The Engaging Travel Article: Hooking Readers With The First Paragraph
When writing a travel article, the first paragraph is when your reader decides to stay with you or move on
. This is the hook, where you grab readersmiss it and you lose the reader and, with him, your chance of getting passed on, quoted and, in the case of the internet, linked to or reposted.Writing an interesting first paragraph for a travel article isnt exactly easy, but neither is it rocket science. Here are a few tips on writing a first paragraph that will convince readers to keep reading.
Think Like a Reader
Its a basic selling toolthink like your market. If youre writing a travel article, you will need to think like the people you want to be reading your piece. You need to develop a clear idea of what they want to read, their aspirations, how they like pieces written and what kind of information they are looking for. Be relevant and, as much as possible, reader-oriented. Know their language and write itafter all, you are writing for them, not merely to showcase your vocabulary and wit.
Be Clear
The first paragraph should define what the central point is to your travel articlewhat is the main message you want to put forth to your reader? Decide from the very beginning what points about the destination you are writing on you want to make. Deciding this early on will also help you decide what information you need to include or leave out. Find your angle. Get the facts. Lay it out clearly. This, plus a clear writing style with accurate spelling, grammar and syntax will make your reader want to read more.
Be Interesting
Freshness and creativity is key to a great beginning. Be funny if you canafter all, travel is a great foil for humorous and comedic eventsdon't be afraid to make your readers laugh. It isnt a bad idea to incorporate mishaps into your piece but do take care not to put your destination or service in a bad light, particularly if youre writing to promote it. If comedy isnt quite your strong suits, a fresh point of view, writing thats light, bright and lively will do it.
Be surprising as much as possiblereaders are looking for information and accounts over and above the available guidebooks and travel site pieces. Remember that the destination you are writing about will have been written about before (many time), so make sure you offer a fresh take on the subject. Try to write about the less popular places to eat, drink, visit the ones where locals go. A new and different side to a destination is definitely more interesting than a description of a popular caf in the tourist belt.
Be Yourself
Something new from your point of view makes for more interesting read. Take your own approach, using your own voice, and dont be afraid to write your reactions and what you reacted to. You are (usually) writing from one traveller to another, and it is that empathy that keeps your reader reading.
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