When writing a post or a page, we advise using your focus keyphrase in your introduction. By doing that, you make it easier for your readers and for search engines to find your content. Here, we’ll explain the importance of mentioning your keyphrase early on in your post.
What is a focus keyphrase?
A focus keyphrase is a phrase that you want your post or page to rank for. For example, you might write a post about how to make a sourdough starter. To find the optimal keyphrase, you will need to do some research and discover what people are looking for. That will increase your chances to get found. So, you might end up with a keyphrase like “make sourdough starter”. Then, when people search for instructions on how to make it, they might find your post in Google search results (very much depending on what the competition does, of course).
Starting off your texts with the focus keyphrase
Writing a good, informative introduction is crucial. Right there, in the span of a few lines of text, you need to grab the attention of your readers and get them to stay on your page. It is worth remembering that most people scan pages rather than read them with complete attention. Include your focus keyphrase right at the start, and you’ll make it easy for your readers to understand what your page is about.
Readers are not the only ones you need to woo with the introduction. Search engines like to “read” introductions too. Including your focus keyphrase at the start of your text is like giving search engines clues on the topic of your post. Moreover, Google sometimes uses your first paragraph to create a meta description. So you’ll do yourself a favor by including your focus keyphrase at the start.
Ok, sounds easy enough. Just add the focus keyphrase at the start, and that’s it. Well, yes, but that is just the beginning. How you write the rest of the introduction is also vital.
How can you write good introductions that include the focus keyphrase?
A good paragraph and a good introduction start with a core sentence. If you can, add your focus keyphrase in that core sentence. Then, use the rest of the paragraph to discuss what readers can expect from the post. Mention your purpose and explain your structure if you think that can be useful. And, don’t forget that your audience does not only consist of returning visitors that know your stories and products. Take the perspective of a new visitor. Does the introduction of your post give the visitor enough clues to hold on to?
Sometimes, you won’t be able to use the focus keyphrase at the very start. For example, you might want to catch the attention of the reader with an anecdote, or a question. In such cases, follow that up with your focus keyphrase as soon as you can, so you still make it clear what your page is about.
Either way, it is good to be concise and precise. Try not to wander off and start writing about something irrelevant to your topic. One way to keep yourself from digressing too much is to use the inverted pyramid writing style. This method encourages you to get to the heart of the matter immediately. Your readers will be thankful for it.
Very importantly, be careful not to overuse your keyphrase, since it may make your text repetitive.
There is a tip that might help you if you’re struggling. Although it’s the first paragraph of your text, it’s definitely not set in stone that you should write it first! It might even be easier to write after you’ve finished the full post. You’ll have a better idea of the angle and content of the post, which might make it easier to write a great and enticing introduction that masterfully includes your focus keyphrase.