A simple truth is that creating a great headline can make a difference to whether someone chooses to click on a link to your website.
It used to be enough to simply build a website and wait to attract traffic. Today, there are new channels (Twitter, Facebook, Blog Syndication, etc) where you can circulate your message, provided it can be written in less than a paragraph.
Writing great headlines can explode your website traffic by having greater ‘pull’ and encouraging a higher ‘click through rate’.
Here are 7 formulas for writing headlines which are more likely to capture reader interest.
1. Increase productivity
This headline works because it connects an outcome with a small commitment of time.
“How to [outcome] in [time frame]”
“Ways to [outcome] in [time frame]”
Example: How to Write Your Blog In Five Minutes A Day
When Tim Ferris created his book title “The 4 hour work week”, he created a headline which promised an outcome and time commitment.
2. Start Guides
Everyone could use a hand when starting something new. Gaining experience takes time and energy, which may mean a lot of mistakes along the way. This is why start guides are so attractive – because they provide a promise to accelerate our learning and results.
“The Beginners Guide to _______ ”
“The Ultimate Guide to _______ ”
“The Foolproof Way to _______ ”
“The Cheat Sheet for _______ “
Example: The Beginners Guide to Writing A Book That Sells
3. How to (‘Even If’ or ‘Without’ or ‘While’ or “For Only’)
In most decisions we make (whether it’s to buy something or take a new action), there’s usually some concern that holds us back. This headline works by calling out that concern and suggesting the outcome can be achieved despite the concern.
“How to ___ (Even If/Without/While/For Only) ___ ”
“Ways to __ (Even If/Without/While/For Only) ___ “
Examples:
How to Start A Business Without Breaking the Bank
How to Holiday Like Royalty Without Spending More Than $1000
4. Exchange of Time
When we read any article, we’re giving up our time. Wouldn’t it be great if we knew what we would get for doing this? This headline works by establishing a clear transaction with the reader….if the reader provides their time, we’ll give them an outcome in return.
“Give me [time] and I’ll ___.”
Example:
Give me 10 minutes and I’ll double your productivity this week
5. Little Known
Simple but effective, the ‘little known’ technique is a great way to highlight content that is rare, uncommon or unique. This is a great headline if you have expertise or a particular point of view to share with your readers.
“Little Known ___ “
Examples:
Little Known Secrets of Millionaire Investors
Little Known Ways to Land Your Dream Job
6. Numbered Lists
Numbered lists do two things for web content; they make content tangible and quantifiable.
“The 5 easiest ways to _____”
“5 easy ways to ______”
Example: 5 easy ways to get fit in 21 days
The word ‘easy’ can be replaced with other ‘ease’ words (simple, no fuss, fuss-free) or ‘speed’ words (fast, quick).
7. The Provocative Question
When we’re curious about something, we always start with a question in mind. Questions in headlines work because they ask something of a reader, and that creates curiosity and motivation to read on.
“How Much ___ Do You Want To Be/Feel/Have?”
“Tired of The Same Old ____?”
“Do you Customers Secretly Think You Could Do _____?”
“Isn’t It Time You ___?”
“Do You Make These Mistakes When ____?”
Example: Isn’t It Time You Started Your Dream Business? Here’s How.
Backing Up Headlines With Great Content
Of course, headlines are only one part of the equation. Great headlines have to be backed up by compelling content.
The headline creates an expectation for the reader, which drives an action to click a link. This expectation has to be met by strong content at the other end of the link to be effective.
Together, quality headlines and great content create a powerful combination to keep visitors returning to your site.
