Mastering the Art of Headlines

Table of Contents:

  1. 9 Click Worthy Headlines for Instant Engagement

  2. Crafting Clarity with Numbers

  3. A/B Testing

  4. Be a Negative Nancy: Unleashing the Power of Pessimism

  5. Visual Appeal: A Feast for the Eyes

  6. 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!

  • Numbers + Adjective + Target Keyword + Rationale + Promise

    • 8 Simple Hacks to Eating Healthy Without Breaking the Bank!

  • Surprise

    • This Is Not a Perfect Proposal, but She Said Yes!

  • Questions

    • How Do You Know if Your Puppy Loves You?

  • Curiosity Gap

    • 10 Ingredients in a Perfect Keto Breakfast. Number 3 Is in Your Pantry Right Now!

  • Negatives

    • Stop Procrastinating the Easy Way!

  • How to/DIY

    • How to Create the Best Thanksgiving Feast and Impress Your In-laws Without Spending All Day in the Kitchen!

  • Numbered lists

    • 5 Things to Do the Night Before Your Next Big Job Interview!

  • Audience referencing

    • For Backpackers Thinking About Their Next Big Adventure!

  • Specificity

    • 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 are 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 reader is 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 your audience.

— 2. A/B Testing — 

When in doubt, test it out. Sometimes we create a headline we are really proud of - it’s clever, it’s clear, yet it is under-performing. A/B testing is a powerful tool to help you optimize your content and is useful 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 so should you.

— 3. Be A Negative Nancy: Unleashing 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 "Five 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 also 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 shows 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. Crafting clear and engaging headlines, experimenting with A/B testing, sprinkling a bit of negativity (with a positive twist), embracing visual appeal with meme-tastic flair, and injecting humor to tickle those funny bones are just a few brushes you can add to your palette.

Remember, your headline isn't just an introduction; it's the main act, stealing the spotlight. So, fellow wordsmiths, 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.

Ready to elevate your headline game? Reach out for a free 20 minute, no obligation discovery call.