The most important sentence in any article is the first one. If it doesn’t induce the reader to proceed to the second sentence, your article is dead.
William Zinnser
Ten seconds, tops. That’s all it takes the average person to read that opening quote. Ten seconds determine if they will read the rest of your article or go back to scrolling Facebook or watching TikTok videos. We’ve got five easy-to-implement tips for writing your first paragraph.
Start With a Compelling Hook
The hook for this article is the quote by William Zinnser and followed up by the “ten seconds” reference. The quote acts as an expert who establishes the importance of starting out quickly.
The reference to ten seconds heightens the sense of urgency and shows why those first one or two sentences need to be amazing.
So, what is a compelling hook anyway? It is anything that:
- Makes a bold claim (as long as it is true).
- Asks a provocative question.
- Shares a startling fact or statistic.
- Tells an engaging anecdote.
The hook should capture the reader’s attention and let them know something good is coming up next.
Be Concise and Clear
I have made this letter longer than usual because I lack the time to make it shorter.
Blaise Pascal
Your opening paragraph is the introduction to what is to come. There is no room for long-windedness here. You are whetting the reader’s appetite, promising something more to come. Tell them exactly what the rest of the article is about, but save the juicy bits for the subsequent paragraphs.
Resist the urge to include jargon or technical language in this paragraph. It slows the pace down and can put your readers off. You have plenty of space later in the article for that jargon as long as you explain your terms.
Three or four sentences provide enough information but don’t slow down or bore the reader.
Use Descriptive Language
Make the reader feel they are a part of the story by using sensory-rich language that paints a picture in their minds. You will keep your reader interested and establish an emotional connection with them.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here we go:
“Imagine walking across your lawn, surrounded by lush, green grass that is cool to the touch. There is a soft rustle of the leaves on the trees, and the air is filled with the lovely perfume of recently cut grass. Unwind in your backyard, knowing that your lawn is the healthiest and most vibrant on the block thanks to our superior lawn care solutions. You might even become the envy of your neighbors.”
This opening appeals to sight, sound, touch, and smell in four sentences.
Make It Relevant
Connect your opening paragraph to the reader’s experiences and interests. In the above example, we appealed to homeowners with lawns to tend to. This goes beyond the mechanics of lawn maintenance – a need they have – and elevates it to an almost Garden of Eden experience – an interest they have.
Anyone can mow their own lawns. This paragraph suggests they can enjoy the benefits of a well-manicured lawn without the trouble of doing it themselves.
As a bonus, they just might become the envy of their neighbors.
Use Your Focus Keyword
Use your focus keyword in your hook. You want to rank for it, and your readers used it to answer a question.
Even if you can’t use your focus keyword in the opening sentence, use it in the opening paragraph somewhere. Work it in as a natural part of the flow and message of this paragraph.
Experiment With Different Formats
Bonus tip! Who doesn’t like freebies?
Experiment with different opening styles. Mix up your opening until you find what fits your style, voice, and persona. Use the one or two that feel good and resonate with your audience.
Writing Your First Paragraph
The first eight seconds of any race are the most important. The horses that come out of the gates running are the ones that usually win.
D. Wayne Lukas
Writing your first paragraph can be challenging. It has a big responsibility to fulfill if the rest of your article has any chance at all of being read. It should pique their interest and draw them into the rest of the article.
At Growth Zone Media, we know about hooks and compelling opening paragraphs. We’re also pretty good at the second, third, fourth, and… you get the picture. Drop us a message to learn how we can help you write your next first paragraph.