How can you make big headlines? More than anything, you need exciting content. But, unfortunately, even the world’s most significant headline writer will fail with tedious or confusing content. It is because the best headlines are not necessarily the ones that make people click – they are the ones who promise great stories and then deliver on that promise.
And here is the trick: the process of writing the headline can improve your content idea. Read this post for techniques on brainstorming headline ideas.
In this post, we will focus on the characteristics of great headlines. We have compiled several tips below. Next time you’re considering ideas, you can check out this list.
What is a Headline?
A headline is a window into the content as a whole. So whether you are writing for web or print, marketing or journalism or advertising, you need to create some headlines.
Traditionally, a headline is used at the beginning of articles and blogs. Whether we realize it or not, we write headlines almost every day. Those nifty marketing taglines and campaign copy are also a form of headlines.
What a Great Headline looks like
The job of a headline is to publicize your content and tell clearly what the content is about. It gives the reader context about the content and helps them decide if it is worth reading. To make this decision, the reader needs to know what the content is about and why it matters.
Remember that the reader has not read the content yet. “When you’re writing headlines, step outside of yourself and imagine the headline to be seen without any context. Ensure what is clear about the content you want to create and why it matters comes in the headline. It may be helpful to share the headline with some other writing companions and see how they think about the content.
1. Be Specific
The key to the click is to understand this line: Before we click anything, we do a second split calculation of the cost-benefit. The headline’s job is to indicate the benefit and promise the visitor that it is worth it. And we have less than a second to do it.
The more specific the benefit, the greater are the chances that a visitor will click on it. Great headlines make specific promises. Ask yourself as if you are a reader. “What’s in it for me?” The answer should jump off the page. If it doesn’t, then get ready to listen to crickets. You are about to fail.
Visualizing the readers’ point of view is the key to writing the headline. Empathy is an essential marketing skill.
2. Use Specific Data & Numbers in your Headline
The headline deems for up to 50% of the effectiveness of your blog post. If you fail to make it robust and clickable, every other marketing step you take will be a waste of time.
Integrating specific data and numbers into your headline makes your headlines more appealing to readers. Numerous research studies have shown that headlines with numbers generate 73 percent higher social share and engagement.
One reason why numbers use headlines is that numbers are just like “brain candy.” The brain is receptive to numbers. It seems that the brain considers odd numbers more than even numbers. It seems that odd numbers help people to digest and remember information easily.
In addition, when a heading was changed to include the odd number 7, click-through rates increased by 20 percent.
Instead of using the word “seven,” you can replace it with the digit “7” in the headline. Therefore, instead of writing “seven steps,” use “7 steps”.
Note: If you are writing a step-by-step guide, do not include more than nine steps, as the human brain usually finds it difficult to process more than nine objects at a time. However, if you are writing about devices or different ways to perform a task, there is no limit to the number used.
Even-numbered headlines also perform well. Sometimes, even numbers outperform odd numbers, primarily when the marketer or author actively promotes the content.
3. Headlines should be Specific
Pretend an elevator door is closing, and you want to tell the story to someone on the other side. You will need to get to the most exciting point fast, which means that you cannot be unclear about it.
The same goes for your headline. When people face it, they quickly make decisions: Do I care about it? Be specific – include enough details to connect to the story and make decisions.
A good headline is not intended only for people to click (or at least it should not be for the public media). You need to create a positive experience for people – from finding headlines to reading/watching/listening to sharing and returning. We don’t want people to feel deceived or disappointed, right?
And then – if it’s a good story, the headline will reflect it.
4. Headlines should be Concise and Attention-Grabbing
The critical function of your headline is to take a look. To keep the reader engaged, entice them enough to read further. It can be funny, cheeky, or shocking. Unleash your creativity as long as it is entertaining and accurate.
5. Ask a Question
Question headlines have two benefits. First, they take advantage of a psychological effect from which the reader’s mind takes the next step: answer the question or surprise. The lack of completeness inherent in the questions creates tension and interest in the readers.
Google focuses not only on the combination of words but also on the search query’s meaning. It is called “secret semantic indexing” and is the key to semantic SEO. The natural language of an entire question helps Google understand how the article is helpful.
People these days are using not just fingers but their voices to search. And naturally, they are asking complete, full-sentence questions. Total Questions and answers help Google connect people to your content.
6. Utilize a Unique Rationale
If you want visitors to read your content, do you have any reasonable reason that they should do so?
On average, 89% of blogs get less than 100 shares. To avoid wasting time on such content, give people a solid reason to click, read and share your content.
Some of the arguments you can include in your headlines are:
- Ways
- Principles
- The facts
- Secrets
- Strategies
- Tips
- Reasons
- Text
- Tricks
- Ideas
Conclusion
First, headlines are crucial because they draw the reader into the body of the copy. If you get stuck into it, use one of the tips above. Second, always imagine telling the story to someone or giving advice to someone who doesn’t know a single penny about it. Third, imagine that you want to attract their attention. Finally… practice hard and test repeatedly!
The ultimate expert is the reader – the person you are trying to persuade. Your content readers will tell you which headlines work and which fail by their actions. So never forget to take precious feedback from your readers. If you want to learn more about copywriting, you can contact us. Our experts are here to help you. Call now!