How To Write The Perfect Article Introduction

It doesn't really matter what you are writing about in your article; what really matters is that your writing displays confidence, gets the reader's attention, keeps that attention, and gets them to act. Don't be confused by that last sentence; 'getting them to act'. If they read your entire article, that is action, and it won't be long before they are reading more articles written by you. More articles equal more traffic to your website.

Almost anyone can write fairly decently, and even be considered a good writer, if he or she takes the time to learn a few basic rules about writing and grammar.
I know, you thought you were done with writing and grammar when you left high school, but you have decided to write articles to drive traffic to your website, so, you must be prepared to do the work and learn how to write better. This time around, I promise, it will be different, and you will learn because there is more at stake for you, now!

 

Let's get started with some basics about Writing Article Introductions:

Every article needs an INTRODUCTION or a statement that catches the reader's attention. It also lets the reader know of what you plan on discussing in your article. Within that introduction, preferably, the last sentence of that introduction would be your 'thesis statement' or the MAIN IDEA of your entire article.

 

Here are some examples of Thesis Statements:

 

Opinion And Fact Thesis

"Dracula was one of the better films of the summer because of its setting, action, and philosophy."

 

Consequence Thesis

"Social ostracism, great expense, and personal hardship are three of the unfortunate results of the most dangerous disease of the century- AIDS."

Autobiographical Thesis

"From my personal experience, I know that poor preparation, alcohol consumption, and insect infestation can cause most family picnics to fail."

 
Let's put those two basic concepts together, and examine a not so good intro, and a decent introduction...
"Are you a networker who is doing everything but not succeeding much? Do you want to do better, if so then read the rest of this article cause I'm doing good and you can too?"

Kind of boring, right? Did you catch the miss-use of the word 'good'? When this author said "I'm doing good" he misused the adjective 'good', and should have used the adverb 'well' to describe his actions, but I will leave that for more advanced articles. This introduction has the potential to grab the reader's attention, but it is written rather blandly, and it wouldn't get me to continue reading, much less bookmark the author.

 
"Network marketing dies a slow viral death. Today, the last person left to be sponsored just joined a network marketing organization and the market instantly ceased to exist. Many millionaires are now bankrupt, and must go back to work."

This article introduction would surely get me to continue reading further, especially since I have been around marketing since the early 2000's, and it is a recurring dream I have, and I am the last guy who didn't sponsor anyone!

You decide which introduction would get you to keep reading, if it is article one, then I don't know if I can help you; however, if it is article two, then you have some sense of attraction marketing.

I mentioned thesis statements earlier, but that was just to inform you of what is included in the introduction. For the purpose of this article, I want to show you how to grab the reader's attention, and what to avoid while writing your introduction.

 

How To Avoid Mistakes In Your INTRODUCTION:

1. AVOID a purpose statement, such as "The purpose of this…." "Now I shall prove". SHOW! Don't TELL.
2. AVOID repetition of the title or text.
3. AVOID complex or difficult questions that may puzzle your readers.
4. AVOID simple definitions - EXPLAIN.
5. AVOID Artwork or Cute lettering. (unnecessary)
 

Let's review. Grabbing the reader's attention is the key for any author who wants to be considered a good author. It doesn't matter if you are writing to drive traffic to your website, or trying to gain entry into a position at a newspaper. GRABBING the reader's attention is a MUST. Now that you have a basic understanding of the most important aspect of article writing, the introduction, you can begin crafting articles that compel readers into reading further, propel them forward within your article, and with a few more lessons, leave them begging for more!



To your success,
Jonny T