Tips For Creating Catchy Headlines

Your headline may not be the first thing you consider when you sit down to write for your blog, but creating a catchy title is one of the most important aspects of each blog post. Did you know that 8 out of 10 people will read your headline, but only 2 out of 10 will actually read your entire post? Your headline is the gateway to your content; it convinces people to walk through the gate or pass right by. Here are some pointers for drawing in potential readers.

WRITE YOUR HEADLINE FIRST

It’s helpful to have a goal in mind as you’re writing your post. Creating your headline first helps you set that goal and maintain your focus; it gives you a reference point and a purpose to work toward.

MAKE A PROMISE

Think of headlines as promises; they’re meant to draw in prospective readers so that they can access information that is of some benefit to them, whether it’s entertaining, instructional, helpful, or insightful. Catchy headlines allow you to deliver on a promise and impress your readers. If your content delivers on a promise in your headline, you’ll create loyal readers out of casual browsers.

KEEP YOUR AUDIENCE IN MIND

Always consider who you’re writing for and who you’re trying to appeal to when you’re coming up with a catchy headline. Which keywords and phrases will jump out at them? What are they looking for? What are they interested in? This goes hand-in-hand with the content that you’re creating, but think of topics that will benefit your audience and draw them in.

USE UNEXPECTED WORDS

Catchy headlines jump out at readers because they often use unexpected words. Looking up synonyms for common words can be the best way to come up with eye-catching words. For example, “effortless” is more appealing than “easy.”

CREATE SUB HEADLINES

Once you’ve settled on a catchy headline that makes a promise and appeals to your audience, focus on strong sub headlines to outline your post and break it up into smaller sections. Readers often scan blog posts, so subheadlines allow them to easily follow along and access the information that they’re most interested in. This keeps readers engaged and on your site longer, which increases the probability that they’ll continue to follow along or purchase your products and/or services.

6 SIMPLE HEADLINE IDEAS

In an ideal world, every headline idea would be completely original and amazing. But in reality, everyone experiences creative droughts from time to time. Here are 6 consistently popular headline templates that can easily be altered to suit your posts and appeal to your audience.

HOW TO DESIRED RESULT

Guide posts are consistently popular because people desire instant gratification; they want to learn something valuable in a short amount of time. These headlines appeal to those who want a quick fix.

How to Make Millions Rupees

How to Boost Your Productivity

How to Create a Fortune 500 Company

NUMBER REASONS

Readers love a good list, and the longer the list is, the better. If you’re willing to put in the time to create a longer list that your readers can benefit from, it will pay dividends. 50 No-Fluff Bog Post Ideas continues to be an Ellie & Company reader favorite!

50 Reasons You Should Quit Your Job

10 Reasons to Buy a House

75 Reasons Why Driving a ’94 Honda Accord is Awesome

WHAT EVERY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

This catchy headline identifies a specific group of people and draws their attention to a topic that’s relevant to them.

What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Adobe Illustrator

What Every Body Builder Should Know About Chocolate

What Every Bachelor Should Know About Cleanliness

WHY IS ?

Readers also love an explanation and a different perspective, and this type of headline gives them just that.

Why Blogging is Great for Business

Why My Dad is Cooler than Yours

Why Your Car isn’t as Awesome as My ’94 Accord

NUMBER WAYS TO AVOID

This headline is a negative spin on . And although no one likes a negative Nancy, especially on a blog, many psychological studies have proved that negativity can be a powerful tool. In fact, most people remember negative things more than positive – it’s called negativity bias, and you can appeal to it by helping people avoid something negative.

5 Ways to Avoid Credit Card Debt

25 Ways to Avoid Getting the Stomach Flu

7 Ways to Avoid Looking Like an Idiot on Your First Date

MY ADJECTIVE METHOD FOR

If you’ve discovered something helpful, people will want to hear about it; we all love learning how others have achieved success, lost 50 pounds, or have become debt-free. Think about your accomplishments and form them into blog posts that give away your secrets.

My Simple Method for Gaining Blog Traffic

My Secret Method for Building a Successful Business

My Strange Method for Marathon Training