Make your opening blog sentence count

Why your blog's first sentence is so important

Setting the tone
The opening line sets the tone for your entire piece. It gives readers a taste of your style and what's to come, setting expectations right from the start.

Instant engagement
You’ve got seconds to grab your reader’s attention. A compelling first sentence ensures they’ll stick around.

Signalling value
A powerful opening promises value. It tells your audience that what follows is worth their time, encouraging them to dive deeper.

How to craft that perfect opening sentence

Start with a bang
Begin with a surprising fact, a bold statement, or a provocative question. Jolt your readers into paying attention.

Know your audience
Tailor your opening to your readers' interests and needs. If you understand what resonates with them, you're more likely to capture their interest.

Keep It clear and concise
Your first sentence should be straightforward yet intriguing. Avoid complex language or overly long introductions.

Preview the Benefit
Hint at what readers will gain by sticking around. Whether it's insight, entertainment, or solutions to their problems, make the benefit clear.

Here are a few examples to inspire you

1.     "Did you know that more than 80% of people never read past the first sentence of a blog?”

2.     "Imagine achieving your goals twice as fast as you thought possible.”

3.     "This one mistake could be costing you thousands.”

Each of these examples uses a different tactic to engage the reader.

1.     presents a startling statistic

2.     paints an enticing picture of the future

3.     highlights a common problem with personal stakes

And from the geniuses of literature ... including my Mum!

Here are a few famous first lines from literature.
Maybe these will inspire you too.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.
This opening juxtaposes contrasting states of society, inviting readers into a story of complexity and duality.

"Call me Ishmael."
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.
Simple yet mysterious, this sentence invites you into the narrator's world with an immediate sense of intimacy and adventure.

"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
This profound statement sets up a universal exploration of happiness and sorrow within family dynamics.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
With irony and wit, this line opens a commentary on marriage, wealth, and social expectations.

"I am an invisible man."
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.
This powerful opening line immediately captures your attention, leading into a narrative on identity, race, and invisibility in society.

"The story so far: In the beginning, the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams.
With humour and irreverence, this opening sets the tone for a satirical take on life, the universe, and everything.

“Last night I dreamt my mother loved me.”
Child In My Life by Valerie Church (my Mum!).
You have to admit, this opening line is a good ‘un. Doesn’t it make you want to find out more?

Make your opening lines count

Your blog's first sentence is more than just words.
It's the key to locking in your audience's attention. With the right approach, you can transform casual browsers into devoted readers.
Remember, your opening is your first impression. Make it count.

Read more about blogging.

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