How to Write an Introduction That Actually Hooks People (and Google)

Introductions are basically the "make or break" moment for any piece of content you put on the internet. You’ve probably heard the old stat from Nielsen Norman Group that users often leave a page within 10 to 20 seconds. That’s not a lot of time. If you can't convince someone that your page is the answer to their specific prayer—or at least their Google search—they’re gone. Click. Back button. Bounce.

Writing a great intro isn't just about being "clever" or "punchy." Honestly, if you're trying too hard to be a "writer," you're probably failing at SEO. Google’s algorithms, especially with the 2024 and 2025 updates focusing on Helpful Content, are looking for signals that you’re actually going to solve the user's problem immediately. They want to see that you understand the search intent. If someone searches for "how to fix a leaky faucet," they don't want a three-paragraph history of indoor plumbing. They want to know you have the wrench.

Why Your Current Intro is Probably Killing Your Rankings

Most people treat an intro like a formal essay preamble. You know the type. "In the modern digital landscape, it is increasingly important to understand the nuances of communication..."

Stop. Just stop.

That kind of writing is a signal to both humans and Google Discover's recommendation engine that your content is fluff. Discover, in particular, thrives on "curiosity gaps" and high-relevance imagery, but once the user clicks, the intro has to deliver on the promise of the headline instantly. If the intro feels like AI-generated filler, the user leaves, and your "dwell time" metrics tank. When your dwell time is low, Google assumes your page isn't helpful. Then your rankings drop. It's a nasty cycle.

You need to get to the point. Fast.

The best intros often use the PAS (Problem-Agitation-Solution) framework or the APP (Agree-Promise-Preview) method popularized by Brian Dean at Backlinko. These work because they align with how the human brain processes information. You acknowledge the reader’s pain, promise a fix, and tell them exactly what they’re going to get.

The Google Discover Factor

Google Discover is a different beast than Search. While Search is "pull" (users looking for you), Discover is "push" (Google suggesting you). To land in that feed, your intro needs to be highly engaging and somewhat provocative without being clickbait. Use a vivid image in your mind—or on the page—and start with a sentence that disrupts the reader's scrolling.

Something like: "I spent $5,000 on ads before I realized my intro was scaring everyone away."

That’s specific. It’s real. It’s not "in today's world." It’s a story.

The Technical Side of How to Write an Introduction

Let's talk about the "Golden Ratio" of introductory text. You want your primary keyword—in this case, how to write an introduction—to appear early. Not because you're "keyword stuffing," but because it confirms to the reader (and the crawler) that they are in the right place.

If I'm looking for a recipe for sourdough, and the first paragraph is about the author's trip to Tuscany, I’m annoyed. If the first paragraph says, "This sourdough recipe uses a 70% hydration level to get that perfect crust," I'm locked in.

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Here’s a rough breakdown of how to structure the first 150 words:

1. The Hook: One short, punchy sentence.
2. The Empathy Move: Show you know their struggle.
3. The Thesis: This is where you drop the keyword. Tell them exactly what this article covers.
4. The Credibility: Why should they listen to you? Did you test this? Are you an expert?

I've seen so many blogs fail because they put a giant, 1000-pixel-high hero image at the top, forcing the intro "below the fold." On mobile, this is suicide. Google’s Page Experience signals care about "Contentful Paint." If the user has to scroll for three seconds just to find the first word of your intro, you’ve already lost. Keep your top margins tight. Get text on the screen immediately.

Specificity Wins Every Time

Expert writers like Ann Handley emphasize "The Big Brave Bold" approach. Don’t be afraid to take a stand. If you think most SEO advice is garbage, say it.

Instead of saying "Many people find writing difficult," try: "Writing a lead is the hardest part of my day, and I've been doing this for fifteen years."

The second version creates a connection. It feels human. In an era where AI can churn out "perfectly structured" boring content, your "human-ness" is your greatest SEO asset. Google is leaning heavily into E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Sharing a personal failure or a specific niche insight in your intro proves Experience. AI can't have experiences. It only has data.

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Common Mistakes That Make People Hit "Back"

1. The "Definition" Intro: Don't start by defining a word everyone knows. "An introduction is the beginning part of a story..." No kidding.
2. The Mystery Meat: Being so vague or "poetic" that the reader has no idea what the article is about after two paragraphs.
3. The Wall of Text: Large blocks of text are intimidating. Break them up. Use one-sentence paragraphs for emphasis.

Check your analytics. Look at your "Average Engagement Time" in GA4. If people are spending less than 30 seconds on a 2,000-word article, your intro is the problem. It’s the gatekeeper.

Variations on a Theme

Sometimes you don't want a standard PAS intro. Depending on the intent, you might try the "Inverted Pyramid" style used in journalism. Put the most important "who, what, where, why" in the first two sentences. This is gold for "News" category content or snippets.

If you're writing a long-form guide, try the "Storytelling Lead." Start in the middle of a crisis.
"The server went down at 3 AM, and I had no idea how to explain it to the CEO."
Now I have to read the next sentence.

Actionable Steps for Your Next Post

To really master how to write an introduction that ranks, you need to treat it like a mini-sales pitch. You aren't just "starting" the article; you are selling the reader on the idea of staying.

• Write the intro last. Seriously. You don't truly know what you're introducing until the rest of the piece is finished.
• Read it out loud. If you run out of breath, the sentence is too long. If you sound like a textbook, delete it and start over.
• Cut the first two paragraphs. Often, writers "clear their throat" for a bit before getting to the good stuff. See if your article actually starts on paragraph three.
• Use "You" and "I." Avoid the third person. It's cold. You're a person talking to another person.
• Address the "So What?" Before you publish, ask yourself: if someone only read these first 50 words, would they know exactly why this article matters to their life right now?

The goal isn't just to rank; it's to stay ranked. Google watches what happens after the click. If your intro is a bait-and-switch or a boring slog, your high ranking will be short-lived. But if you can hook a reader's curiosity and provide immediate value, you're golden.

Start with the hardest truth first. Be blunt. Be helpful. Get out of the way of the information. That is how you win in 2026.