11 Great Ways To Hook Readers in 2023

Published

1 year ago

January 31, 2023

Max

Want to know how to write a blog intro with impact?

It’s important to understand human psychology.

But don’t worry, you don’t need a psychology degree to write a great introduction.

Far from it.

You just need a few simple psychological principles that get readers saying “YES” to the rest of the article.

When you use them, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Your readers are thrilled they found your website.

And you:

Gain a loyal following
Get more email subscribers
And make more sales or affiliate commissions

The best part?

A great intro can even improve organic rankings because more engagement sends “positive signals” to Google.

Keep reading for 11 tips to write highly compelling blog introductions.

1. Start with a Question (or Statistic)

When you ask a question in a blog post, the reader has to read the following line to get the answer.

And as an opening paragraph, it’s perfect, as it encourages this trend.

The trend of reading the next line.

Questions can also be used to build rapport by getting on the same page as your reader.

Or by making them laugh or by building curiosity.

Some question examples:

Want to know a secret?
Don’t you just hate it when your dog barks all night?
What if you could please everyone all of the time?

Another great opening sentence is with an industry statistic.

Why?

Because they add a perceived authority to the writer, as it aligns you with the expert or industry.

If you’re not an expert on the topic with raving credentials, a statistic is the next best thing.

Examples of sharing stats:

81% of marketers view content as a core business strategy
Content marketing generates three times as many leads as other digital marketing and costs 62% less

This might help you come across as an expert content marketer, even if you’re not one.

2. Know Your Readers’ Pain Points

In his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman writes:

“Loss aversion refers to the relative strength of two motives: we are driven more strongly to avoid losses than to achieve gains.”

In simple terms, this means that humans are twice as motivated by pain than by pleasure, a common concept known in content marketing and modern psychology.

It’s also the reason why almost all sales copy and advertising leads with a pain point.

And you can do the same in a blog post introduction.

For example, which of the following motivates you more?

This one habit can get you into shape for the summer and feeling amazing!
Is this habit stopping you from getting into shape and destroying your confidence?

Life tends to escape most of us, and we become complacent. Then, avoiding the pain becomes less painful than leaving our comfort zone.

That’s why knowing your readers’ pain points are so effective.

Knowing the problems your audience is facing will clarify your message and influence your audience to take action.

3. Communicate Expertise

Many people shy away from promoting themselves because it feels like they’re bragging.

But, to write a good blog intro, expertise is essential.

However, you don’t need to hold a master’s degree or above to be an expert.

You only need to be perceived as an expert.

“How?” You ask…

Here are a few ways to establish authority and expertise in your writing.

Be Specific

Assertive people with authority are direct without being domineering.

They say it how it is.

That’s because they are confident about what they know and communicate with conviction.

To make this work in your intros, avoid being vague or passive and, instead, be specific.

Want a specific blog introduction example? Here are two:

The first one doesn’t require much authority, but the second is crucial.

Christmas Jumpers: After researching 100+ Christmas jumpers, these were the best quality we found, thanks to their 100% sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics.
The Ketogenic Diet: After 3 years on the keto diet, this is, in my expert opinion, the fastest and safest way to get started with keto.

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of telling people how much of an expert you are, demonstrate your wealth of knowledge by making complex topics easy to grasp.

It’s better to let them define you as an expert than you trying to convince them you are one.

Social proof is an excellent way to establish expertise and authority.

Here’s how you could include it in your intros:

People often ask me; “What is the best way to market my business online?”

Or…

I get this question asked a lot by my email subscribers, so I thought I’d address it here…

This ties into the previous tip. You’re not directly stating that you’re an expert. You’re using social proof to do it for you.

4. Keep it Short and Sweet

Unless you’re a world-class storyteller, aim to keep your blog introductions short and sweet.

Clear and concise, and on point.

Try to set the pace of the article in your intros. A pace that moves them along quickly.

Successful introductions only require one thing.

Let the reader know they will get the answers they seek in your article.

Of course, longer intros can work, but they must be well thought out and match the tone of the main content.

5. Meet the Search Intent

how to write a blog intro - screenshot of google homepage

Meeting the search intent is essential.

And not just for SEO benefits, as it lets the reader know they’re in the right place.

To do this, include your primary keyword in the first paragraph if you can.

You can also emphasize search intent in bullet points.

(More on bullet points later.)

The reason why search intent is so important in SEO is this:

Relevance, context, and understanding.

When people do a Google search, they can often be vague.

That’s because they don’t know the details of what they’re searching for.

But what they do understand is how their search query relates to their problem.

When you can communicate their problem as it relates to the intent of the post, they won’t want to stop reading.

6. Obliterate Objections

Objections are simply doubts in a person’s mind that what they will read (or buy) will help them.

Everyone has objections.

But we can bundle almost all objections into four buckets:

People don’t want to waste time
They don’t want to waste money
There’s a lack of trust
They are unsure if there’s a need

Let’s briefly break each of these down from the context of writing better introductions.

First, people don’t want to waste time, so if they feel like they need to make an effort, they might put off reading a good blog post.

Combat this objection by stating how easy it is to learn, how quickly they can implement the teachings, or how beginner-friendly it is.

Second, they don’t want to waste money. If your article is reviewing an expensive product, highlight the benefits of owning it or the disadvantages of not owning it.

Third, if there’s a lack of trust, it could be in you, themselves, or the topic you’re writing about and will have doubts.

This one comes down to confidence. The best way to create trust is to communicate expertise and build rapport.

Lastly, people are unsure if they need to know more about your topic or buy what you’re selling or promoting.

To overcome this objection, the reader needs to become more aware of the pain points if they don’t learn more about them.

When you combat these objections in your intros, you’ll get people reading your content every time.

7. Build Anticipation

Building anticipation in your introductions is a great way to keep people reading.

This can be done in a couple of ways.

Similar to how horror movies keep you on the edge of your seat or the reverse; a motivational speaker on stage.

Here are a few ways you can incorporate these into your blog intros.

The first idea is to introduce a personal success story of how you overcame a challenging issue (or achieved an inspiring goal).

For example:

In this post, I’ll share how I overcame my fear of public speaking in less than 1 hour. Not only that, I got a standing ovation the very next day.

Another way is to express a negative emotion your reader may be facing that the article is going to help solve.

For example:

Want to know what the best meditation apps are?

Then you’re in luck. After spending the last 2 years completely stressed and burnt out, I tested 7 meditation apps over 30 days.

The best bit?

My stress has completely cleared up and I have more time to focus on my business.

Lastly, tell people what they can expect from the article. For example, this can be best done using bullet points.

This is my complete guide on how I increased organic traffic by 273% in just 3 months.

You’ll discover:

The three things I did differently to exceed my goal
How my traffic increase has impacted my income
And a step-by-step strategy so that you can replicate my results

8. Empathize

1675128757 337 11 Great Ways To Hook Readers in 2023

Injecting empathy turns a basic blog intro into a great blog intro.

And it’s an excellent way to engage readers as it helps build rapport.

But what does that even mean?

Rapport is how people connect through shared views, mutual understanding, and acceptance of each other’s differences.

Empathy is just one way to build rapport with your reader.

To bake this into your introduction, here are some helpful pointers.

Make a statement that the reader agrees with – People generally connect with others who agree with them, at least in the beginning.
Get on their level – Meet the reader where they’re at by aligning with their needs, hopes, and desires.
Show your vulnerable side – Paradoxically, vulnerability shows strength. And if your reader relates to your pain, they will begin to trust you more.

9. Use a Copywriting Framework

Copywriting is the art of sales using the written word. This is perfect for introverts who hate cold calls or sales meetings.

And it’s perfect for an effective introduction.

A copywriting framework is a structured way to format your writing.

For example, this is the PAS framework:

P: Problem – Highlight a pain point the reader is facing
A: Agitate – Emphasis the issues that may arise if the problem isn’t solved
S: Solution – Outline specific steps to solve the problem

Many copywriting frameworks exist, such as AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) and BAB (Before, After, Bridge).

Using one of them in a blog intro will yield significant results.

Here’s how PAS might look in your introductions:

Problem: Are you struggling to get enough fruit and veg in your diet?

Agitate: I get it. It can be hard to build this habit. Not to mention wreak havoc on your health.

Solve: That’s why I’ve put together this list of healthy smoothie recipes that only take 10 minutes to make.

10. Use Bullet Points

how to write a blog intro - someone writing some bullet points in a notepad

Bullet points have been used to sell stuff for decades.

They break up the text, which draws the reader’s attention. And they can offer some highly engaging details.

Details that get people wanting to read further.

Here’s how you can use them in your intros.

After introducing the article, share some context to clarify what they’ll learn.

Another way to use bullet points is to state the benefits they’ll gain from reading your post. Or the benefits of a product if you’re writing a review.

Lastly, make them skimmable and easy to digest. This will help them flow through the intro and is key for your overall blog content strategy.

11. Provide a Call to Action

A call to action simply tells the reader what to do next.

Sometimes, it’s to get them to click a button or a link, buy a product, or sign up for a newsletter.

But it can also be used at the end of your introductions.

For example, some articles end like this:

Read on to discover the best keto recipes for complete beginners.

Or the call to action can be as simple as saying, “Keep reading” or “Let’s dive right in.”

Whatever you decide on, adding a call to action is an essential piece of a highly converting blog introduction.

Conclusion: How to Write a Blog Intro That Converts

That concludes this post on how to write an impactful blog intro.

Using these tactics will massively improve your connection with your audience and keep them on the page longer.

This is key if you want to build a loyal following and increase your bottom line.

Check out our article on how to create blog content that engages readers.

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Site Traffic Down? Google Just Made Some Big Search Changes

Published

9 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

Site Traffic Down? Google Just Made Some Big Search Changes

Google is now doing the Googling for its expansive U.S. audience — and news publishers are facing potentially multi-billion-dollar consequences caused by the change.

Google announced on Tuesday that it is applying AI to high-impact elements of search, from AI summaries to pages of AI recommendations in clustered groups. AI summaries, which appear at the top of search results and neatly summarize content found across the web, started rolling out on Tuesday to all of Google’s 246 million unique U.S. users.

The AI summaries mean that websites across the board will get less traffic, as people simply search and read what the AI has generated without clicking on anything.

As newsrooms get less traffic and less money, their ability to create fresh content diminishes. At the same time, Google becomes less of a gateway to sources and more of a direct source Anastasia Kotsiubynska, Head of SEO at SE Ranking, shared with Entrepreneur.

“Most likely, there will still be misleading information in search results and hallucinations, and many users will probably use this information without double-checking,” Kotsiubynska cautioned.

^{Google I/O 2024 on May 14, 2024. (Photo by Christoph Dernbach/picture alliance via Getty Images)}

Google’s search changes could cost websites $2 billion collectively; some could lose two-thirds of their traffic, according to data from media industry growth company Raptive.

“This will be catastrophic to our traffic, as marketed by Google to further satisfy user queries, leaving even less incentive to click through so that we can monetize our content,” Danielle Coffey, the chief executive of the News/Media Alliance, told CNN Business.

This is Search in the Gemini era. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/JxldNjbqyn

— Google (@Google) May 14, 2024

Google, a major tech company with over 90% of the global market share in search, can now frame search results however it wants with AI summaries, and pull from websites without guaranteeing site traffic or profit.

“AI Overviews relies on content creators’ intellectual property, which raises serious questions about compensation and fairness,” said Raptive in a statement.

Google does link to sites within its summary, citing its sources.

Unlike OpenAI, which has entered into deals with major publishers like Axel Springer and The Financial Times to compensate publishers for training AI on their articles and linking directly to them, Google has yet to publicly announce a similar deal with a major publication.

OpenAI has also earned the ire of some publishers, with the New York Times filing a lawsuit against the company over copyright grounds in December.

Google does have a $60 million deal with Reddit, announced in February, to train its AI on Reddit data.

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AFFILIATE MARKETING

Carnival Cruise Line Installs Starlink Internet on Every Ship

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

Carnival Cruise Line Installs Starlink Internet on Every Ship

It’s another massive milestone for SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

On Tuesday, Carnival Cruises announced that 100% of its ships have officially installed high-speed internet from Musk’s Starlink.

The installation took place on 90-plus ships in Carnival’s global fleet and allows for more reliable Wi-Fi when onboard (especially during remote parts of the route) for passengers and helps the ship’s staff with improving “operational and communications capabilities,” per a release from Carnival.

“Starlink has been a game-changer for the onboard connectivity experience our cruise lines deliver to their guests, and we’ve already seen a surge in guest satisfaction and positive feedback from the super-fast and reliable Wi-Fi service we provide onboard,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation in a release. “We see this technology as a win-win-win – it provides our guests with more flexibility to stay as connected as they’d like on vacation, it allows our crew to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, and it enhances our onboard operational systems.”

The installment of Starlink on Carnival ships began in December 2022 and has now expanded to all of Carnival’s smaller companies, including Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.

Musk reposted the news with one word to share his sentiments: “Cool.”

Cool https://t.co/v4Ljn2eMpw

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 14, 2024

Royal Caribbean started installing Starlink on its ships in 2022 and as of February 2024, said that it was “currently in the process of upgrading more vessels” from VOOM internet to Starlink.

Carnival is coming off a strong Q1 2024, setting the record for first-quarter revenue at $5.4 billion, while bookings hit a record high — despite higher prices.

“This has been a fantastic start to the year. We delivered another strong quarter that outperformed guidance on every measure, while concluding a monumental wave season that achieved all-time high booking volumes at considerably higher prices,” Weinstein said at the time. “These results are a continuation of the strong demand we have been generating across our brands and all core deployments, leading to an upward revision of full year expectations by more than a point of incremental yield improvement and setting us up nicely to deliver a nearly double-digit improvement in net yields.”

Carnival was up nearly 41% year over year as of Tuesday afternoon.

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SOCIAL

12 Proven Methods to Make Money Blogging in 2024

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

This is a contributed article.

The world of blogging continues to thrive in 2024, offering a compelling avenue for creative minds to share their knowledge, build an audience, and even turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting, there are numerous effective strategies to monetize your blog and achieve financial success. Here, we delve into 12 proven methods to make money blogging in 2024:

1. Embrace Niche Expertise:

Standing out in the vast blogosphere requires focus. Carving a niche allows you to cater to a specific audience with targeted content. This not only builds a loyal following but also positions you as an authority in your chosen field. Whether it’s gardening techniques, travel hacking tips, or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, delve deep into a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Targeted audiences are more receptive to monetization efforts, making them ideal for success.

2. Content is King (and Queen):

High-quality content remains the cornerstone of any successful blog. In 2024, readers crave informative, engaging, and well-written content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Invest time in crafting valuable blog posts, articles, or videos that resonate with your target audience.

Focus on evergreen content: Create content that remains relevant for a long time, attracting consistent traffic and boosting your earning potential.
Incorporate multimedia: Spice up your content with captivating images, infographics, or even videos to enhance reader engagement and improve SEO.
Maintain consistency: Develop a regular publishing schedule to build anticipation and keep your audience coming back for more.

3. The Power of SEO:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your blog ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords. This increases organic traffic, the lifeblood of any monetization strategy.

Keyword research: Use keyword research tools to identify terms your target audience searches for. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your content naturally.
Technical SEO: Optimize your blog’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall technical aspects to improve search engine ranking.
Backlink building: Encourage other websites to link back to your content, boosting your blog’s authority in the eyes of search engines.

4. Monetization Magic: Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission.

Choose relevant affiliates: Promote products or services that align with your niche and resonate with your audience.
Transparency is key: Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly to your readers and build trust.
Integrate strategically: Don’t just bombard readers with links. Weave affiliate promotions naturally into your content, highlighting the value proposition.

5. Display Advertising: A Classic Approach

Display advertising involves placing banner ads, text ads, or other visual elements on your blog. When a reader clicks on an ad, you earn revenue.

Choose reputable ad networks: Partner with established ad networks that offer competitive rates and relevant ads for your audience.
Strategic ad placement: Place ads thoughtfully, avoiding an overwhelming experience for readers.
Track your performance: Monitor ad clicks and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your ad placements and optimize for better results.

6. Offer Premium Content:

Providing exclusive, in-depth content behind a paywall can generate additional income. This could be premium blog posts, ebooks, online courses, or webinars.

Deliver exceptional value: Ensure your premium content offers significant value that justifies the price tag.
Multiple pricing options: Consider offering tiered subscription plans to cater to different audience needs and budgets.
Promote effectively: Highlight the benefits of your premium content and encourage readers to subscribe.

7. Coaching and Consulting:

Leverage your expertise by offering coaching or consulting services related to your niche. Readers who find your content valuable may be interested in personalized guidance.

Position yourself as an expert: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and client testimonials to build trust and establish your credibility.
Offer free consultations: Provide a limited free consultation to potential clients, allowing them to experience your expertise firsthand.
Develop clear packages: Outline different coaching or consulting packages with varying time commitments and pricing structures.

8. The Power of Community: Online Events and Webinars

Host online events or webinars related to your niche. These events offer valuable content while also providing an opportunity to promote other monetization avenues.

Interactive and engaging: Structure your online events to be interactive with polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats. Click here to learn more about image marketing with Q&A sessions and live chats.

9. Embrace the Power of Email Marketing:

Building an email list allows you to foster stronger relationships with your audience and promote your content and offerings directly.

Offer valuable incentives: Encourage readers to subscribe by offering exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new products.
Segmentation is key: Segment your email list based on reader interests to send targeted campaigns that resonate more effectively.
Regular communication: Maintain consistent communication with your subscribers through engaging newsletters or updates.

10. Sell Your Own Products:

Take your expertise to the next level by creating and selling your own products. This could be physical merchandise, digital downloads, or even printables related to your niche.

Identify audience needs: Develop products that address the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
High-quality offerings: Invest in creating high-quality products that offer exceptional value and user experience.
Utilize multiple platforms: Sell your products through your blog, online marketplaces, or even social media platforms.

11. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations:

Partner with brands or businesses relevant to your niche for sponsored content or collaborations. This can be a lucrative way to leverage your audience and generate income.

Maintain editorial control: While working with sponsors, ensure you retain editorial control to maintain your blog’s authenticity and audience trust.
Disclosures are essential: Clearly disclose sponsored content to readers, upholding transparency and ethical practices.
Align with your niche: Partner with brands that complement your content and resonate with your audience.

12. Freelancing and Paid Writing Opportunities:

Your blog can serve as a springboard for freelance writing opportunities. Showcase your writing skills and expertise through your blog content, attracting potential clients.

Target relevant publications: Identify online publications, websites, or magazines related to your niche and pitch your writing services.
High-quality samples: Include high-quality blog posts from your site as writing samples when pitching to potential clients.
Develop strong writing skills: Continuously hone your writing skills and stay updated on current trends in your niche to deliver exceptional work.

Conclusion:

Building a successful blog that generates income requires dedication, strategic planning, and high-quality content. In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make money online through blogging. By utilizing a combination of methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services, you can leverage your blog’s potential and achieve financial success.

Remember, consistency in posting, engaging with your audience, and staying adaptable to trends are key to thriving in the ever-evolving blogosphere. Embrace new strategies, refine your approaches, and always keep your readers at the forefront of your content creation journey. With dedication and the right approach, your blog has the potential to become a valuable source of income and a platform for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world, making money online while doing what you love.

Image Credit: DepositPhotos

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