How to delight readers with your opening sentences

Hello folks,

Good week or nay?

I’ve spent most of this week knocking stuff out of the park at work (or at least that’s how I feel). It sorta makes up for the fact that I feel drained as I type this (+ baby-won’t-sleep-at-night blues).

But, back to the business of the day…

Draw your readers in with enthralling opening sentences

As a builder (remember the image I shared last week), writing an opening sentence can be hellish. I agonize over it for a while before I am able to settle on the “perfect way” to start my article.

Heck, it even happens with this newsletter at times.

But we all know the magic of great openings. They empathize with your reader, engage them, and get them scrolling down the article. It’s like opening the door to your home and inviting a visitor in.

Well, here are two types of opening sentences I have found easy to use when writing articles:

Ask a direct question

Direct questions are like the “Ask Me” badges waiters adorn at an event. They signal who they are and what they can do for you. Same with direct questions. These sort of opening sentences signal to your reader that your article speaks directly to a specific concern.

For example:

• Feeling frustrated by all the content marketing advice on the web?

• Can you learn to be an SEO writer in 30 days?

• Do you ever wonder if there’s a difference between A+ writers and yourself?

Arouse the curiosity of your reader

Curiosity belled the cat. And your reader is no different. Curiosity-laden opening sentences are like those “secret, don’t open” folders we always end up opening.

For example:

• It happens to all of us.

• Let’s be honest…

• Let me guess…

• Has it happened to you too?

These sentences work because they get the reader’s brain fired up. “What’s tricky?” “What are you being honest about?”

Notice that both types of opening sentences have one thing in common—short sentences. Those snappy fellas always win!

Content tools

A content tool I discovered this week

If you are looking to resize images for your website without reducing its quality, Bulk Resize is a great place to visit. Upload images, click resize, and voila- you have images that won’t slow down your website.

Content writing jobs (Remote/Freelance)

✅ Content Writer, Logi Analytics | Apply here

✅ Freelance Marketing Writer, Ironpaper | Apply here

✅ DIY Tech Writer, MUO | Apply here

✅ Writer, Accordus | Apply here

✅ And here’s a Google Docs link that also includes high-paying pitching opportunities.

All the best, folks. And please share with any of your friends/colleagues who might find this useful. 🙏🏾

My biggest takeaway this week 🚀

If you are going to do anything significant in life, you must be willing to tolerate criticism.

What I’m thinking about?

The energy you give out will be returned, 100%.

What’s your biggest content marketing challenge?

Reply to this email. Let me know what you’d like me to cover next.

I read every reply.

Plus, if you would love me to review your writing and give you feedback, you can book a time here.

Thanks for reading this far. I am grateful!

Stay safe and sane.

I’ll be back on August 6.

Dozie

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