How to Write an Introduction: A Easier Guide

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There’s a lot of information available on how to write an introduction. Getting people to read your content is an important component of any blogging strategy. But what about the introductions themselves?

Persuading readers to continue past the first paragraph is an art form. If you don’t do it well, you’re missing out on potential promoters, subscribers, leads, and paying customers.

Why introductions matter: insights from 2026

Take a look at the graph below from the latest Chartbeat research. In a 2026 study spanning thousands of articles across the web, the data shows exactly where readers stopped scrolling.

Chartbeat tracked visitor behavior on a second-by-second basis, recording which part of the page users were viewing. Each bar represents the percentage of readers who made it to the end of an article.

The findings remain striking: 10% of people who land on an article never read it all the way through.

So how do you encourage more readers to keep scrolling? One of the most effective methods is to craft a strong, intriguing introduction.

In this post, we’ll explore practical techniques to turn casual visitors into engaged readers. Let’s dive in.

How to Write an Introduction: 10 Proven Techniques

1. Make your first sentence short

Short sentences work. They’re easy to understand, digestible, and punchy. Many writers, however, get caught up in crafting the perfect opening and end up with long, tangled sentences that force readers to work too hard.

At the very beginning of an article, readers don’t want extra effort. Start with two or three crisp sentences instead.

2. Say something unexpected

You’ve probably heard the advice to “create a hook” or “grab the reader’s attention.” But what actually captures attention in an introduction? Something unusual—even surprising. If your opening line makes readers curious enough to continue, you’ve done your job. A predictable or dull first sentence risks losing them immediately.

3. Don’t repeat the title

Assume your reader has already seen the headline. There’s no need to restate it. Use the introduction to expand on the topic and set the tone for what follows.

4. Keep the introduction concise

There’s no strict rule about length, yet readers have limited attention. According to the 2026 Chartbeat data, they want to reach the main content quickly. Don’t bury the key message—get to the point.

5. Use the word “you” at least once

The word “you” creates an immediate connection. It signals that you’re writing directly for the reader, that you understand their needs, and that the content is meant for them.

6. Briefly explain what the article covers

Tell readers upfront what the piece is about and what they’ll gain. A clear thesis statement helps them decide whether to continue reading. Phrases like “This article explains…” or “In this post, you’ll discover…” work well.

Here are a few variations:

“You’re about to discover why sea turtles deposit their eggs on the beach.”

“If you’ve ever wondered why sea turtles lay their eggs on the sand, this post has the answer.”

“Here are 17 reasons these remarkable creatures choose beaches for nesting.”

7. Explain why the topic matters

1. Readers may not immediately see the relevance of your subject. In one or two sentences, clarify why the information is valuable to them.

This article, for example, connects strong introductions to tangible outcomes: more engaged readers, subscribers, and customers.

8. Mention a problem your readers face

Addressing a pain point early creates instant relevance. When you reference challenges your audience recognizes, they’re more likely to keep reading for solutions.

9. Use stories carefully

Stories can build empathy and interest, but they must stay focused. Keep any narrative short and tie it directly to the article’s purpose. If you open with a story, consider saving the resolution for later in the piece.

10. Lead with a compelling statistic or fact

An eye-catching data point can draw readers in and demonstrate why your topic deserves attention. For instance, a plumber writing about pipe replacement might open with statistics on how often aging pipes fail in winter—immediately showing the problem’s scale.

Conclusion

The next time you write an article, consider what kind of introduction would make you want to keep reading. A long, wordy sentence? Probably not. An irrelevant story or generic question? Unlikely.

Readers respond to fresh, relevant, and intriguing openings that speak to their interests and problems. Strong introductions take practice, but the effort pays off in higher reader retention.

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