These Headline Creation Tips Will Blow Your Mind

Do you dread creating headlines?

You have slaved all day over the perfect blog post.

It’s a masterpiece. Your probably going to get a call from Entrepreneur to be a regular contributor.

This will be the blog that drives traffic to your website, increases your click-through rate, and delivers the perfect content to position you as an authority in your niche.

*Entrepreneurship Nirvana*

You check your engagement a day later and are shocked at the results.

Your readers were unimpressed, or at least unengaged. The traffic counter remains stubbornly stagnant, and the engine rankings fail to rise.

The reason? It could be because of your less-than-thrilling headline. There may be power behind your paragraphs, but if your headline isn’t irresistible, your blog post (as well as your polished ebook, freebie offer, or email newsletter) won’t get the attention it deserves.

Insider reveal: Here are 5 Secrets to Creating Irresistible Headlines

Establish the Hook

Fuse your headline with a hook to prove its value. What is the one major pain point you are solving with your article?

Would YOU click on your article to read it? Sadly, we often write articles that we wouldn’t even click on ourselves!

Your headline needs to be “sticky” meaning that it makes the reader stop in their tracks. Make the reader feel like they are missing out if they don’t click on your article!

Upworthy is incredible at creating “sticky” headlines. While the topics below may not be incredibly intriguing, their headline writing ability makes you want to click and read!

Find Out What’s Already Working

Stumped on what to write about? Find the headlines and articles that are already working for your competitors, then write something BETTER! I use BuzzSumo to do this super-secret spy work!

Can I have your number?… Can I have it???

Ok, so they are incredibly overused… but also incredibly effective. Number posts are eye-catching! People want articles that are easy and quick to read. A number in your headline makes the content seem more easily digestible.

Just tell me you haven’t clicked on a BuzzFeed post like one of these:

Make a Personal Connection

Anonymity is the cornerstone of the Internet, but personalization is crucial for attracting readers. Create a connection by directly addressing them:

Use the words Your and You’re. They are proven to help your headlines succeed
Mention Locations (Cities, States, Countries).
Mention a recent, well-known event
Check what’s trending on Twitter

Use One of These Three Word Phrases

BuzzFeed recently put out an incredible article on Creating Viral Headlines. I loved the final image they shared, which is a list of their most popular 3 Word Phrases used in headlines. What an awesome tool!

ThreeWordPhrases