Are Intros and Conclusions Useless?
Learn how they can have massive impact, and how to make great ones
In a speech, it’s often said that your audience will only remember the first and last things you said.
If this stays true in writing, then the introduction and conclusion should be the most important sections of an article. But that’s not the case. These two pieces aren’t as memorable as, say, the actual meat of the article (the body.)
So, does that mean they’re useless? Is this introduction just a waste of both our times?
I don’t think so. After all, you’re still reading, aren’t you?
In this edition, we’ll discuss the purpose of the opening and closing parts of your articles. Plus, I’ll give you a 5-item checklist that makes writing them soo easy.
The Introduction Brings Readers In
What attractions have you visited lately? Maybe you went to a museum, adventure parks, a famous restaurant? Did you notice anything when you first arrived?
You never stayed long at the entrance.
Your introduction is like the lobby of a fancy hotel or the counter of a restaurant. It should have all the information customers (in this case, your readers) need. It should get them excited. Maybe there’s a valet that tells them where to go.
But its most important job is to funnel readers in.
Thus, a good introduction is packed with essential information, emotionally engaging, and — most importantly — brief.
Write10x intro checklist
✅ ~150 words in length (give or take 20 words)
✅ Specifies the audience (who is this for?)
✅ Highlights the problem or need (why is this important?)
✅ Hints at the payoff (what specific benefit do readers get?)
✅ Builds momentum (what emotions are you tapping into?)
The Conclusion Leads Them Out
Let’s go back to our leisure activity analogy.
Remember the last time you ate at a restaurant, what happened after you paid the bill? Most likely, you heard, “Thank you for coming to XX, please come again!” maybe a “Find us on Instagram!”
Fancy establishments up the game. They have someone waiting for you at the door, key to your idling car in hand. They see you off with “Have a good night!”
They don’t drop you like hot garbage the moment your money hits their account. Similarly, you don’t just throw your readers off a cliff right after they spent a portion of their life reading your work. You must make them feel cared-for in every step.
Take it a step further, and tell your audience exactly what to do once they finish.
Ideally, your audience will feel pretty good — your article was worth it. So, what’s on their minds?
“I want more!”
So, what should your response be?
“Here, have some more!”
And to fulfill that, you say, “Click on this link,” or “Find more here.” That’s what a call to action is.
Thus, a good conclusion has two things: care and recommendations.
Write10x conclusion checklist
✅ ~150 words in length (give or take 20 words)
✅ Summary of problem solved (how did you help them?)
✅ Summary of payoff (how do your readers feel now?)
✅ Specific call-to-action (what specific action do you recommend?)
✅ Button or link to the desired action (where does it lead?)
Final Thoughts
It’s a little weird writing this just after writing my system for conclusions, but oh well.
But, are your intros and conclusion useless? No, they’re not. On the contrary, they’re crucial touchpoints.
The introduction excites and funnels, the conclusion cares and recommends. They may not stay in your audience’s mind forever like in speeches, but done right, they can make your whole article shine.
So use these checklists to polish your intro and conclusion!
Then, tell me how it goes, eh?