Monday, January 2, 2012

Seven Ways to Write Great Headlines Every Time

Unless your headline stops your reader in his tracks, makes him think, relates to some problem, pain or desire he has you might as well not write it.

According to Copyblogger, "On average, 8 out of 10 people will read headline copy, but only 2 out of 10 will read the rest. This is the secret to the power of your title, and why it absolutely determines the effectiveness of the entire piece."

Your headline has just one purpose - to grab the reader by the throat and drag him to the next sentence - and the next. Unless it has that power, you might as well not bother writing anything else.

How do writers come up with ideas that will pull readers in? They cheat. Not copy - just cheat. Every writer worth his or her salt has a "cheat sheet" of great attention grabbing headlines that have had proven results. They use these as patterns or idea triggers for their own headlines.

Magnetic headlines follow certain patterns that you can use in creating your own. Here are seven effective types of headlines that have been proven to work time and time again, with examples.

Question-based headlines trigger curiosity in the brain. They appeal to your reader's problems and frustrations. Well-written ones that use trigger words force you to want to know more.

    Do you make these mistakes in English?
    Are you paying too much for your auto insurance?

How to headlines are among the most effective - as long as they include a strong benefit that's related to the problem of your reader.

    How to clear up your ugly acne in two weeks.
    How to write a killer blog post that gets attention and buzz.

The Benefit headline is successful only when the benefit is measurable and specific. You can find lots of examples in magazines and adapt them.

    Sexy abs in minutes a day!
    Grow bigger tastier tomatoes with this organic fertilizer booster.

News headlines are another winner - especially for the early adapters who want to get in on all the new stuff before anyone else.

    Just released - 6 top marketing geniuses share their top strategies.
    Revolutionary new machine shapes up your thighs and flattens you stomach - regardless of your age or weight.

List headlines start with a specific number and appeal to the curiosity or needs that people have. This is one of the most common types, since it's also one of the most effective - if used properly.

    10 powerful reasons why PPC attracts the best leads for your business.
    7 surefire headline formulas guaranteed to work

Command headlines are direct, compelling and work because they direct the reader to take a specific action.

    Sick of losing your shirt? Get our Contrarian investment newsletter free for one month.
    Don't lose out. Sign up for this free webinar right now.

Teaching headlines offer to make you an expert.

    Discover the little known stock strategy that picked 42 winners and no losers!
    A Newby's Guide to Simple SEO Strategies that will make your blog posts rock.

1 comment:

  1. Hi,

    Thanks for this great post.This will really helpful for us.


    Michigan SEO

    ReplyDelete