How to write a blog introduction that earns the read
Most readers decide whether to continue reading within the first 3 sentences of your introduction. Yet most bloggers either open with a table of contents or bury their best material three paragraphs down. This guide covers the 5 proven introduction formulas, a simple 3-sentence framework, 30 opening lines across 5 categories, and before/after examples you can model immediately.
Start your blog — free →Why blog introductions fail
Starting with "In this post, I will..."
This is a table of contents, not an introduction. The reader already knows what the post covers from the headline. Your introduction's job is to earn the read, not summarise it. Telling readers what you're about to tell them wastes the most valuable real estate on the page.
Burying the hook
Most writers build up slowly to the interesting part. By then, the reader has already left. The most important sentence in your introduction is the first one — it has to earn the second. Lead with your strongest material.
Writing about yourself instead of the reader
"I've been blogging for 5 years and I've learned a lot about..." centres you. Readers open your post because they want help with something. Lead with their problem, their situation, their goal — not your credentials.
Over-explaining the context
A 4-paragraph scene-setting introduction before getting to the point is a symptom of not trusting your hook. If your introduction needs extensive context to make sense, the hook isn't strong enough. Cut to the point.
5 proven intro formulas
1. The Problem-Promise intro
State the reader's specific problem → acknowledge why it's hard → promise the specific solution this post delivers. Keeps focus on the reader's pain point throughout. Example structure: "[Specific problem most readers have]. [Why the usual advice doesn't work]. Here's what actually does."
2. The Surprising Fact intro
Open with a counterintuitive statistic or unexpected fact that reframes the reader's assumption → use it to frame the topic → transition to your post's angle. Works when you have a genuinely surprising data point. The fact must be directly relevant — a shocking statistic unrelated to the core topic is just clickbait.
3. The Story intro
Start in the middle of a specific moment (not "when I started blogging..." — too vague) → make the story relevant to the reader's situation → pivot to what the reader can take from your experience. Works especially well for personal and lifestyle content. The story must be brief (2-3 sentences) and directly relevant to the post.
4. The Question intro
Open with the exact question your reader is asking → acknowledge the complexity or common confusion → signal that this post answers it definitively. The question must be genuine and specific — not rhetorical. "Have you ever wondered..." is weak. "Why does your sourdough starter smell like acetone?" is strong.
5. The Bold Claim intro
Make a counterintuitive statement that challenges conventional wisdom → back it immediately with one sentence of support → transition to your argument. High risk, high reward — if the claim isn't interesting, readers dismiss it. If it is, they're committed to reading the counter-argument.
The 3-sentence intro framework
Every blog introduction should answer 3 questions in order:
Is this for me?
Identify the reader and the situation. "If you're training for your first marathon and hitting the wall at mile 18..." Reader either recognises themselves or exits.
Why does this matter?
State the consequence or opportunity. "Getting this wrong costs most runners 10+ minutes on race day."
What will I get if I keep reading?
The specific promise. "This post covers the exact pacing strategy that eliminates the wall."
Complete in 3-5 sentences. Then get to the content.
30 opening lines by category
Replace the bracketed placeholders with specifics from your post. The brackets mark where your angle and topic go.
Problem-focused openings
Fact/statistic openings
Story openings
Question openings
Bold claim openings
Before/after intro examples
The same topic, rewritten to lead with what matters to the reader.
Topic: How to Start Running
Before
In this post, I'm going to explain how to start a running routine. Running is a great exercise that has many benefits. I've been running for 5 years and I've learned a lot. Let me share my tips with you.
After
Most people who decide to start running quit within 3 weeks — not because running is too hard, but because they go out too fast on day one and feel terrible. Here's how to build a running habit that actually sticks.
Topic: Best Budget Laptops
Before
Are you looking for a budget laptop? There are many options on the market and it can be confusing. In this article, I will review the best budget laptops you can buy today.
After
The best laptop under £600 in 2026 isn't the one with the best specs — it's the one with the best combination of battery life, keyboard, and repairability. Here's what I've tested and what I'd actually buy.
Topic: How to Save Money
Before
Saving money is important. Many people struggle with saving money. In this post, I'll give you some tips to help you save more money and reach your financial goals.
After
Most money advice skips the step that actually matters: figuring out why you're overspending in the first place. Fix that, and the 'save £200 a month' tactics start to work.
Write blog introductions that keep readers reading.
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