The Opening Act: Crafting an Introduction That Resonates

AKHIL THULASEEDHARAN
4 min readFeb 21, 2023

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This is the third part of the “How to Write Like a Pro” series.

STEP 2️⃣ Introduction

The introduction is the first thing people will read after the title, so it needs to be strong and hook the reader in.

The purpose of the introduction is to provide an overview and make the reader want to read more.

❌What Not to Do in Your Introduction

First up, it’s not a summary. If you spill the beans in the introduction, why would anyone keep reading?

Then there’s the “Once upon a time” style intro, which is not the place for a context-free story. Unless you’re writing about the origin of human beings, that’s not necessary.

Next, we have the extension of the title, which is just redundant.

✅So, what should you do in your introduction?

Well, you should provide context and bring some relevant information. You want to instigate curiosity and make the text scannable.

But, of course, you don’t want to lose your audience by being too lengthy. And don’t forget to reveal the benefits of reading on! Bring Some Relevant Information

After all, you want your text to bring value to your reader.

So, you can start with a question or a statement that will make people want to know more, provide some background information on the topic, and use a clear and easy-to-read writing style.

🔷Instigate Curiosity

But, as stated earlier, you don’t want your reader to read the introduction and be content with that. So, pique their curiosity by posing a question or a promise (which of course must be kept in the text).

🔷Be Brief

If your introduction has 10 paragraphs of 100 lines, you’ll lose your audience right away. Keep it short and sweet, and get to the point quickly.

🔷Reveal the Benefits of Reading On

When reading a text, people want to know what they get out of it, or why learning about it is important. This information is great for a good introduction, as it sets the tone for what the reader can expect to gain from reading your content.

🔷Make the Text Scannable

Allow the reader to read dynamically and become interested in the content. This can be done by bolding the most important information or by bringing in relevant links.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, how can all of this be accomplished in just a few short paragraphs?

🔶Persona

All text is written for someone, so use audience analysis. The theme is why your introduction exists, so all text should be centered around it.

🔶Set the Right Tone

The tone of your text begins in the introduction, and it is what generates empathy in the reader and assists in engagement.

🔶Make It Clear What They’ll Get

Your introduction should make it clear to the reader what they will get from reading your content. This could be in the form of valuable information, a new perspective, or just a good laugh.

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In the introduction,I started with a question since most of our target audience comes under the 9–5 job category with lesser paycheck,so this question will connect with them. Thanks to the audience analysis report.

I also focused on strategies that are easy to understand and implement, as the majority of the target audience has limited experience with making money online.

Next, I introduced the topic of making money online and how it has become more accessible than ever before, which aligns with the instruction to bring some relevant information and provide context.

I then emphasized the appeal of earning extra income from the comfort of one’s own home, which again aligns with the instruction to reveal the benefits of reading on.

Now coming to the introduction guidelines, I considered the theme, which is the desire to increase one’s income. I also aimed to set the right tone by being enthusiastic and encouraging.

Overall, I tried to incorporate the instructions by addressing common pain points, providing context and relevant information, instigating curiosity, revealing the benefits of reading on, being brief, and tailoring the introduction to the reader’s needs and desires.

Depending on your requirements and the nature of the post, the length of the introduction can be modified.

Overall, the audience analysis report provided crucial information that helped me write an introduction that addresses the target audience’s interests and needs and excites them to continue reading the article.

Share your thoughts and input on how we can improve this in the comment section. Let’s start an insightful discussion.

Continue Learning!

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AKHIL THULASEEDHARAN

I write on Content Marketing🔹 AI Trends🔷 Life Lessons for more visit: akhilpillai.com