Don’t judge a book by its cover! Ha! That is exactly what your readers do when they read your headline for the first time. Your content, regardless of how amazing it is, will not be read if your headline is not amazing. Here are some tips on how to create amazing, “read–further” headlines:
1. Headlines First
Ideas you have – Your editorial calendar is full of topic ideas and even keywords; now write your headline before you start writing your post. This way you can check every word that is below that headline and make sure that the tale you are telling is answering the pain and questions of the headline.
Why? This is what CopyBlogger has to say (and we agree)
Your headline is a promise to readers. Its job is to clearly communicate the benefit you’ll deliver to the reader in exchange for their valuable time.
2. Challenge Your Reader
One great way of grabbing your readers’ attention, enough that they’ll continue reading your post, is to challenge them. Ask them a question, or even better yet, make them think of a question. Can you do that? Can you entice your reader to continue reading until they find the answer?
3. Lists
Everybody loves a good list. Here are some list-based titles that make a promise to your readers:
- Top 3 tips on how to write a headline,
- Top 7 converting headlines,
- 10 tips for writing great headlines,
- 3 ways to drive traffic to your blog with a headline.
List headlines prepare the reader for an organized post with researched information. Just make sure that your info is relevant and correct. Try to stay away from even and rounded numbers, the opposite attract more attention.
(Photo credit: reinvented)
The How-To Headline
Your dedicated niche audience wants to know “how to” and they want to know from you as you are an expert in your field (even if you don’t tout yourself as one).
- How To Use Your New Nikon Camera
- How To Backup Your Hard Drive
- How To Upcycle – Summer Family Fun
- How To Make Baked Alaska
4. Emotional Connection
I have found that when asking a question directed at the reader, if they feel that it applies to them, or causes them an emotional reaction, an introspective they will continue to read. Here are some great examples from http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com :
- Is All Publicity Good Publicity?
- Is Your Marketing Strategy Using This Powerful Principle?
- Where Did Your Creative Mojo Go?
- What Drives You To Do What You Do?
- Are You Solving A Problem Or Just Spinning Your Wheels?
Remember, your readers or future readers are looking for no-nonsense, catchy, emotional to-the-point headlines.
5. One Last Tip:
Don’t make your headlines overly wordy. Research suggests that headlines should be no longer than 8-9 words.
Do you have tips on how to write a great headline? Do you have a great headline for this post?
