Article writers: Please share your tips to write a killer opening

by kumar
10 replies
Hi Guys,

I guess I have developed a mental block to writing a good
opening to an article (body). I'll appreciate if you could please
share your strategies on writing the first few lines of an article
aiming to entice the reader to read the whole thing.

Thanks!
#article #killer #lines #opening #share #tips #write #writers
  • Profile picture of the author webwriter
    Try using a statement or question related to your subject matter that snags your reader's attention right from the get-go. I like to think of that as a "Hey you" sentence or question.

    Now that you've got their attention, explain a bit further before moving on to your main points and explanations.

    You might also want to take a look at various ezinearticles. See which of their opening statements grabbed your attention and figure out why.
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    • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
      Stop It! What were you thinking asking that question? Don't you wish you knew the answer already?

      It depends a lot on the article. If you're writing an article aimed at Lawyers, it might not be a good idea to start off the way I just started this reply.

      I like to start with either a question which cannot be answered right away. Or with a statement which must be proven.

      Or of course, sometimes I just get a little in their face and say something like started this reply.

      The best advice, Have Fun, Write as if you're talking to your friends in most niches. What would get your beer buddies listening to you for the next 3 minutes.
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    • Profile picture of the author eibhlin
      Fiction writers are often told to start with something like, "If the mail had arrived on time Friday, the minister's wife wouldn't have woken up in a brothel on Sunday morning."

      I think that applies to all writing. That is, intrigue people from the start. Say something that compels them to read more.

      Ask something outrageous, and then answer it... eventually.

      Say something funny, just as speakers often open their talks with a small joke.

      Hyperbole can work in your favor, too. Just be sure to tone things down, and backpedal as necessary.

      Generally, when I can't seem to find a good opening line, it's time to take a break, watch a funny TV show, take a good long shower, or go for a walk.
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      Artist, blogger, and author of a bazillion books, more or less. Find me at Eibhlin.com
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      • Profile picture of the author wolverine1971
        If you have written a good title that draws attention you want your summary to quickly engage them by teasing them with a solution to their problem. If they need that solution they will keep reading.

        It all depends on the audience you have drawn to your article - they are seeking information so laser target your audience with the title and then make sure to show in the summary that you will be offering the answer and that your answer is the best, unique, and engaging.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    There's no standard answer to your question. Every article is different depending on what point you're making. There is an old formula for delivering information that might help though. It doesn't matter if it's written, audio or video, this always works and it's simple.

    1. (Introduction) Tell them what you're going to tell them.
    2. (Body) Tell them.
    3. (Conclusion) Tell them you've told them.

    This is an excellent formula for delivering any information. Let's say you were going to write about breeding guppies. You might open the article like this:

    In this article I'm going to explain some of the important aspects of breeding guppies. We'll discuss the ideal environment, the optimal foods, water temperature and a lot more.

    I just used that as an example and know absolutely nothing about breeding fish. But when you're an expert on something you can open with interesting and important points, stuff your readers are just dying to know. Then it's a matter of delivering what you promise and then recapping the info you've delivered in the close. Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheNightOwl
    What is THE main, key point that you want your article to get across?

    Write it down.

    Re-read your other points.

    Does it look like they support the main thrust of the article?

    If so, good. If not, you've missed the mark somewhere.

    Go back and rewrite was the main point of the article actually is (based on the notes for the body) or rewrite the points for the body to support the point you want to make.

    By this time, you should have enough ideas to at least get something reasonable down on paper.

    Then decide which angle you want to take with the article. Given that it's marketing we're talking about here, you'll want to work out which emotion you're targetting. Then find a way to elicit that. [Note: This is not necessarily the "push the pain button" here. It could be. But it doesn't have to be.]

    Then answer the following question: "Why should my reader care? Why would they want to read the next paragraph? Does my first sentence give it all up like a drunk debutante or is there a flash of lace underwear to the side of the cleavage but no touchy-touchy?

    Does that help? Or have I been watching too many late-night commercials this evening?

    TheNightOwl
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    • Profile picture of the author adamv
      When you can't come up with anything more creative at the moment you can always fall back on the classic if/then opening. ex. If you've got serious foot odor then you'll want to listen closely because...

      When you're writing for article marketing it's important to get those articles done as quickly as possible so don't spend 20 minutes trying to think of an opening line. If something clever pops into your head that's great, if not come up with a few classics you can fall back on like the if/then opening.
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      Get a professional voice over for your next audio or video project at an affordable price -- I will record 150 words of text for just $5.

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    • Profile picture of the author wolverine1971
      Originally Posted by TheNightOwl View Post

      What is THE main, key point that you want your article to get across?

      Write it down.

      Re-read your other points.

      Does it look like they support the main thrust of the article?

      If so, good. If not, you've missed the mark somewhere.

      Go back and rewrite was the main point of the article actually is (based on the notes for the body) or rewrite the points for the body to support the point you want to make.

      By this time, you should have enough ideas to at least get something reasonable down on paper.

      Then decide which angle you want to take with the article. Given that it's marketing we're talking about here, you'll want to work out which emotion you're targetting. Then find a way to elicit that. [Note: This is not necessarily the "push the pain button" here. It could be. But it doesn't have to be.]

      Then answer the following question: "Why should my reader care? Why would they want to read the next paragraph? Does my first sentence give it all up like a drunk debutante or is there a flash of lace underwear to the side of the cleavage but no touchy-touchy?

      Does that help? Or have I been watching too many late-night commercials this evening?

      TheNightOwl
      Emotion works well as a selling tool

      anyone recognize this one

      Hope / Change

      It works in article writing too
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  • Profile picture of the author cashcow
    Fiction writers are often told to start with something like, "If the mail had arrived on time Friday, the minister's wife wouldn't have woken up in a brothel on Sunday morning."
    I love this!

    "If you had read Hypnotic Writing by Joe Vitale, you wouldn't be stuck on how to write a killer opening."

    "If you knew the secrets of Miracle Acne Cure, you wouldn't be staring at the big zit in the mirror"

    Looks like it can be applied to IM stuff to. In fact, I have written it out on a sticky and stuck it inside my copy of Hypnotic Writing. I think I will be using that a lot. Thanks eibhlin!

    Lee
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    Gone Fishing
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  • Profile picture of the author cindybidar
    Copywriters keep a swipe file filled with great sales copy that they can adapt to their own needs. It works for article writing, too. Find articles with great openings, and adapt the style and tone to your own articles.

    And here's a trick I learned from fiction writing...most writers begin the story (article) too early. Once you've written the article, go back and see if it still makes sense if you delete the first paragraph. The best opening is often in the second (or third) paragraph.
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