How to write a great opening line?
In “Content-Inspired Marketing”, I mentioned my experience in setting up copywriting courses in many companies and universities in recent years.
People often ask me: “Teacher, writing is so difficult! How to write a wonderful opening?”
In response to this problem, I have shared some useful [writing skills] (https://www.content.tw/writing/three-tips-to-help-you-improve-your-writing-skills) with students in class many times in the past, such as: getting straight to the point, self-question and answer method, golden sentence opening method…etc. Through the explanation of actual cases, everyone knows that it is not difficult to write an article that attracts people to read.
Today, I want to talk to you about this issue again.
The opening statement is an invitation letter
I like Karen very much. Karin Fong’s interpretation of the opening: “The opening is an invitation. A good work will arouse people’s expectations and make it easier for the audience to participate. The title is the passage into the work. It tells everyone that the curtain has risen, please suspend disbelief. Please pay attention──please leave your daily life behind now. Once again, a story is about to unfold.”
We all know that in this era of information explosion, we don’t have much time to understand and filter information, so if we can’t firmly catch the readers’ attention in the title or the first paragraph, this article may be written in vain⋯⋯
Four techniques for writing opening paragraphs
You may wish to try the following methods to write a great opening statement:
- Give specific conclusions in advance: This approach is somewhat similar to the “cut to the point method” mentioned above, that is, you directly announce the views, concepts or conclusions you want to express at the beginning, and then use theories and case explanations to win the readers’ recognition. Since modern people are busy with work, the method of getting to the point directly is often more recognized by the public.
- Give people unexpected insights: This approach is a bit unruly and unexpected, but it is not completely similar to the practice of some [content farms] (https://www.contenthacker.today/2018/12/content-farm-ecosystem.html). To put it simply, it is to have a precise theory or basis as the basis for making an argument, and then wait for the opportunity to put forward interesting points, and then win the attention of readers.
- Give an ambiguous opening statement: This approach requires some writing skills. The key point is to make readers curious and want to take the initiative to inquire for the answer, and even want to know the ending of the story! At the same time, it can also be combined with content marketing techniques; I think this approach may indeed achieve good results!
- Send an invitation to your readers: I think there’s nothing more engaging than a question or an invitation! Through the design of Call to Action, allowing readers to actively participate is also a good way to write eye-catching articles! The point of writing is to inspire resonance, so it would be great to invite readers to “co-create.”
In addition to the above four ways to write a wonderful opening, if you have other good ideas, please feel free to leave a message to discuss with me! By the way, my humble book “Copywriting Power is Your Copywriting Ability” has been published! I hope that through this book, you can re-understand writing and even fall in love with it! Welcome to refer and purchase!
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