wrong. So, how do you write a good opening paragraph? Read this post to find out.
What makes a good opening paragraph?
It’s clear (you don’t have to say it’s clear, we’ll know!) It’s short. Interestingly, It makes us want to read the rest of the post first. It’s clear. It is so critical that I put it in all caps: IT’S CLEAR. Even more importantly, it’s not clear to “YOU.”
Here are a few tips for writing a great first paragraph for your blog post. First of all, you need to get attention. What does this mean? Well, many people are heading straight to the comments in your blog to see if there’s something worth reading. They will click on the title or the image or look for something that makes them think, ‘yes, that looks interesting. So they may never see your first paragraph. Learn More.
So what does an opening paragraph need? You already know it needs to be engaging, but there’s a lot more to it than that, and it’s much harder to do well than you think. This article will cover what you need to know to write a good opening paragraph. To get the best results, you need to be able to ask yourself critical questions, such as: What information do I need to share? What has the potential reader want to know? Learn More.
The opening paragraph of a blog post should contain the essential information and context that the reader needs to know to understand the rest of the material. The goal is not to be wordy but to quickly tell the reader what they need to know. Here are some suggestions for grabbing a new reader’s attention:
Lead with something new or unexpected. What have you heard or read that most people haven’t heard or haven’t read?
Why is it new or essential? What is the impact on the reader? Use this as your lead. If you have a new way to solve a problem, a new tool, a new approach, a new perspective, a new piece of data from a recent study, a new opinion, or a new insight, then lead with that for tools, click [HERE].
1. Start with a story. Stories make a point more memorable and shareable.
2. Lead with answers. What are the questions you most often get from your readers? What do people want to know? Start with the answers.
3. Lead with something of value. What do you know about your topic that can help your readers? What have you learned that can help someone else? What have you discovered that your readers will benefit from?
4. Lead with a question. Make a statement. Are you an expert in a particular subject? The more you know about a topic, the more you should share. Any information that will surprise your readers is good.
5. Lead with a piece of data. What is a statistic of significant importance? A number is always good, especially if it is not commonly known.
6. Lead with a provocative question. Better yet, propose a question you will answer in the article.
7. This is an excellent way to set yourself apart from the crowd.
8. Ask and answer a question. A good opening question will intrigue people, and a good answer will satisfy them.
If you can’t think of a good question, don’t force it. If you have no questions to answer, then phrase your blog post as a statement.
9. Use a good example. What’s trending?
10. Explain a process, event, or phenomenon in a new or more exciting way than in other sources.
11. Explain a new or emerging concept and its significance clearly, credible, and engaging.
12. Share insights on a subject most people don’t know about. Avoid platitudes about familiar topics.
13. Use everyday language, not industry jargon.
The following is an example of a good lead paragraph:
On 17 July 2016, armed with a handgun, a man shot and killed five police officers during an otherwise peaceful protest in Dallas, Texas.
The information, in this case, is clear and quickly provides the context for the rest of the blog post. Writing a blog post is not the same as writing an essay for school or writing a report for work. You don’t want to spend much time telling the reader about a problem that you are working on addressing. You want to get to the point to get to the solution. They craft the perfect image.
After the opening paragraph, you need to put a visual in the reader’s mind. Try to include the following in your opening paragraph:
- Why the blog post is needed
- Why the reader should read this blog post
- What the reader will gain from reading the post
- The most important point to make
- Once you’ve met these criteria, you’re ready to start writing the rest of your post!
- Use a conversational tone.
The Problem
A common practice is to start a blog post explaining the existing problem. To write a powerful opening paragraph, follow these steps:
1. Introduce the topic of the blog post.
2. Explain why this topic is essential.
3. Establish the expertise of the blog author in the field.
4. Provide proof or statistics.
Example:
Why Humans Talk
Human beings are born with the innate ability to talk. Our species is unique in this regard. Indeed, other animals communicate. Many apes and primates can vocalize to express their emotions and desires. Dolphins can use sound waves to communicate with one another. Birds can sing to one another. Still, no other animal can do what we do – talk. Why is this?
Research over the years has provided strong evidence that humans are born with the ability to talk. We have found that the ability to speak is a complex process. Humans are not born with the knowledge of how to tell. However, only humans use language to communicate.
Language also allows us to form complex thoughts and transmit them across time and space. You are conveying thoughts and ideas to other people separating us from primitive peoples and animals. Learn more.
Conclusion,
Statistics show that the ability to communicate is a critical skill. We have the power of language to express ourselves, our wishes, and our needs. We convey complex feelings. Writing skills are essential in our personal, social, and professional development. Our words and actions help us build meaningful relationships with those around us.
Please leave your comments, questions, or opinions below!
Thanks for being part of the community!
Kevin
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