I don’t know about you, but the intro is usually where I spend the most time writing — even though it’s usually just 100–150 words! It’s like the intro, despite delivering zero of the actual content, carries the entire emotional weight of the article. Tone, flow, promise, authority — all packed into a sad little paragraph that readers skim in three seconds, lol 💀.
So, here’s what I started doing: I write the intro last.
Once the post is already structured, helpful, and engaging, it’s way easier to write a strong, crisp intro that doesn’t spill all the gold too early. And that’s exactly what this post will help you with: fast, simple ways to write intros that immediately hook readers — without overthinking it for 20 minutes while aggressively sipping cold coffee.
Let’s make this simple.
This post is part of my guide:
How to Create a Strategic Blogging Workflow (Content, SEO, and Productivity)
Why Your Intro Matters More Than You Think
Readers don’t commit immediately — they sample.
They land on your post, skim the first 2–3 lines, and immediately decide:
“Hmm. Do I stay or do I flee?”
Your intro’s only job is to convince them to stay long enough to realize the post is actually helpful.
Not poetic.
Not dramatic.
Not “Let me tell you the entire story of why I started my blog in 2018.”
Just one job: pull them into the next sentence.
If it does that, congrats — you bought yourself a reader.
The Real Goal of an Intro (It’s Not What You Think)
Here’s a gold secret for beginners and non-writers adventuring in the blogging world:
The intro is not the place to be cute.
Not the place to be clever.
Not the place to summarize your entire post.
The goal?
→ To make your reader say: “Yes, this is exactly what I need.”
Strong intros do 3 things quickly:
- Acknowledge what the reader wants (can be a relatable note that identifies the struggle)
- Identify the problem standing in the way
- Promise the value the post will deliver
That’s it.
No fluff. No thriller novel pacing.
The 5 High-Performing Intro Styles (With Templates + Examples)
These are the five intro styles I use constantly — on my site, client blogs, and every post I’ve ever written that performed well on Google or Pinterest.
1. The “Call Out the Problem” Intro
When to use it:
Perfect for “how to fix X” or “how to stop X mistake” posts.
Template:
“You’re trying to ___, but ___ keeps happening. Here’s why — and how to fix it.”
Example:
“You’re trying to write blog posts faster, but every time you sit down to write, the intro becomes a 20-minute overthinking spiral. Let’s fix that.”
2. The “Promise the Result” Intro
When to use it:
- How-to guides
- productivity posts
- any tutorial-style content.
Template:
“If you want to ___ without ___, this post walks you through exactly how to do it.”
Example:
“If you want to write intros that actually get people to keep reading — without rewriting the first paragraph six times — this guide makes it stupidly easy.”
3. The “Mini Story” Intro (Keep It 2–3 Lines)
When to use it:
- Lifestyle
- blogging
- online income
- personal experience
- Pinterest-friendly content.
Template:
“Yesterday I ___. That’s when I realized ___. Here’s how to avoid the same thing.”
Example:
“Yesterday I spent 15 minutes writing a beautiful intro… and then deleted the entire thing because it sounded like a TED Talk given by a tired robot. Here’s the formula I now use instead.”
4. The “Common Mistake” Intro
When to use it:
Content where readers often get one thing consistently wrong.
Template:
“Most people try to ___ when writing about ___. That’s why their posts fall flat.”
Example:
“Most new bloggers start their posts with a long warm-up paragraph. That’s why readers bounce before they even reach the good part.”
5. The “Contrarian Insight” Intro
When to use it:
- SEO content
- industry myths
- anything where you want attention fast.
Template:
“Everyone says ___. But the truth is ___ — and here’s the part beginners never hear.”
Example:
“Everyone says the intro is the most important part of your blog post. It’s not. The next sentence is. But your intro decides whether readers even see it.”
My Plug-and-Play Formula for Writing Intros in 60 Seconds
When I write intros last, this is the exact formula I use — fast, predictable, clean:
→ Step 1: Identify the reader’s problem or goal
“What are they struggling with right now?”
→ Step 2: Clarify the transformation
“What will they gain from reading the post?”
→Step 3: Make the promise specific (not vague)
“What’s the most useful outcome?”
Example using the formula:
“If writing intros feels impossible or takes way too long, this guide gives you simple formulas you can copy, tweak, and use in under 60 seconds — even if writing isn’t your strong suit.”
Done.
Clean.
Reader-focused.
Zero fluff.
Simple Mistakes That Ruin Your Intro (and How to Fix Them)
Here are the most common beginner mistakes — and the quick fix for each:
❌ Too long before you get to the point
Fix: Cut the first sentence. (It’s almost always padding.)
See this example in the travel niche:
Wrong:
“Traveling is something many people dream of, and the idea of exploring the world has become more popular than ever. When you visit Paris, there are countless things to see, but most travelers still miss the small experiences that make the trip unforgettable.”
Fixed:
“When you visit Paris, most travelers miss the small moments that make the trip unforgettable — the ones that don’t show up on itineraries. Here’s how to experience the city like a local.”
❌ Overexplaining the topic
Fix: Tell them what they’ll get, not what the topic is.
Wrong:
“Strength training is a type of exercise that uses resistance to build muscle. It’s an important part of a balanced fitness routine, and many people want to get stronger but don’t know where to start.”
Fixed:
“If you want to get stronger without spending hours at the gym, here’s the exact 20-minute beginner strength routine trainers use to build results fast.”
❌ Starting with a cliché (“In today’s world…”)
Fix: Start with their problem, not a generic statement (also, that makes you sound like a 2024 AI lol, so don’t do that).
See this example in the travel niche:
Wrong:
“In today’s fast-paced world, traveling has become a way to escape the stress of everyday life.
Fixed:
“Ever landed in a new city, opened Google Maps, and realized you have no idea what to do next? Here’s how to plan a stress-free itinerary in under 15 minutes.”
❌ Apologizing or being timid (“I hope this helps…”)
Fix: Write like you know the material — because you do.
See this example in the fitness niche:
Wrong:
“I’m not sure if this will help, but here are some tips I learned about running that might work for you.”
Fixed:
“If you want to run longer without feeling like your lungs are exploding, here are the three form fixes that make the biggest difference for beginners.”
❌ Trying too hard to sound smart
Fix: Use simple, clean, direct language with one clear promise.
See this example in the travel niche:
Wrong:
“Maximizing the experiential potential of your travels requires a strategic approach to logistical preparation and cultural integration.”
Fixed:
“Here’s the simplest way to plan a trip that saves money, avoids crowds, and still hits the must-see spots.”
Quick Editing Tricks to Make Your Intro Instantly Stronger
These take 30 seconds and can save you from mediocre intros:
- Cut filler words (“just,” “really,” “actually,” “in order to”)
- Replace vague phrases with specifics
- Break long sentences into two
- Move the strongest statement to sentence #1
- Read it out loud: if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, rewrite it
- Ask: “Would this make me scroll or click away?”
Final Thoughts + What to Do Next
Writing intros that hook readers isn’t about talent — it’s about technique. Once you understand how to grab attention, build momentum, and set clear expectations, your entire blog instantly feels more confident and polished.
Now that you’ve mastered intros, it’s time for the next part of your workflow: creating content that actually converts without selling out too hard or losing momentum.
→ Once your content workflow is ready, it’s time to take the next step on your blogging journey:
Blogging Income & Monetization Strategies
