If your goal is to increase the number of people who take action after reading something, like making a purchase or clicking on a link at the search result, the headline you write is even more important for SEO than the actual content.
In this article, I'll share 10 guidelines to help you write killer headline that lead to more conversions. There are many guidelines out there, and plenty of articles covering the topic in detail, but this article is different. I will present what I believe are the most effective guidelines to write attention-grabbing headlines.
Before we dive in, it's important to note that writing headlines is a scientific process, not an artistic one.
How to Write a Killer Headline - Guideline
Advertising legend David Ogilvy once said that, on average, five times as many people will read the headline compared to the rest of the text. So, it's crucial to grab your readers' attention with an interesting headline. Even if you write great content, it's a waste of time and money if no one clicks on your boring headline so let's start.
1- Identify your target audience
Understand their interests and preferences to tailor your headline effectively.
2- Start with a working title
Draft a basic title that captures the essence of your content as a starting point for crafting a killer headline.
3- Use power words
Incorporate impactful words that evoke emotions and capture attention, such as "ultimate," "essential," or "guaranteed."
4- Keep it clear and concise
Ensure your headline is focused, easy to understand, and avoids confusing jargon or complex language.
5- Create urgency
Add a sense of immediacy to your headline using phrases like "limited time offer" or "now is your chance" to compel readers to take action
.
6- Be specific
Provide specific details or numbers in your headline to add credibility and make it more compelling.
7- Use numbers and lists
Including numbers in your headline attracts attention and adds structure. Consider phrases like "10 Ways to..." or "5 Secrets of..." to make your headline stand out.
8- Ask a question
Pose thought-provoking questions that engage readers and pique their curiosity.
9- Incorporate humor or wordplay
If appropriate, use humor or wordplay to make your headline memorable and enjoyable.
10- Test and iterate
Test your headlines to see which perform best, analyzing metrics like click-through rates. Refine your approach based on successful headlines and experiment with different variations.
Bonus
Let's not forget about some bonus tips they are not essantials like the 10 step but they are important to know as well while try to creating a killer headline.
Use a formula and include numbers in your headline, as they have been shown to increase click-through rates.
Additionally, consider using words and phrases that are popular in viral headlines.
Aim for a headline length of around 8 words or 62-100 characters.
Focus on making your headline sound useful to the reader.
Avoid lying or making empty promises.
Conclusion
I think these 10 steps are a great starting point for writing killer headlines. However, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to headline writing. The best way to write a killer headline is to experiment and find what works best for your audience and your content.