How to write a good introduction paragraph

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I read a lot!

Time, however, has changed what I read. These days, I hardly find time to hold a book in my hand. I am now a reader of blogs, posts, and comments posted by Steemians.

I cannot help but smile. The first time one of my grandchildren heard me speak about Steemit she asked me what "stories about aliens am I reading." Yes, I brought aliens into my house. I read all about their lives, their ups and downs, their viewpoints, and their goals, not to mention their frustration. Through them, I get to learn so much more about the universe.

“I could even have learned so much more if only they'd kept my attention!“

Umh, I bet you there are plenty Steemians that feels like this.

And that is what I want to do today: highlight how important the introduction to a post is, as it is a common mistake I found across the platform.

Let me give you two examples;

Hello steemian friends. I hope you people of steemian are good and enjoy your life. Well I am well. Today I am writing about a interesting topic which is all time my favorite, "If I were given a chance to be reborn...". Thank you so much for the community @SteemForLadies who share such an amazing contest with us. I hope you people like and enjoy my post.

REBORN?

No one can be reborn. However, nothing stops us from thinking about being reborn.

Wait! I am wrong. In flesh it is a No! But in spirit it is a Yes!
I invite you to read all about my take on being… reborn.

The first paragraph of your post is the most important. It is just as important as the first image you share in your post.

Why?

• Shoppers shop with their eyes, but they are not the only ones.
• Readers read with their eyes!

The introduction paragraph, after the heading, is the first thing the reader reads, so it must grab their attention. It must not even be great, but fantastic! It is your voice for the rest of the post.

For me, the introduction of a post consists of three parts;

1. Grabbing attention
2. Background information
3. Action

Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.

1. Grabbing attention

If we take the average of the Steemit Engagement Challenge for the Steem For Ladies community so far, it is 177 posts per week.

These posts are ALL your competitors. You have to write to beat them. You have to grab the attention of the reader, and you only have three seconds to do so.

How? By being funny, asking a question, making them think, and providing some facts. I always tell Steemians that ask for my advice to be different.
I also like to share a quote, as not only is it eye-catching, but there is always a hidden message in a quote.

In the case of example 1: The author is definitely NOT grabbing the attention of the reader.

In the case of example 2: The author IS definitely grabbing the attention of the reader.

Put yourself in the shoes of a moderator for an hour. They don’t want to read the same intro time after time, after time. You have to beat the rest and be different.

2. Background information

You have to give the reader some information about what the post is all about. It is called the topic or the main idea of the post. It is also the part that will make the reader continue reading and take some sort of action.

How? Of importance is that your topic must never be too vague. This you do by getting straight to the point and by keeping it short and sweet.

If you start with "I hope you are well" or "Today I am going to tell you," you are on the wrong path.

In the case of example 1: The background is; "If I were given a chance to be reborn...".

In the case of example 2: The background is; "REBORN"

3. Action

The mainstay, or core, of your post is the most important part of your introduction. What do you want from the reader, or how do you want him to act.
• Do you want him to laugh?
• Do you want him to think?
• Do you want an answer from him?

How? You have to be clear and specific, and you have to be original.

In the case of example 1: The author is telling you that he "hopes" that you are going to enjoy the post.

In the case of example 2: The author invites you to read his post.

For me, it is also important to end your introduction post with the required action.

Of importance;

1. We are all unique. Find what makes you comfortable
2. We are not all born authors or bloggers
3. You can only connect with your reader if you speak their language. Stay on the level of English that your reader is going to understand
4. Create credibility through your introduction
5. Don’t repeat the full heading of your post in your introduction
6. Don't introduce yourself as your name is on the post for all to see
7. Keep it light!
8. Don’t make your intro too long, 50 – 70 words maximum
9. Be unique with each of your posts
10. Check for spelling and other mistakes

Now my question to you is: which intro example is the better one? I think there is a clear winner.

Some introductions that caught my eye his week;

Good luck with those introductions!