Stop Staring at the Blank Page: 7 Fast Ways to Start Any Piece of Content
Your hands hover over the keyboard, the screen still blank, and your brain is already spiraling—we’ve all faced that moment. Starting a new piece of material can be like pushing a boulder uphill, regardless of your level of experience as a writer. That blank page isn’t just empty—it’s intimidating, unforgiving, and eerily silent.
The truth is you’re not lacking creativity, you’re just stuck in the starting gate. The good news? There are proven ways to break through that block and kick off your writing with energy, clarity, and purpose.
In this article, we’re sharing seven quick and effective methods to start any piece of content—be it a blog post, article, landing page, or social media caption. These techniques work whether you’re writing for yourself, a client, or a brand. Once you have the momentum, the rest of the content flows more naturally.
So, if you’ve been paralyzed by the pressure to write the perfect opening, it’s time to let go of perfection and start writing smarter. Let’s dive into the tools and tricks that can turn your blank page into a strong, engaging, and compelling piece of content.
1. Start with a Question
A well-placed question grabs attention and invites the reader into a conversation. It sparks curiosity and instantly gets them thinking. For example, “Have you ever wondered why your content doesn’t convert?” is a far more engaging opener than a generic statement.
Use questions that directly relate to your reader’s pain points, desires, or curiosities. This not only sets the tone but also frames your entire piece of content around the answer you’re about to deliver.
2. Begin with a Bold Statement
Sometimes you need to shock the system. A bold, unexpected, or thought-provoking statement is one of the fastest ways to hook your reader from the very first line. For example: “SEO is dead—and your content strategy might be too.”
This approach works especially well for blog posts, opinion pieces, or content designed to challenge conventional thinking. Just make sure you can back up your claim later in the piece.
3. Use a Relevant Statistic
Data builds credibility. Starting with a compelling stat not only grabs attention but also sets up your piece of content with authority. For example:
“Did you know that businesses publishing 16+ blog posts per month get nearly 3.5 times more traffic than those publishing fewer than four?.”
Find recent, relevant statistics that support your topic. It shows you’ve done your research—and makes your reader want to learn more.
4. Tell a Quick Story or Anecdote
If you want to make your content memorable, weaving in a personal story is a great place to start. Think of a relatable situation—something funny, frustrating, or insightful—that ties into the theme of your content.
For instance, if you’re writing about productivity, you might start with:
“Last Monday, I spent 45 minutes organizing my desk… and zero minutes actually working.”
Stories are memorable. They humanize your content and make your piece more engaging from the very first sentence.
5. Use a “What If” Scenario
This is especially useful when writing persuasive or imaginative content. “What if” scenarios help your audience envision a better outcome—or a worse one. For example:
“What if you could produce excellent content with less stress in half the time?”
This technique nudges the reader to keep going because they’re now invested in discovering how your piece of content will deliver that promise.
6. Lead with a Common Problem
Everyone loves a solution—but first, they need to know you understand their problem. Starting your piece of content by describing a familiar challenge builds instant trust.
Example:
Your deadline is approaching, you’re staring at the screen, and you’re having trouble coming up with the words. Does that sound familiar?”
When readers feel seen, they’re far more likely to stick around for your solution.
7. Use AI to Generate a First Draft
AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Copy.ai can help you get past that first-sentence barrier. You don’t have to use the AI’s exact words—but they can spark ideas, provide structure, or offer a starting point to rewrite in your voice.
This method is especially helpful if you’re creating multiple pieces of content on a tight schedule. Consider it like having a brainstorming partner by your side.
In conclusion, getting started is often the hardest part of writing any piece of content—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you lead with a question, a stat, or a story, the key is to spark momentum. Once the first few lines are down, the rest tends to follow naturally.
Next time you’re facing that dreaded blank page, try one of these seven techniques. Perfection can wait—what matters most is taking the first step. And before you know it, you’ll have a strong, engaging piece of content ready to publish.
