Mastering the Art of Headlines
Table of Contents:
9 Click Worthy Headlines for Instant Engagement
Crafting Clarity with Numbers
A/B Testing
Be a Negative Nancy: Unleashing the Power of Pessimism
Visual Appeal: A Feast for the Eyes
Tickling Funny Bones for Clicks
In a culture where attention spans rival TikTok videos, the battle for snatching readers’ focus has turned into a war zone packed with fierce competition. For copywriters, crafting compelling headlines that draw in reader engagement is arguably more important than the content itself. Because in the world of copywriting, you should always consider your headline the main act.
9 Click Worthy Headlines for Instant Engagement
New to writing headlines? Unsure where to start? Check out these nine headline styles that work every time and will, no doubt, catch your reader's eye.
1️⃣ Numbers + Adjective + Target Keyword + Rationale + Promise
Example: 8 Simple Hacks to Eating Healthy Without Breaking the Bank!
2️⃣ Surprise
Example: This Is Not a Perfect Proposal, but She Said Yes!
3️⃣ Questions
Example: How Do You Know if Your Puppy Loves You?
4️⃣ Curiosity Gap
Example: 10 Ingredients in a Perfect Keto Breakfast. Number 3 Is in Your Pantry Right Now!
5️⃣ Negatives
Example: Stop Procrastinating the Easy Way!
6️⃣ How to/DIY
Example: How to Create the Best Thanksgiving Feast and Impress Your In-laws Without Spending All Day in the Kitchen!
7️⃣ Numbered lists
Example: 5 Things to Do the Night Before Your Next Big Job Interview!
8️⃣ Audience referencing
Example: For Backpackers Thinking About Their Next Big Adventure!
9️⃣ Specificity
Example: The 5 Part Process to Buying Your Dream Home!
Don’t let all of your hard work go unnoticed by neglecting to strategize how you’re going to capture your readers’ attention beyond the 20% expected to click. In this digital battlefield, where every click is a victory, we'll dive into 5 proven ways to Master the Art of Headline Writing, transforming your headlines from mere phrases into captivating narratives that demand attention and drive engagement.
1. Crafting Clarity with Numbers
Refuse to be a part of the clickbait conundrum. Wasting your readers' precious time is a good way to diminish their trust; and fast. We’ve all been there—curiosity quickly leads to regret as we realize we’ve landed on a blog post full of nothing but empty promises. The goal is to create a headline that teases the reader, without being misleading.
Your readers are looking for value, and you can easily provide that for them by including numbers, data points, or statistics to back up your claims. In fact, 36% of readers are likelier to click on a headline containing numbers. Crafting clarity with numbers can be a concise way to convey your message in only a few words, but be sure to avoid using jargon or complicated language that can isolate or confuse your audience.
2. A/B Testing
When in doubt, test it out. Sometimes, we create a headline we’re really proud of—it’s clever, it’s clear, yet it’s under-performing. A/B testing is a powerful tool to help you optimize your content and is helpful in learning more about what your audience finds appealing.
The goal is to identify modifications that positively impact click-through rates, engagement, and even conversion. These modifications can include changing the tone, structure, or wording of your headline.
For example, the original version of your headline may read, “Uncovering the Art of Mastering Headlines,” while your modified version may be in the form of a question, such as “Have You Uncovered the Art of Mastering Headlines?”.
Once you’ve determined what your changes will be, you can publish both headlines and use analytic tools to measure the metrics on how either performed. One article states, “A/B-tested New York Times [headlines] are 80% more likely to rank on a ‘most popular’ list.”
If the New York Times implements A/B testing after 172 years of success, then perhaps you should, too.
3. Be A Negative Nancy:
Unleash the Power of Pessimism
Being a Negative Nancy has its perks in headline writing. Negative superlatives like 'worst' or 'ugliest' have a peculiar charm, grabbing readers' attention like a magnetic force. According to Buffer, headlines with negative superlatives boast a 63% higher click-through rate than their positive counterparts.
Unleash the power of the dark side by tapping into readers' pain points and sparking their curiosity.
For instance, try "5 of the Worst Decisions You Can Make If You Want to Be Happy." Flip the script, and your headline not only draws attention but also leaves readers intrigued, wondering if they've made any of those dreaded decisions themselves.
Remember, in the realm of headline mastery, sometimes embracing the negative can lead to positive results. Turning a spotlight on potential pitfalls not only garners attention but positions your content as a guide to navigating the treacherous waters of decision-making.
4. Visual Appeal:
A Feast for the Eyes
We live in an age dominated by graphic media. Don't underestimate the power of images and design in your headlines. A visually appealing headline can be the difference between a scroll-past and a click-through. Embrace the power of memes, eye-catching graphics, emojis, or even the occasional cat photo (because who can resist a cat meme?). According to Forbes, a study carried out by PR News showed that articles with images receive 94% more views.
So, let your headlines put on a show by embracing the visual allure that complements your content. Imagine your headline as the red carpet, inviting readers to a visually enticing experience.
After all, a well-designed headline is not just read; it's seen and remembered. Your headline is the cover of your content's book, enticing readers to dive into the narrative beneath.
5. Tickling Funny Bones for Clicks
Laughter is a universal language, and your headlines can speak it fluently. Infuse your writing with humor that aligns with your brand or content. Whether it's a witty play on words, a clever pun, or a dose of sarcasm, humor grabs attention and keeps readers scrolling.
According to a study by BuzzSumo, articles with a healthy dose of humor tend to get shared more on social media. So, don't be afraid to tickle those funny bones in your headlines. After all, who wouldn't want to click on content that promises a good laugh? Humor isn't just a garnish; it's the secret sauce that makes your content memorable.
In the dynamic world of headline writing, mastering the art is an ongoing journey, and these five methods are just a few you can add to your toolbox.
Remember, your headline isn't just an introduction—it's the main act, stealing the spotlight. So, go forth and conquer the art of headlines. Your readers are waiting for their front-row seats, popcorn in hand, ready to enjoy the show.
Need more help or to offload marketing completely? I get it, you’re busy.
Here’s an open invite to a free 20-minute consult—aka, a virtual coffee.
Talk soon 😊🍵