9 tips for writing better headlines
Writing is an art, and knowing what type of words engage your readers can be more difficult than you think. Here are some tips on how to write great headlines that capture your audience in an instant.
1. Replace difficult words
It’s been said before but let’s say it again: Keep things simple! Your readers indulge in so much information on a daily basis and have little time and patience, so complex headlines may get passed over.
Replace long or complicated words with simpler expressions that are clear and easy to understand. But a word of caution, simple doesn’t mean generic. Try not to over-simplify the topic in question.
Instead of: She’s meticulous in keeping the lists up to date
Write this instead: She’s strict about keeping the lists up to date
2. Use numbers
List articles are popular because they’re easy to consume and read. Start your headline with a number, and experiment with both high and low numbers.
Odd numbers are perceived as more authentic than even numbers, as they appear less packaged and perfect than even numbers. Because of this, headlines with odd numbers instead of even tend to also perform better. For example, try using 9 instead of 10 if you’re writing an article like “10 tips to improve your email marketing”.
Examples:
7 ways to get more traffic to you website.
49 fun facts about online shopping.
3. Share a secret
It’s in human nature to be curious and we all want to get “inside” information and secrets that aren’t known to the masses. Ask yourself what secrets about your topic or industry that your audience would be eager to know.
Instead of: Improve your SEO and get more website traffic
Write instead: 9 secrets about SEO the experts won’t tell you
Instead of: Tips to get more newsletter subscribers
Write instead: 5 hidden ways to get more newsletter subscribers
4. Active verbs
Use an active voice and strong, punchy present-tense verbs. Verbs are what will drive your story forward and keep your readers engaged. So use them in your headlines too. Think action and opt for specific verbs rather than generic, ambiguous ones. Try to always include one active verb in every headline. Using present tense will give a sense of immediacy. Passive words won’t engage the reader in the same way.
Instead of: Big prize won by company ABC
Write instead: Company ABC wins a grand prize
5. Use a negative angle
If pulling in your readers by focusing on all the advantages they can get, or how they can improve at doing a specific thing, then try a negative angle instead.
By nature, and probably out of survival instinct, humans pick up and remember negatives quicker and better than positives.
Examples:
Mistakes that could cost you
Worst examples of online ads that
6. Leverage the power of FOMO
Play on the fear of missing out, FOMO. It can be more powerful than trying to motivate people to read your article for positive reasons, such as wanting to learn more or gain benefits. Why it works? No one wants to miss out on the good stuff.
Instead of: Start a vlog to increase brand awareness
Write instead: Why everyone is doing vlogs and you should too
Instead of: Useful tips to make you more efficient
Write instead: The one productivity tip you can’t start your day without
7. Be emotional
People respond to basic emotions like anger, sadness, shame, frustration, love. Different words evoke different feelings. Depending on the story you want to tell, you might want to make your readers hopeful or happy, or you might want them to feel frustration and anger. The kind of words that tend to evoke feelings in this way are often called "power words".
Examples:
Increase sales and be an office hero
10 breathtaking photos of secret locations
Power words - examples:
Hero
Breathtaking
Stunning
Conquer
Fearless
8. Begin your headline right
The beginning of a headline is important. You must capture the reader from the start, and to do that, there are a number of words that have proved to be successful over and over again. Just don’t overdo it, if every article begins with “How to”, your readers will eventually lose interest.
Examples of words to use:
How to
Why
Which
Wanted
This
If
Because
Advice
9. Be bold
With so much content out there, being vague or mainstream won’t take you far. Dare to be a little controversial and challenging. If there’s a common idea or perception about things in your niche or industry, experiment with ways you can challenge that. For example, if everyone in your industry is into podcasts you can try to go against that. Write a blog post about why companies shouldn’t do podcasts.
Examples:
5 reasons you shouldn’t have a company blog
Why sending emails could land you new deals
For more information, contact:
Helena Nordh Myhrman, Head of Content, Flowbox
070-4402523, helena.myhrman@getflowbox.com
Illustration: icons8.com
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