6 Tips for Writing Better Headlines
Are your headlines performing better as you’d like? Do you want to write more effective headlines? If you are a content manager, the best way of promoting your content is by writing titles that drive traffic. Create headlines that capture attention and convince people to click through to your content. A short, catchy headline or Meta description promises the reader they will find useful information. In this guide, you will discover six tips for writing better headlines.
1. Start with Numbers
Headlines that contain numbers often perform better than those without. Numbers represent facts, and that’s what users are mostly looking for. Including numbers in a marketing copy will often stop wandering eyes, even when those numerals are inserted within a mass of words. Numbers also tend to stand out in a reader’s peripheral vision.
2. Simplicity Is Best
Long and complicated headlines are usually hard to promote through social media. This is because you only have a couple of seconds to attract a user, so it’s better to use a short, promising headline instead. For instance, a list-type article promises to be quick and easy to read, and that’s important in today’s busy world. If you are using numbers, make sure you use a numeral rather than spell out the number. This is because numerals stand out better in headlines and take up less space.
3. Highlight Value
Why should people read your post? The benefit should be simple, direct and clearly defined in the headline. For example, “how-to” titles always work well because the user can see the benefit instantly to be gained by reading the article. So, your headline should promise something and, if possible incorporate drama, excitement, or humor. But don’t lose credibility because readers distrust outrageous claims.
4. Use Trigger words
Headlines that start with questions usually arouse curiosity, which is a powerful emotion. Using words like HOW, WHY, WHERE, and WHAT in your headlines will always attract the attention of your readers. These elements will give you a sharp and striking headline. Instead of sticking to the same boring title, mix it up a little. This lets a reader know that they can find useful information in your post. Trigger words tell a user that your post is not just a regular post, but a treasure trove of information. So when you use them in your headlines, readers will know they will be able to find exactly what they’re looking for.
5. Avoid Positive Superlatives
We are conditioned to always be positive in our communications. This tactic is however not effective in headlines. Besides, the average click-through rate on headlines that contain positive superlatives usually performs worse even when compared with titles that include negative superlatives. This is because the excessive use of superlatives such as the cheapest, best or fastest in marketing has led to them being ignored. Negative terms are more likely to be viewed as authentic and genuine.
6. Add Adjectives and Power Words
Unlike superlatives, adjectives (if used correctly) can grab the attention of your readers. Adjectives such as essential, useful, strange, valuable, effortless, and fun will make your headlines interesting. Titles that contain such words will intrigue your readers urging them to read on. Power words such as new, free, instantly and you will also boost your click-through rates.
Only 20% of people who see your post will read beyond the headline. A great title, therefore, makes the difference between your post being read and shared or ignored. With these 6 tips for writing better headlines, you’ll never go wrong.