How to write headlines that sell
Your headline needs to sell the rest of your article – and you have mere milliseconds to grab attention.
Copywriters have always known that a good headlines is the key to getting their work read. Like the subject line of an email, it is the headline that does most of the work yet so few time is usually spent on the headline.
Clients and managers put great pressure on writers to get copy written quickly and this results in the headline being written very quickly without much thought.
Tips to make sure you write the best possible headline in the quickest time:
- Use direct headlines: straight to the point, plain language and e.g. 30% off Winter socks
- Indirect headlines will initiate inquiry in the reader’s mind e.g. Google goes fishing
- “How to…”, “What is…” – these types of headlines are very effective
- Ask a question in the headline to get the reader involved e.g. Do you want to make a pile of cash?
- Action headlines ask the reader to take action e.g. Take control of your personal finance today!
- Using the name of a celebrity in the headline adds a testimonial-like element e.g. Steve Jobs agrees that Hot Copy is a fantastic read
- Numbered lists are also effective e.g. 12 reasons why you have to read Hot Copy every day
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