Why “Classic Intros” Get Skipped
The intro AI skips has three tells:
- No direct answer (it delays the point)
- No extractable value (nothing clean to reuse)
- No semantic anchor (no clear “this is the answer” chunk)
Or said another way: the paragraph is written to warm a human up. AI doesn’t warm up.
Highlights
This video is a fast, punchy walkthrough of a simple shift: stop treating your introduction like literature and start treating it like an extraction surface.
- Most blog posts still open with a mini essay that explains nothing. That kind of paragraph is invisible to AI.
- AI scans for answer-ready sections. Definitions, lists, tables, and intent-matched headings are what it looks for.
- The fix is to write an Answer Block first. Your first 2–4 sentences should be the direct answer—no scene-setting, no history lesson.
- Your intro can follow a 4-sentence formula. Direct answer → who it’s for → why it matters → what comes next.
- Avoid the “about to explain” trap. AI doesn’t care that you’re about to explain something; it cares that you did.
The pattern is consistent: the more your opening sounds like a generic “blog professor” introduction, the less likely it is to be extracted. The more it behaves like a clean answer chunk, the more usable your page becomes.
Takeaways
- Write for extraction first. If the page can’t be reused in chunks, it won’t be chosen.
- Move “the answer” to the top. Your first 2–4 sentences should stand alone as the core answer.
- Label your value. AI favors content that is clearly structured into definitions, lists, tables, and intent-driven headings.
- Use intros to orient, not stall. After the Answer Block, your intro should clarify who it’s for and why it matters—fast.
- Run the disappearance test. If your first four sentences vanish, the page should still work.
The 4-Sentence Intro Template (After the Answer Block)
- Sentence 1: Direct answer (already done in your Answer Block)
- Sentence 2: Who it’s for
- Sentence 3: Why it matters
- Sentence 4: What comes next
If those four sentences disappear, the page should still work.
Table 1: Highlights Mapped to Action ( yes… this is the proof block! )
| Highlight | What It Signals | Why It Matters | What To Do Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic intros are “invisible to AI” | No direct answer / no extractable value | AI can’t confidently reuse fluff | Delete the warm-up paragraph and replace it with a direct Answer Block |
| AI scans for definitions, lists, tables, headings with intent | Extraction-first reading behavior | Structure becomes the visibility lever | Add definition-style sections, tight lists, and clear headings near the top |
| Write an Answer Block first (2–4 sentences) | Answer-ready chunk | One reusable paragraph can outperform a long intro | Lead with the answer; push context and nuance below it |
| Use the 4-sentence intro formula | Clarity + intent alignment | Humans get oriented without burying the answer | Direct answer → who it’s for → why it matters → what comes next |
| Avoid “I’m about to explain…” writing | Teasing instead of answering | AI prioritizes what is answered, not what is promised | Replace teaser sentences with bullets, definitions, or a micro-checklist |
Table 2: Classic Intro Mindset vs AI Visibility Mindset
| Classic Intro Mindset | AI Visibility Mindset |
|---|---|
| Start with scene-setting and broad context | Start with the direct answer (Answer Block) |
| “Explain why it’s important” before answering | Answer first; context comes after |
| Write like a professor / mini essay | Write like a label: definition, list, table, intent heading |
| Tease what you’ll cover | Deliver extractable value immediately |
| Assume the reader follows the full narrative | Assume the engine harvests only a few reusable chunks |
AI Citation Readiness Checklist — Intros That Don’t Get Skipped (February 2026)
- Your first 2–4 sentences are a direct answer (no scene-setting).
- The opening contains at least one “extractable” element (definition, list, table, or intent-labeled heading).
- You removed generic filler language that explains nothing.
- Your intro follows: who it’s for → why it matters → what comes next (after the answer).
- You eliminated “teaser” lines and replaced them with actual value.
- You can delete the intro and the page still works.
Watch the Video
If you want the full walkthrough (fast, punchy, and actionable), watch the video here:
FAQ
Why does AI skip most blog introductions?
AI systems scan for answer-ready sections like definitions, lists, tables, and intent-matched headings. A warm-up intro often has no direct answer and no extractable value, so it gets ignored. Put your direct answer first so the page is usable immediately.
What is an “Answer Block”?
An Answer Block is a short, direct answer placed at the top of the page. In this video’s framework, it’s the first 2–4 sentences that deliver the point with no scene-setting. It gives AI a clean chunk it can extract and reuse.
How long should the Answer Block be?
Keep it tight: 2–4 sentences. The goal is to be direct, definition-like, and immediately useful. If it turns into a paragraph of context, you’ve rebuilt the problem.
What makes an intro “invisible” to AI?
An intro becomes invisible when it provides no direct answer, no extractable value, and no semantic anchor. Generic scene-setting and vague “importance” statements rarely contain reusable information. AI moves on to sections that do.
Do I still need an introduction at all?
You can keep an intro, but it should come after the Answer Block. Treat the intro as orientation for humans, not a delay before the answer. If the intro disappeared, the page should still work.
What is the 4-sentence intro formula?
After the direct answer, use four sentences: direct answer, who it’s for, why it matters, and what comes next. This creates clarity without burying the value. It also keeps the opening skimmable.
What are the most common intro mistakes to stop making?
The rapid-fire mistakes are setting the scene, over-explaining why it’s important, teasing what you’ll cover, and writing like a blog professor. These tactics delay the answer. AI cares that you answered, not that you promised to.
Where do lists and tables fit into this approach?
The video calls out that AI scans for lists and tables because they’re easy to extract. Use them near the top, after the Answer Block, to make key points obvious. If the content is buried in long paragraphs, it’s harder to reuse.
How can I tell if my page “still works” without the intro?
Delete the intro and reread only the Answer Block and your first key sections. If the reader can still understand the topic and get value, you passed. If the page collapses without the warm-up, the intro is doing too much.
What should I do next if I want better AI visibility?
Start by rewriting only the first screen of your content: Answer Block first, then the four-sentence orientation. Then add at least one extractable section (a definition, list, table, or intent heading) immediately after. If you want help making pages citation-ready, book a call.
Your blog intro isn’t broken. It’s just written for a world that doesn’t exist anymore.
Write for extraction first. Humans will catch up.
If you want help restructuring your pages for AI visibility, contact GreenBanana SEO here.
By Kevin Roy · GreenBanana SEO
