Headline is the head of your content. It’s the magnet that’ll pull the readers in. But if it stinks, it’ll drive them away.
You can create an enticing headline for your blog in a number of ways, a few of which are mentioned here –
- 1. Show measurable value by using data
Example –
10 Reasons 90% of websites are not ranking higher on Google
- 2. Personally connect with readers with emotion
Example –
Why the new blog post you wrote recently is not indexed by Google, let alone ranking?
- 3. Elicit response by asking question
Example –
Are you looking for quick ways to rank higher on Google?
- 4. Drive curiosity with how-to
Example –
How to Build your new blog’s first 100 subscribers without working hard
- 5. Start a conversation that generates attention
Example –
Why SEOs should know grammar (at least to some extent)
- 6. Pick the negative angle of a topic (not always recommended)
Example –
10 Uncomfortable truths your competitors’ websites are better than yours
- 7. State a personal benefit that will resonate with the reader (My personal favourite)
Out of all the instances above, I believe headlines that contain personal benefit perform most effectively. But it’s not easy to produce engaging, benefit driven headlines.
To write a headline with benefit, it’s essential that you know your target audience, and accordingly tie the benefit in the message. Tie it so interestingly that they find a reason to believe it.
Example –
10 Ways Beginner Bloggers can Drive Traffic Like Pros do (Free List)
Which type of headline interests you? Please let me know in the comments.
When writing headlines, also ensure to sprinkle a bit of SEO content for increasing its chances of appearing more frequently in search engine results.