There is no one secret to writing great headlines. However, there are a few headline writing tips and templates that you can follow to help you create headlines that stand out and capture attention.
This article will discuss some of the best ways to write catchy headlines to help you get your message across. By following these simple guidelines, you can create catchy and informative headlines, thus, allowing your content to stand out from the crowd.
Let’s dive in!
Why Focus On Writing Great Headlines
Writing great headlines is one of the most critical aspects of any successful piece of content. Whether it’s an article, a blog post, email subject lines, or even a social media update, they are unlikely to continue reading if you fail to capture the reader’s attention with your headline. That’s why it’s so important to focus on crafting compelling headlines that draw people in and encourage them to explore further.
At its core, a good headline should be engaging and intriguing while also being concise and to the point. In addition, it should communicate precisely what the potential reader can expect from the rest of our content without giving away too much information up front. This combination of elements allows us to hook our readers right from the start and keep them engaged throughout our writing.
7 Tips For Writing Great Headlines
Whether you’re a copywriter, content marketer, journalist, or small business owner trying to generate business, being able to write great headlines is essential to your success. After all, no matter how well-written and informative your article may be, people are unlikely to read it if the headline isn’t catchy or compelling.
So what makes a great headline? Here are a few catchy headline strategies to keep in mind:
1. Keep it short and sweet.
A headline should ideally be between eight and twelve words long. Any longer and it becomes cumbersome to read; any shorter and it may not give readers enough information about what the article is about.
2. Use strong verbs.
Active, persuasive verbs are crucial to writing powerful headlines that pack a punch. Words like “discover,” “transform,” and “how to” are always good choices.
3. Make a promise.
Readers should know exactly what they can expect to get out of reading your article, so make sure your headline includes a benefit or takeaway. For example, “Learn how to improve your memory in just five minutes a day!”
4. Be specific.
Vague headlines are uninteresting and unappealing. So be as specific as possible while still keeping your compelling headline short and sweet.
5. Use numbers and lists.
Listicles are always popular, so consider using numbers in your headlines to make them more eye-catching. For example, “10 easy tips for improving your memory.”
6. Use keyword-rich phrases.
If you’re looking to optimize your headlines for SEO purposes, include relevant keywords and phrases. However, don’t sacrifice readability for the sake of keyword stuffing – always prioritize clarity and conciseness.
7. A/B test headlines.
Not sure which headline is best? Try testing out a few different options on social media or other platforms to see which one performs the best. Then, you can use that data to inform your future headline writing efforts.
You can craft compelling headlines that will grab people’s attention and help you stand out by following these strategies. With time, practice, and a bit of experimentation, you’ll be able to write great headlines every time!
Benefits of Writing a Killer Headline
A killer headline has the power to draw in readers from across your audience and convince them to give your content a try. But what benefits does writing a killer headline offer?
Boost Reader Engagement
One benefit of writing a powerful headline is that it helps to boost your reader engagement. With an enticing title, readers are more likely to click through and actually read your content since they know they will be getting something valuable from it.
Increase Social Sharing
Additionally, a strong headline often translates into increased social sharing, as users want to share compelling content on their networks and help it get discovered by new audiences.
Position You As An Expert In Your Field
Another key benefit of crafting stellar headlines is that it helps position you as an expert in your field. By writing well-thought-out titles that engage with your audience and capture their attention, you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your industry. And as we all know, in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, establishing yourself as an authority can go a long way toward gaining credibility and driving sales.
7 Proven Types of Headlines That Convert
So, do you want to write headlines that will help you stand out and capture attention? Here are seven proven types of headlines that will help you do just that:
1. The “Why” Headline
The “Why” headline engages a reader’s mind by promising an explanation for a subject they are interested in. For example, “Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Headlines: The Science of How They Work.” This headline promises to explain why headlines are important and how they work. It’s an attention-grabbing headline that will make people want to learn more.
2. The “How-To” Headline
The “How To” headline promises to teach the reader how to do something they want to learn. For example, “How to Write The Best Headlines That Seize Attention.”
This type of headline is useful for listicles, tutorials, and other types of content that offer valuable information.
3. The “What” Headline
The “What” headline is about offering readers something new and exciting. If you have a piece of content that contains groundbreaking information or insights, you’ll want to use this type of headline. For example, “What are the Latest Trends in Better Headline Writing? How To Stay on Top of Your Game and Captivate Your Audience.”
4. The “Best Of” Headline
The “Best Of” headline is a great way to showcase the best of what your brand has to offer. Whether you’re highlighting products, services, or content, it’s important to convey your message engagingly and convincingly in order to stand out from the crowd. For example, “The Best Headline Formulas to Help You Stand Out and Get Your Message Across.”
5. The “Listicle” Headline
Another tried-and-true headline format is the listicle. These catchy headlines are perfect for articles containing valuable information broken down into easy-to-digest lists. For example, “21 Proven Headline Templates That Seize Attention.”
Whether you’re offering a list of strategies, tools, or tips, using this type of headline can help you capture attention and encourage readers to keep scrolling through your content.
6. The “Descriptive” Headline
The descriptive headline does precisely what it sounds like–it provides readers with a detailed description of what they can expect to find in your content. For example, “Writing Great Headlines That Seize Attention: What You Need To Know.”
This type of headline is well-suited for blog posts, articles, and even product pages.
7. The “Question” Headline
Headlines that ask a question are a great way to get people’s attention. People will want to know the answer, so they will click through to your content to find out. For example, “Are You Sick and Tired Of Writing Headlines That Don’t Convert?”
Question headlines are excellent for addressing FAQs and targeting the “People also ask” section in Google search results.
Now that you know seven types of headlines that convert, it’s time to put them into action. With a bit of practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!
6 Proven Headline Templates That Will Help You Grab Attention and Get Your Message Across
As promised in the video, here are the six proven headline templates I referenced (along with some headline examples):
1. How To [Blank]
The first one is the straightforward educational one that we call the “How To” headline.
Notice that I am using this headline template for this particular blog post. So the idea behind the how-to headline is brilliant in its simplicity.
Why?
Everyone wants to know how to do something. So how-to is a fabulous one that you can use.
Some examples might be:
- “How To Bake The Best Chocolate Chips Ever”
- “How To Learn Guitar In 1 Hour Or Less”
- “How to Win Friends & Influence People
2. Are You [Blank]?
“Are you (blank)?” You can also extrapolate it by saying. “Are you sick and tired of (blank)?” I’m picking at the wound, so to speak. The aim is to “go after a pain.”
Some examples might be:
- “Are You Sick And Tired Of Your Children Not Listening To You?”
- “Are You Embarrassed About Your Messy Home?”
- “Are You Afraid Of Losing Your Job?”
This headline template is a great way to create emotional headlines that trigger readers and get them to say, “Hmm. Yeah. You know, I kind of am sick and tired/embarrassed/afraid of that.”
3. The Secret Of [Blank]
Let me give you another one. One that I’ve used a lot. “The Secret of (blank).”
The intrigue of this headline template is hard to resist. Nobody wants to be in the dark about what the secret is.
Some examples might be:
- “The Secrets of Multi-Million Dollar Financial Advisors”
- “The Secrets of The Best Hitters In Baseball”
- “The Secrets of Super Successful Entrepreneurs”
4. Top 10 [Blank]
Next up—the tried and true “Top 10 (blank).”
For example:
- “Top 10 Ways to Win At Chess”
- “Top 10 Ideas For Decorating Your Family Room”
- “Top 10 Quotes on Success”
You’ve likely seen this one used everywhere, from late-night talk shows to blogs all over the internet. Why? It always works!
5. [Number] Ways To [Blank]
One of the most popular headline forms on the Internet is listicles. People just can’t get enough of those numbered lists, whatever their subject. Numbered lists psychologically signal readers what they can expect from the article and promise a quick fix.
Some examples might be:
- “7 Ways To Stretch Your Paycheck”
- “3 Ways To Improve Your Love Life Immediately”
- “21 Days To A Healthier And Happier You”
6. [Blank] In [Blank] Or Your Money Back
Finally, the risk reversal headline. “(Blank) in (Blank), or Your Money Back!” This type of headline promises a result—it relieves the reader of anxiety. That alone guarantee clicks!
Some examples might be:
- “Learn To Play Drums In 7 Days Or Your Money Back”
- “Lose 10 Pounds In 10 Days Or Your Money Back”
- “Increase Your Credit Score By 5% In 1 Month Or Your Money Back”
FAQs on Writing Headlines
What are the most common questions that people have about writing headlines?
There are many questions that people often have regarding headline writing, including how to come up with headline ideas, how to use keywords effectively, and techniques for making headlines stand out. Some of the most frequently asked questions include:
How do I come up with headline ideas?
The first step in writing effective headlines is to think carefully about your target audience and what they are looking for. This may involve brainstorming topics and keywords that your audience is likely interested in and considering the various points of value that you can offer them.
Additionally, take some time to read through headline examples from other writers to get a sense of what works and what doesn’t.
How can I make my headlines more keyword-focused?
A critical factor in writing effective headlines is using relevant keywords or phrases to optimize your article for search engines and catch the attention of potential readers.
Start by conducting keyword research to determine which keywords or phrases get the highest search volume, then strategically incorporate these terms into your headline and article content whenever possible.
You can also use tools like Google Trends or Google Adwords Keyword Planner to identify which keywords are trending or becoming more popular over time.
How can I make my headlines stand out and capture attention?
One of the most essential elements of a great headline is its ability to grab the reader’s attention and convey your unique value proposition compellingly. This is often achieved by using powerful or emotive language and formatting techniques such as lists, questions, and How To’s.
Additionally, consider using numbers or statistics in your headlines whenever possible, as these tend to perform well in search engine optimization and social media engagement.
Great Quotes On Headlines From A Few Copywriting Rockstars
People are hurried. The average person worth cultivating has too much to read… They are not going to read your business talk unless you make it worth their while and let the headline show it.
The headline of an advertisement accounts for 60% of the pull of that ad. In the same way, the start of a letter makes or breaks the letter because if the start does not interest your reader, he never gets down to the rest of your letter.
On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.
If you use a poor headline, it does not matter how hard you labor over your copy because your copy will not be read.
Final Thoughts On Writing Great Headlines
So if you’re looking to elevate the impact of your next piece of content, give some thought to writing a killer headline. With these tips, you can easily create better headlines that stand out, engage readers, and help position yourself as an expert in your field. And who knows – with a bit of practice and some experimentation, you may even find yourself writing great headlines every time!
If you’re looking to improve your headline writing skills further, check out the Online Marketing Muscle blog for tips and techniques from experienced professionals. You’ll learn how to develop headline ideas, use keywords effectively, and make your headlines pop.
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So often people don’t realize the importance of a good title. Great tips!
Interesting! Good approach!
Great tips, they would also work for pinterest, people love lists on pinterest!
i need to try to incorporate this into my writing
I agree, a good headline is so important to catch the reader’s attention!
Great information. Sometimes the title is the hardest part but it definitely makes the most difference.
What great tips, thank you so much for sharing. I am always looking for new ways to gain attention when writing.
I love to place a sense of urgency in my titles and headlines!
Great tips. I always seem to go overboard and write mine way too long, so thanks…
I read somewhere that we have five seconds to gain the reader’s attention so great titles are a must.
I have jotted the headlines down and will use them. I hope it really helps! Thanks for sharing this great information.
What a great post.. I love lists and Pinterest would be a great one for me to use this on.. thanks for sharing
Your info is always so informative…thanks again for a great topic.
I sometimes struggle to come up with a title.
I agree that good headlines are important. I can’t always think of a great title though..
thank you for the tips they are very useful!
I need to work on my blog post titles- thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the tips! I pinned this too! I need to work on my headlines!
Great post. I always struggle with how to word my post, hoping I’m using the best wording to be found in searches.