CraftNo. 86

The inverted pyramid

Borrowed from journalism, the inverted pyramid puts the most important information first, followed by supporting details, then background context. Online readers are ruthless scanners – many will only read the first paragraph. Give them the essential message immediately, so that every reader gets the core point regardless of where they stop reading. This structure is ideal for web pages, news-style content, press releases and any format where attention is scarce.

See also: Unbury the lede; Front-loading; F-shaped pattern

Try this

Take your current draft and move the final sentence to the very top. Does the piece still make sense? If so, you were probably burying your lede.

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