A great headline can capture a reader’s attention and turn them into a clicker. It can also set the tone for your article or blog post and create expectations about what you’re going to deliver to readers.
A well-written headline should also be clear, concise and easy to understand. That’s especially important because many readers skim articles and a unclear headline can cause them to scroll right past your content.
Questions are powerful in headlines because they resonate with readers’ curiosities or concerns, prompting them to click to find out the answer. The question format can also evoke emotions like surprise, curiosity, doubt or fear, making it an effective tool for creating a compelling opening.
Using active voice in your headlines can make them more engaging and dynamic, but it’s important to remember that your headline should always convey the main point of your story. Clichés, puns or other pop culture references can work if they’re used sparingly and in the spirit of your writing.
Creating an sense of urgency can entice readers to take immediate action, such as reading your article or signing up for your newsletter. It also plants a fear of missing out (FOMO) in readers, causing them to take action before the opportunity passes them by.