Your headline determines whether anyone reads further. In a world of infinite scrolling, this skill is essential.
Why Headlines Matter
On average, 8 out of 10 people read headlines, but only 2 out of 10 read the rest. Your headline does most of the selling.
Headline Formulas That Work
The How-To "How to [Achieve Desired Outcome] Without [Common Obstacle]"
The List "7 Ways to [Solve Problem] That [Add Credibility]"
The Question "Are You Making These [Number] [Topic] Mistakes?"
The Promise "The Secret to [Desired Outcome] in [Timeframe]"
The Curiosity Gap "What [Experts] Know About [Topic] That You Don't"
Best Practices
Be Specific "Save Money" is weak. "Save $500 on Your Energy Bill" is compelling.
Use Numbers Numbers attract attention and set expectations.
Address the Reader "You" and "Your" make headlines personal.
Create Urgency Time-sensitive language encourages immediate engagement.
Test Multiple Options Write 10 headlines, pick the best 3, test them.
Headlines by Platform
- **Email**: Focus on getting the open
- **Ads**: Match intent and promise value
- **Blog**: Optimize for search and clicks
- **Social**: Encourage engagement
Invest time in headlines. They're the gateway to everything else you write.
Maya Brooks
Marketing Strategist at Sand Bull Media