It’s a busy, busy, world in which the task of getting people to consume your content can get quite daunting. Sure, you may have some worthy content up your sleeves but is that enough? The answer my friend, is YES— as long as your headline is bang on the buck.
What do headlines have to do with it, you ask? Allow me bestow upon you an essential fact laid out by the father of advertising himself:
“On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.” —David Ogilvy
Your headline is critical because it’s the first line of your copy that people read. The impression that your headline gives out will either get them interested or have them pull away. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
So how do you go about ensuring that your headline is every bit as attractive as the rest of your copy? Well, it doesn’t involve quantum physics! With these 11 tips, you can create the catchiest of headlines and make the most of your ad campaigns, blog post, emails, you name it! Read on to find out how:
1. Be unique
Add elements that make you stand out from the other dozen brands that are telling the same story. This can be risky but if done right you have the reader’s attention, which is the whole point of advertising.
For Example:“Copy Hackers
Where startups learn to convert like mofos”
2.Use Trigger Words: What, Why, How, When
Trigger words are known to induce reactions from readers. Of course this doesn’t imply that anything including a trigger word would fetch you brownie points. The key is in effective copywriting skills.
For Example: “5 Reasons Why Most Start-Ups Fail”
3. Incorporate Numbers
It’s no secret that most copywriters use numbers in their headlines. The simple fact being that it works! Readers love lists, and numbers attract them to the possible solutions that the content may provide. It’s safe to stick to single digits because they’re easier to remember, but odd and random numbers like 17 or 21 seem to click with readers just as much.
For Example: “21 Relatable Memes That Will Have You Rolling on the Floor”
4. Keep it short
An analysis at Hubspot shows that headlines that are shared the most across social media are 11-14 words in length. The most Twitter shares contained headlines between 8-12 words, while the ones on Facebook containing 12 or 14 words received the most Likes. It’s essential to be specific and descriptive in the headline, about what the consumer can expect in the content.
For Example: “How to Design the Perfect SEO-Friendly Website”
5. Ask Questions
A question can make a great headline given that it very aptly delivers the essence of your content without being random or too witty. Moreover, it doesn’t fail to make the reader feel involved. If your content is regarding products and services, tie the major benefits into the question.
For Example: “Trying Hard to Quit Smoking? Read This”
6. Provide Answers
Your headline should be able to tell the reader how they are likely to be benefitted from your content. The promise of a solution that you offer in your headline can motivate your reader enough to click and read through. For this tip, it helps if you know your target audience.
For Example: “The Fastest Way to Create Your Very Own E-Book”
7. Command action
Use your headline to directly tell your reader what to do. Keep in mind that you need to mention the benefit you’re offering in relation to your command. This is really effective in grabbing hold of large audiences instantly as the headline doesn’t make them think much about the content but just do.
For Example: “Don’t Spend 1000’s on a Nursery! Do THIS Instead.”
8. Be Useful
Readers want to consume content that will make their lives better in some way. Offer lists, tricks, hacks, steps, and rules. Offer practical solutions in your headline and deliver the promised in your content. This goes a long way!
For Example: “5 Wholesome One-Pot Recipes That Take Only 30 minutes”
9.Cash in on Curiosity
Curiosity is in our nature. Incorporating this element with news that’s exciting grabs your reader’s attention. Use this to cover recent events, or shedding light on existing material. This also blends well with service ad copies in that you introduce new options, offers or discounts.
For Example: “At last! The Latest iPhone Is Available in Stores!”
10. Target the fear of missing out
We live in times when people want to feel involved in whatever way possible. A lot of brands like to promote the fear of missing out for consumers to want to be a part of their products or services. And truth be told, it works.
For Example: “Are You Losing Out on Sales by Giving Customers Too Many Options?”
11. Include Adjective + Keyword
Always incorporate an adjective and your keyword into your headline to give the reader an interesting visual about your content. Adjectives are like colours; they add character to your headline. Another simple formula would be:
<Number/Trigger Word> + <Adjective> + <Keyword> + <Deliverables>
For Example: “7 Effortless Ways to Get Rid of Pests in Less Than a Day”
All in all, these hacks make a great guide for getting started on learning the art of copy for headliners. The key pointer is to add personality to your headlines and use words that are influential without trying too hard.
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