In an age of information overload, a strong headline is your first (and sometimes only) chance to grab your readers’ attention. It doesn’t matter how well-researched or thought-out your article might be. If the headline isn’t captivating, then it’s unlikely to get clicks. So, how can you write better headlines that stand out from the crowd?

1. Use specific numbers or statistics to make your headlines more tangible

Research has shown that using odd numbers in a headline (e.g. “7 Surprising Ways to Save More Money”) increases click-through rates by 20% compared to using even numbers (e.g. “6 Surprising Ways to Save More Money”).

Interestingly, the human brain sees odd numbers as more memorable and attention-grabbing. It’s why you’ll often see them used in marketing campaigns, as it helps the product or service stand out from its competitors.

2. Grab attention with bold or controversial phrasing

A bold statement creates a sense of intrigue and can prompt the reader to challenge their assumptions. When writing these headlines, use powerful words and adjectives to capture attention and include numbers or statistics to make them more credible. For example: “7 secrets your editor wishes you knew”.

Always make sure, however, that your attention-grabbing headlines are supported by quality content. This includes making sure that your article supports your headline with well-researched information backed by real examples.

3. Make the benefit clear

You can help your readers understand what to expect from your article by including the ‘end result’ in the headline. By this, I mean including what the reader will benefit from or gain by clicking on the link.

Not only can this spark curiosity and increase the chance of click-throughs, but it can also help to improve your website’s ranking on search engines. An example of an ‘end result’ headline might be: “How to write headlines that double your click-through rate”.

4. Address your reader directly

Make your content feel more personal to your readers by addressing them directly using “you” or “your”. This is a surefire way to connect with your reader, making them feel like the content has been written specifically for them. 

The use of “you” or “your” can also make the headline more persuasive by suggesting to your reader that the content will give them something that they want or need. E.g. “Are you making these common writing mistakes?”

5. Ask a question that piques the reader’s curiosity

Encourage readers to click your headline by asking questions that spark a little curiosity. For example: “What is the Secret Ingredient That Top Chefs Swear By?” Using specific numbers or humour in a headline can also entice readers and make them more likely to click.

6. Use powerful words that evoke strong emotions

Power words are important in headlines because they can help to convey information, evoke emotion, hook the reader and tell a story. Effectively, they introduce an article and encourage people to engage with your content. 

Some great examples of power words include: fantastic, apocalypse, crisis, fooled, horrific, invasion, panic, mistake, demand, need, purchase, sale, grab, limited, get, only, secret, proven ways, guaranteed, happiness, humour, and prestige. Check out this useful list from Indeed for more powerful word ideas.

7. Keep your headlines under 10 words

Studies show that the most effective headlines are short and sweet, ideally no more than 10 words. If you struggle to write succinctly, try limiting yourself to five words. This approach will encourage you to carefully consider the meaning behind each word you decide to use.

8. Use keyword-rich language

Include keywords that are relevant to your subject in the headline. Put simply, keywords are the words or phrases that people type into a search engine to find what they are looking for.

There are various tools available that can help you research keywords that are relevant to your content, such as Google Keyword Planner. Inserting keywords throughout your copy in an engaging-yet-readable way will help search engines understand your content and increase the chances of somebody finding it.

9. Test different headlines to see which performs the best

Try writing different headline variations to see what performs best with your audience. This will help you understand which version attracts the most clicks, views, engagement, and what you can do to improve your future headlines.

Practice makes perfect!

Writing attention-grabbing headlines takes practice, but applying a few of the tips above can make a big difference. Why not experiment and see what works best for your audience next time you post?

Don’t be afraid to change your approach if it doesn’t work. Your next headline may be just one or two words away from going viral!