Most readers decide within a few seconds whether to keep reading. Your introduction is where that decision happens. A good intro doesn’t need to be clever; it needs to tell the reader they’re in the right place and that the post will be worth their time.
The job of an introduction
- Confirm the topic: “Yes, this is about what you searched for.”
- Connect with the problem: “I understand what you’re dealing with.”
- Promise a result: “By the end, you’ll be able to…”
Do those three things in 50–150 words, then get out of the way.
5 introduction formulas
1. Problem → Promise
Name the problem, then promise the solution.
Your sourdough looks perfect on the outside but it’s dense and gummy inside. It’s frustrating, and it’s almost always caused by one of five fixable things. Here’s how to find yours and get an open, airy crumb next bake.
2. Question → Answer preview
Ask the question your reader is asking, then preview the answer.
How often should you post on your blog? Less often than you think. For most bloggers, one great post a week beats three rushed ones. Here’s how to find the right rhythm for you.
3. Surprising fact or statement
The most successful blog post I ever wrote took 40 minutes. The least successful took two weeks. The difference had nothing to do with effort.
4. Short story
Open with a quick, relevant scene, then link it to the reader.
The first time I tried batch cooking, I spent six hours in the kitchen and ended up with eleven containers of the same chili. By Thursday, nobody wanted to look at it. Here’s the simpler system I use now.
5. “If you…” (reader mirror)
If you’ve ever opened a blank document, written one sentence and closed it again, this guide is for you.
Before and after
| Weak intro | Strong intro |
|---|---|
| “Hi everyone! Today I wanted to talk about email lists, something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately…” | “An email list is the only audience you truly own. The good news: you can start one today with zero subscribers and no budget. Here’s how.” |
| “Gardening is a popular hobby enjoyed by millions of people around the world.” | “No garden? No problem. These seven vegetables grow happily in pots on a sunny balcony, even if you’ve never grown anything before.” |
Mistakes that make readers leave
- Throat-clearing: “In today’s post I’m going to…” Just start.
- Dictionary definitions: “According to Webster’s…” rarely helps.
- Long personal backstory before any value. Keep stories short and relevant.
- Vague promises: “some tips” instead of what exactly they’ll learn.
- Stating the obvious: “The internet is a big place.”
Practical tips
- Write the introduction last, once you know what the post delivers.
- Include your main keyword naturally in the first sentence or two.
- Keep it to two to four short paragraphs.
- If the post is long, follow the intro with a quick summary or table of contents.
- Read it aloud: would you keep listening?
FAQs
How long should a blog introduction be?
Usually 50–150 words. Long guides can have slightly longer intros, but the reader should know what they’ll get within the first three sentences.
Should I give the answer away in the introduction?
For simple questions, yes. Give the short answer, then explain it. Readers appreciate it and are more likely to trust (and keep reading) the rest of your post.
Pair a strong intro with a strong headline: read how to write blog headlines people click, then put it all together with how to write a blog post, step by step.