Headlines are your article titles.
When people searches for your article and sees it in the listing, the very first thing that they are going to see is the title of the article, or in other words: The Headline.
For this reason, your headlines are of the utmost importance. Essentially, they're going to 'make or break' your article as far as it getting views is concerned. It is more than just a description about the contents in your article; it is a promise you make to build a trusted relationship with your readers. Unfortunately, once you've submitted an article you don't get to edit or tweak the headline, so you have to get it as right as possible at the very first.
Since the whole purpose of the headline is to attract attention and giving your promise. Why not just put your foot into readers' shoe think of what has grabbed your attention in the past. Certain words may tend to perform better than others, but since you can't be sure without testing... it probably isn't the right place to experiment.
There are few key points you have to consider before you write your headlines:
Your article title should attract readers' attention. It should build interest
or motivation.
Make sure reader can get a clear picture about what you are going to write in your article body from reading your headline.
Don't use very short headlines. The best headlines are the ones that describe your content best.
Here are some types of headlines, with examples:
Lists, such as, "Top 5 Ways to groom your dog."
Questions, such as, "Do You Want To Learn How To groom your dog?"
Commands, such as, "Start to Learn to groom, Now!"
Abstract, such as, "Coming Soon: Fluffed Tails and Trimmed Coats" (careful, it tough to pull these off)
Remember, all that you need to do is use your headline to attract reader's attention. It is up to the rest of your article to build interest, and make readers to click the backlink to visit your site. Make sure your content delivered what you promised in your headline.
Enjoy your article marketing!
Monday 30 April 2012
Wednesday 25 April 2012
Small Business Owners - 5 Critical Tips For Creating Headlines in Your Sales Copy
Your headline is the single most important piece of your sales copy. It is amazing how much advertising out there does not even contain a headline. Your customers are bombarded by over 5000 marketing messages per day. If you cannot grab them by the throat and get their attention with your headline, they will not stop for a second to read the rest of your ad. Your headline will make or break all of your marketing material. Here are 5 tips that you can use to help with your headline creation:
1. Do not try and win an award, be cute, or tell jokes in your headlines. People don't want to be patronized by "cleaver copy." The only thing they want to know is what the product or service will do for them. Not everyone will find your jokes funny, and you may create a piece that is so cleaver, no one understands it. Your headline needs to be written in very simple, straightforward language. The one and only reason to have marketing material is increase the bottom line of the business. You can be entertaining, but leave it out of your marketing material.
2. The sole purpose of the headline is to get the prospect to start reading the rest of the copy. You must capture their interest, but you do not have to sell the product in the headline. You just want the person to keep reading the next lines below it.
3. You must integrate your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) into your headline. Sometimes, your USP alone makes an excellent headline. Your USP is the foundation of your business and it's critical that it's integrated into all of your marketing materials. Your headline must echo the message that you are trying to give in your USP. This will tie your entire business image together in one package that a customer will always recognize no matter what kind of marketing material they are looking at. As soon as they read a headline and recognize your Unique Selling Proposition, if they are interested in your product, they will recognize you.
4. DO NOT USE ALL CAPS in your headlines. It makes them much harder to read. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, just as you would to title an article or book. An exception to this rule would be if you had a one word headline, such as "NEW!" but most of you won't need to go there. Also, it's a good idea to put quotes around headlines. People look at that as a universal sign that someone is talking to them, and it appears as if you are quoting someone.
5. When writing headlines, every time you start a new project, you need to come with at least 100 headlines before you pick your final choice. Writing 100 headlines gets you warmed up and lets you try different renditions of things before it goes into your marketing. Save everything that you write. You 2nd best headlines can be used as bullets and sub-heads in your ad copy later, so you don't have to re-write when you start getting to the body of the sales piece.
1. Do not try and win an award, be cute, or tell jokes in your headlines. People don't want to be patronized by "cleaver copy." The only thing they want to know is what the product or service will do for them. Not everyone will find your jokes funny, and you may create a piece that is so cleaver, no one understands it. Your headline needs to be written in very simple, straightforward language. The one and only reason to have marketing material is increase the bottom line of the business. You can be entertaining, but leave it out of your marketing material.
2. The sole purpose of the headline is to get the prospect to start reading the rest of the copy. You must capture their interest, but you do not have to sell the product in the headline. You just want the person to keep reading the next lines below it.
3. You must integrate your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) into your headline. Sometimes, your USP alone makes an excellent headline. Your USP is the foundation of your business and it's critical that it's integrated into all of your marketing materials. Your headline must echo the message that you are trying to give in your USP. This will tie your entire business image together in one package that a customer will always recognize no matter what kind of marketing material they are looking at. As soon as they read a headline and recognize your Unique Selling Proposition, if they are interested in your product, they will recognize you.
4. DO NOT USE ALL CAPS in your headlines. It makes them much harder to read. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, just as you would to title an article or book. An exception to this rule would be if you had a one word headline, such as "NEW!" but most of you won't need to go there. Also, it's a good idea to put quotes around headlines. People look at that as a universal sign that someone is talking to them, and it appears as if you are quoting someone.
5. When writing headlines, every time you start a new project, you need to come with at least 100 headlines before you pick your final choice. Writing 100 headlines gets you warmed up and lets you try different renditions of things before it goes into your marketing. Save everything that you write. You 2nd best headlines can be used as bullets and sub-heads in your ad copy later, so you don't have to re-write when you start getting to the body of the sales piece.
Sunday 22 April 2012
You're Throwing Money Away If Your Headlines Aren't SHOUTING!
In most articles, regardless of whether it's an online article, a web content or something that you see in the newspaper, the headline of the article or the prelude to a particular part of the content plays a pivotal role in drawing people in. I've been asked before, 'How do you write a headline that grabs at peoples' attention?' I don't have a magical wand to do that and the rules to how to write such a headline changes all the time, so, but there are some rules that I follow when writing headlines.
Including your keywords into your headline when writing
This is part of my rule....I don't know about others. The reason for this rule is because I want it to be a little bit more SEO-friendly and also kick-ass. For example, if the keyword you want is 'cheap business deal', I would probably go with something like CHEAP BUSINESS DEALS SHOCKS COMMUNITY. If it's a new handbag designed for teens and the keyword is handbag, I'd go with something like CHIC TEEN BAGS HITS THE STREETS. Well, you get what I mean, the basic concept is to keep the keywords in the headlines.
Shout, exaggerate and blow things out of proportion
Some people try not to do this and frankly speaking, I don't like stretching the truth too far either but this is how you've got to do it if you want to write a really good headline that grabs people's attention. Nobody would give your news or article a second thought if it was something boring or normal.
If you don't want to exaggerate too much, during the second-edit, go back and 'tone it down a little' without changing it too much; for instance, use a milder word that does not stretch reality too far. Example; change CRAZY to UNBELIEVABLE or GUARANTEE to PROMISE.
But keep it big. That's my advice. Then you'd get the attention you want.
Keep to the current and understand the readers
People who are on top of the news snap their heads around when they hear of the latest breaking news....that's how CNN's breaking news work, isn't it? Your readers are always current and up-to-date, therefore, you'll have to do that when you write your headline as well. Boring old news, nothing new, blah. But if you shout at them and say something like ECONOMY DOWNTURN DOES NOT AFFECT THE INTERNET MARKET INDUSTRY, they turn around and look....and then think, why the hell did it not affect the internet market?
When you write, you want to push all the right buttons
In whatever it is that you write, it pays to remember the hot buttons. In each and every one of us, there are hot buttons to push. Words that will just send them into a frenzy whereby the impulsiveness just raises its head in even the most sober folks. FREE is a button. NOW is a button. As for slimming products, PAIN-FREE is a button. When you write, include all these buttons into your writing. It takes some time for you to realize what these words are but every time you publish something, take a look at it and gauge their effectiveness and then slowly try to find words that you have placed inside of that article and things will come to you.
The rule of thumb is this....your readers don't buy the things that they need from the Internet (if you're an ecommerce business owner)! Remember...the get the things that they need from the supermarket, not the internet! When you write, remember to incorporate words that would make then WANT to buy that from you, incite their excitement and desire to have what you're selling.
And you can do all of this with a headline that SHOUTS at the top of its lungs!
Including your keywords into your headline when writing
This is part of my rule....I don't know about others. The reason for this rule is because I want it to be a little bit more SEO-friendly and also kick-ass. For example, if the keyword you want is 'cheap business deal', I would probably go with something like CHEAP BUSINESS DEALS SHOCKS COMMUNITY. If it's a new handbag designed for teens and the keyword is handbag, I'd go with something like CHIC TEEN BAGS HITS THE STREETS. Well, you get what I mean, the basic concept is to keep the keywords in the headlines.
Shout, exaggerate and blow things out of proportion
Some people try not to do this and frankly speaking, I don't like stretching the truth too far either but this is how you've got to do it if you want to write a really good headline that grabs people's attention. Nobody would give your news or article a second thought if it was something boring or normal.
If you don't want to exaggerate too much, during the second-edit, go back and 'tone it down a little' without changing it too much; for instance, use a milder word that does not stretch reality too far. Example; change CRAZY to UNBELIEVABLE or GUARANTEE to PROMISE.
But keep it big. That's my advice. Then you'd get the attention you want.
Keep to the current and understand the readers
People who are on top of the news snap their heads around when they hear of the latest breaking news....that's how CNN's breaking news work, isn't it? Your readers are always current and up-to-date, therefore, you'll have to do that when you write your headline as well. Boring old news, nothing new, blah. But if you shout at them and say something like ECONOMY DOWNTURN DOES NOT AFFECT THE INTERNET MARKET INDUSTRY, they turn around and look....and then think, why the hell did it not affect the internet market?
When you write, you want to push all the right buttons
In whatever it is that you write, it pays to remember the hot buttons. In each and every one of us, there are hot buttons to push. Words that will just send them into a frenzy whereby the impulsiveness just raises its head in even the most sober folks. FREE is a button. NOW is a button. As for slimming products, PAIN-FREE is a button. When you write, include all these buttons into your writing. It takes some time for you to realize what these words are but every time you publish something, take a look at it and gauge their effectiveness and then slowly try to find words that you have placed inside of that article and things will come to you.
The rule of thumb is this....your readers don't buy the things that they need from the Internet (if you're an ecommerce business owner)! Remember...the get the things that they need from the supermarket, not the internet! When you write, remember to incorporate words that would make then WANT to buy that from you, incite their excitement and desire to have what you're selling.
And you can do all of this with a headline that SHOUTS at the top of its lungs!
Tuesday 17 April 2012
How to Write Effective Headlines for Your Marketing Emails - Email Marketing Success
For an email marketing campaign to be successful it is absolutely critical for the people on your list to open then read your emails. One of the key elements in accomplishing this is to write effective headlines. Are you interested in how to write super effective headlines for your emails? If so this article will give you some ideas on how to get the job done easily.
The headlines or subject line for your emails are considered by most Internet marketers to be the most important part. Why? Because it is the headline or subject line that determines if an individual will open or read your email. It is very important to make you headlines attention grabbing not spammy sounding by using outrageous claims or promises and using trickery to try to get you user to open your e-mail. I am sure you know the type I am talking about, we have all gotten this kind of mail in our inboxes. This practice will only backfire on you while getting your emails deleted in no time flat.
That being the case how do you go about writing headlines that will keep your emails from getting axed before they are read.
Speak to Your Audience
To write good effective headlines for your emails you should first know about the audience of potential buyers who's attention it is that you are trying to grab. What are their likes, and dislikes? What problems are typical to them? What solutions or information are they looking for. Once you have discovered this information then you can begin to design you email headline around it. Describe in your headline what it is that your email contains that is of value to them or what problem It will address.
Use Psychological Trigger Words
When you are writing your headlines you will want to include words that encourage a positive response from the reader. These words are called psychological triggers. One of the most powerful of these kinds of word is the word "free" so if you have a genuine free product to give away be sure to use it in your headlines.
Other words that attract the interest of readers are revolutionary, guaranteed, jammed packed, explode, you, success, intense, key, review, cutting edge, honest truth, unrestricted, and exclusive. Use words of this type in your headlines whenever possible
Point Out an Advantage That Your Product or Service Delivers That Others Can't.
If you can show the main advantage of your product over the competition this will work to your advantage.
Instead of using your headline to ask a question use it to tell the reader to take a specific action. Example "Get Your Top Ranking In Google With This Cutting Edge System" headlines of this type subtlety push the reader to take action.
Create Headlines That Contain a Deadline
This is another way to capture the reader's attention. An example could be: "25% Price cut For the Next 36 Hours your product or service," or "Take action in the next 24 Hours to Secure your product or service." You should use caution when using this type of headline they stand out as advertisements. They can be used more effectivly once you have built a relationship with your readers and they know that you are a reputable and trustworthy.
Other Headline Methods
Some other ways to write your headline are to use question headline, news headline, command headline, and the reason why headline. Question headlines ask the reader an attention-grabbing question, such as "Are you up to your neck in bills?" News headlines state future offerings or solutions that may appeal to the reader. Command headlines push the reader take action and reason why headlines demonstrate why a reader will need to take action.
When writing your email headlines you should always keep in mind the purpose of the headline, that is to grab your readers interest. The only reason for your headline is to give the reader a reason to continue reading. It is not necessary to try to sell, convince or explain your product or service in your headline. You will have opportunity to do that later in your email.
The headlines or subject line for your emails are considered by most Internet marketers to be the most important part. Why? Because it is the headline or subject line that determines if an individual will open or read your email. It is very important to make you headlines attention grabbing not spammy sounding by using outrageous claims or promises and using trickery to try to get you user to open your e-mail. I am sure you know the type I am talking about, we have all gotten this kind of mail in our inboxes. This practice will only backfire on you while getting your emails deleted in no time flat.
That being the case how do you go about writing headlines that will keep your emails from getting axed before they are read.
Speak to Your Audience
To write good effective headlines for your emails you should first know about the audience of potential buyers who's attention it is that you are trying to grab. What are their likes, and dislikes? What problems are typical to them? What solutions or information are they looking for. Once you have discovered this information then you can begin to design you email headline around it. Describe in your headline what it is that your email contains that is of value to them or what problem It will address.
Use Psychological Trigger Words
When you are writing your headlines you will want to include words that encourage a positive response from the reader. These words are called psychological triggers. One of the most powerful of these kinds of word is the word "free" so if you have a genuine free product to give away be sure to use it in your headlines.
Other words that attract the interest of readers are revolutionary, guaranteed, jammed packed, explode, you, success, intense, key, review, cutting edge, honest truth, unrestricted, and exclusive. Use words of this type in your headlines whenever possible
Point Out an Advantage That Your Product or Service Delivers That Others Can't.
If you can show the main advantage of your product over the competition this will work to your advantage.
Instead of using your headline to ask a question use it to tell the reader to take a specific action. Example "Get Your Top Ranking In Google With This Cutting Edge System" headlines of this type subtlety push the reader to take action.
Create Headlines That Contain a Deadline
This is another way to capture the reader's attention. An example could be: "25% Price cut For the Next 36 Hours your product or service," or "Take action in the next 24 Hours to Secure your product or service." You should use caution when using this type of headline they stand out as advertisements. They can be used more effectivly once you have built a relationship with your readers and they know that you are a reputable and trustworthy.
Other Headline Methods
Some other ways to write your headline are to use question headline, news headline, command headline, and the reason why headline. Question headlines ask the reader an attention-grabbing question, such as "Are you up to your neck in bills?" News headlines state future offerings or solutions that may appeal to the reader. Command headlines push the reader take action and reason why headlines demonstrate why a reader will need to take action.
When writing your email headlines you should always keep in mind the purpose of the headline, that is to grab your readers interest. The only reason for your headline is to give the reader a reason to continue reading. It is not necessary to try to sell, convince or explain your product or service in your headline. You will have opportunity to do that later in your email.
Saturday 14 April 2012
Turn Crappy Headlines Into Internet Gold
If you're a small business owner and you want to improve the effectiveness of your advertising you will need to know how to identify headlines that drive your customers wild. I'll tell you a powerful tip in just a minute that will blow your competition out of the water.
First, let me tell you something that you probably didn't know. Most so-called advertising experts don't know how to write powerful headlines. They write cute, catchy and easily forgotten phrases that fall far short of the mark. I don't have enough space or time to tell why this is so. Just know, that, anyone who knows how to use a pencil and paper can write powerful, moneymaking headlines...if they understand this one basic rule.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying writing powerful headlines is easy. What I am saying is; if you put in a little effort, (a few hours a week), it won't be long before you are writing headlines that cause your prospective customers to want to do business with you.
This tip is especially important if you are working with an advertising agency, or, a local freelance writer. In fact, once you get the hang of this one concept, they will be amazed at how "creative" you are when it comes to writing headlines that grab your customers attention and moves them to action.
One more thing: There is no such thing as a free lunch. Right? Right. Unless you are willing to put some time in and practice, practice, practice, it doesn't matter how many tips I give you. You won't get anywhere. You have to take action in order for your newfound talent to take root and grow.
A WORD ABOUT HEADLINES:
The headline in an ad is 50-75% of the ad's effectiveness. Headlines in advertising are there for one reason. To attract the attention of a certain group of people who want to hear more about what you have to offer. People don't read a newspaper from cover to cover. They scan the headlines and read only those articles where the headline attracted their attention or peaked their interest. Your advertising headlines are no different. So, with that said, here's the tip I referred to earlier:
The Four Qualities of a Good Headline:
1. Self-Interest
2. News
3. Curiosity
4. Quick, easy way
Now, before you say, "I can't do that," I'm going to tell you how to get some free help. And, before you ask, No, I do not have any side deals nor am I getting paid an affiliate commission or any other compensation for telling you this. I have no connection whatsoever with any of the sources I am going to tell you about.
Why am I telling you this powerful information without getting paid? Because I was where you are at one point in my career and if someone would have just helped me learn what I needed to know then, it wouldn't have taken 25 years of my life. However, just because I'm giving you this information for free doesn't mean it is of little value. It will be the most important information you will ever get.
RESOURCES:
I was wrong about one thing. It will cost you something to get this information. Sorry, but you will have to take some action. You will have to visit your local library or go on line and find these three resource books. Study them, practice with them. Live, eat, breath, them for a few weeks. You will be amazed on what you learn and what an immediate impact it will have on your business.
A. Tested Advertising Methods - Fourth Edition- by John Caples
B. My Life In Advertising & Scientific Advertising - by Claude Hopkins
C. The Robert Collier Letter Book - By Robert Collier
Ok. I have just saved you thousands of dollars in wasted advertising, not to mention the thousands of hours wasted on downloading empty promises, re-packaged advertising gimmicks, and incomplete "how to" reports.
Don't spend another cent on advertising until you've read these three books. And, no, I don't have copies of these books to sell you. There is no catch. You either take action now or you don't.
First, let me tell you something that you probably didn't know. Most so-called advertising experts don't know how to write powerful headlines. They write cute, catchy and easily forgotten phrases that fall far short of the mark. I don't have enough space or time to tell why this is so. Just know, that, anyone who knows how to use a pencil and paper can write powerful, moneymaking headlines...if they understand this one basic rule.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying writing powerful headlines is easy. What I am saying is; if you put in a little effort, (a few hours a week), it won't be long before you are writing headlines that cause your prospective customers to want to do business with you.
This tip is especially important if you are working with an advertising agency, or, a local freelance writer. In fact, once you get the hang of this one concept, they will be amazed at how "creative" you are when it comes to writing headlines that grab your customers attention and moves them to action.
One more thing: There is no such thing as a free lunch. Right? Right. Unless you are willing to put some time in and practice, practice, practice, it doesn't matter how many tips I give you. You won't get anywhere. You have to take action in order for your newfound talent to take root and grow.
A WORD ABOUT HEADLINES:
The headline in an ad is 50-75% of the ad's effectiveness. Headlines in advertising are there for one reason. To attract the attention of a certain group of people who want to hear more about what you have to offer. People don't read a newspaper from cover to cover. They scan the headlines and read only those articles where the headline attracted their attention or peaked their interest. Your advertising headlines are no different. So, with that said, here's the tip I referred to earlier:
The Four Qualities of a Good Headline:
1. Self-Interest
2. News
3. Curiosity
4. Quick, easy way
Now, before you say, "I can't do that," I'm going to tell you how to get some free help. And, before you ask, No, I do not have any side deals nor am I getting paid an affiliate commission or any other compensation for telling you this. I have no connection whatsoever with any of the sources I am going to tell you about.
Why am I telling you this powerful information without getting paid? Because I was where you are at one point in my career and if someone would have just helped me learn what I needed to know then, it wouldn't have taken 25 years of my life. However, just because I'm giving you this information for free doesn't mean it is of little value. It will be the most important information you will ever get.
RESOURCES:
I was wrong about one thing. It will cost you something to get this information. Sorry, but you will have to take some action. You will have to visit your local library or go on line and find these three resource books. Study them, practice with them. Live, eat, breath, them for a few weeks. You will be amazed on what you learn and what an immediate impact it will have on your business.
A. Tested Advertising Methods - Fourth Edition- by John Caples
B. My Life In Advertising & Scientific Advertising - by Claude Hopkins
C. The Robert Collier Letter Book - By Robert Collier
Ok. I have just saved you thousands of dollars in wasted advertising, not to mention the thousands of hours wasted on downloading empty promises, re-packaged advertising gimmicks, and incomplete "how to" reports.
Don't spend another cent on advertising until you've read these three books. And, no, I don't have copies of these books to sell you. There is no catch. You either take action now or you don't.
Monday 9 April 2012
Writing Article Titles Made Simple And Easy
Writing article titles is an art and science in and of itself. The purpose of your title is to make people want to read more, so writing titles is something that you will want to focus on today if you want to have the most success with your article writing efforts. I would know, because I write articles everyday.
You can consider writing titles along to writing headlines. Headlines are the most important part of an article because it will tell the reader whether or not they should continue reading more. When writing titles, be sure to lead with your biggest benefit first. This is the benefit that will compel people to continue reading more.
If you're intending on writing an article for a newspaper, you may want to study a lot of the articles for the newspaper that you're writing for. This will give you a good indication on the style that their looking for. For example, in my local newspaper, a lot of the article titles aren't that long. The max number of words in an article title may be about 5 words, and that's it.
Can you see yourself writing a 5 word title? Many people can, and it is what it is. It all depends on what you're writing about and the relevance that it has to the news story. Writing titles doesn't have to be hard - you just need some background knowledge of what to write about and you will be good to go.
Hopefully you're able to use these tips when writing titles to produce something good.
Good luck with writing article titles.
You can consider writing titles along to writing headlines. Headlines are the most important part of an article because it will tell the reader whether or not they should continue reading more. When writing titles, be sure to lead with your biggest benefit first. This is the benefit that will compel people to continue reading more.
If you're intending on writing an article for a newspaper, you may want to study a lot of the articles for the newspaper that you're writing for. This will give you a good indication on the style that their looking for. For example, in my local newspaper, a lot of the article titles aren't that long. The max number of words in an article title may be about 5 words, and that's it.
Can you see yourself writing a 5 word title? Many people can, and it is what it is. It all depends on what you're writing about and the relevance that it has to the news story. Writing titles doesn't have to be hard - you just need some background knowledge of what to write about and you will be good to go.
Hopefully you're able to use these tips when writing titles to produce something good.
Good luck with writing article titles.
Friday 6 April 2012
How To Write Powerful Headlines
I want to tell you how I go about writing headlines. I like to keep swap files of headlines around for future use. And how I go about doing it goes something like this...
I'll find a headline I like, wherever it may be, and then I don't copy it word for word, instead I'll use a "fill in the blank" approach. That way I get a generic headline that I can apply to almost any business.
For example, I find a headline I like that goes something like this:
"Give Me 5 Minutes And I'll Show You How To Put An Extra $1000 Into Your Pocket!"
In my swap file I would write it down using a "fill in the blank" approach:
"Give Me _____ And I'll _____!"
I could now take this generic headline and apply it to almost any business...
Car insurance for example:
"Give Me 60 Seconds And I'll Show You How To Slash Your Car Insurance Cost In Half Every Single Month!"
Do you follow me...?
You don't want to steal any headline word for word. That would be a bad thing. But you can recycle headlines by using a "fill in the blank" approach, and then applying that to whatever business you may be are a part of.
I mean gee... why reinvent the wheel? There are a ton of great headlines out there already!
Here's another example:
"Great New Discovery Kills Kitchen Odors Quick... Makes Indoor Air Country Fresh!
In my swap file I would write it down using a fill in the blank approach:
"Great New _____ .... Makes _____!"
I could now take this generic headline and apply it to almost any business...
Weight loss for example:
"Great New Diet Pill Burns Unwanted Fat... Makes Dieting Easy!"
So the moral of the story is... The next time you come across a headline that grabs your attention, don't just stare at it! Write it down in your swap file using a fill in the blank approach.
And over time, the next thing you know, you'll have so many fill in the blank generic headlines to choose from in your swap file....
You'll never be stuck for a headline to write ever again!
I'll find a headline I like, wherever it may be, and then I don't copy it word for word, instead I'll use a "fill in the blank" approach. That way I get a generic headline that I can apply to almost any business.
For example, I find a headline I like that goes something like this:
"Give Me 5 Minutes And I'll Show You How To Put An Extra $1000 Into Your Pocket!"
In my swap file I would write it down using a "fill in the blank" approach:
"Give Me _____ And I'll _____!"
I could now take this generic headline and apply it to almost any business...
Car insurance for example:
"Give Me 60 Seconds And I'll Show You How To Slash Your Car Insurance Cost In Half Every Single Month!"
Do you follow me...?
You don't want to steal any headline word for word. That would be a bad thing. But you can recycle headlines by using a "fill in the blank" approach, and then applying that to whatever business you may be are a part of.
I mean gee... why reinvent the wheel? There are a ton of great headlines out there already!
Here's another example:
"Great New Discovery Kills Kitchen Odors Quick... Makes Indoor Air Country Fresh!
In my swap file I would write it down using a fill in the blank approach:
"Great New _____ .... Makes _____!"
I could now take this generic headline and apply it to almost any business...
Weight loss for example:
"Great New Diet Pill Burns Unwanted Fat... Makes Dieting Easy!"
So the moral of the story is... The next time you come across a headline that grabs your attention, don't just stare at it! Write it down in your swap file using a fill in the blank approach.
And over time, the next thing you know, you'll have so many fill in the blank generic headlines to choose from in your swap file....
You'll never be stuck for a headline to write ever again!
Sunday 1 April 2012
24 Ways to Create Compelling Headlines For Your Sales Letters
The headline is the most important part of your sales letter because it must capture attention instantly and also fuel interest. Headlines should concisely communicate the essence of your message and wet visitors' reading appetite. Without a strong compelling reason to read on, the visitor will leave your web page.
There are so many ways to create attention-grabbing headlines. For example, you could:
1 - Start with a question
"Is Google AdSense Driving Potential Customers Away from Your Site?"
"Hate exercise? Me too."
2 - Address your target market
"Attention Small Business Owners!"
"If You Are A Webmaster And Looking For Free Tools..."
3 - State a fact
"Your Competitor Could Be Your Best Friend."
"Marriage is the Biggest Investment In Your Life."
4 - Use a quotation
"I Lost 20 Kilos In 60 Days."
"I Made $8,397 Last Month With My Affiliate Program!"
5 - Arouse curiosity
"Did You Know That..."
"What Your Boss Doesn't Want You to Know..."
6 - Connect emotionally
"Do You Feel Tired When You Wake Up in the Morning?"
"Are You Frustrated Because Visitors Leave Your Site Without Buying?"
7 - Present your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
"Get your University Degree In 12 Months Even If You Have Not Completed High School"
"Combine AdWords and ClickBank for Huge Online Profits and Make $1000 Per Month Without Having A Website Or A Product To Sell."
8 - Create dreams
"What Will You Do With That Extra $1,000 A Week?"
"If You Could Convert 80% Of Your Website Visitors To Customers, How Much Money Would You Be Making?"
9 - Provide newsworthy information
"New Study Founds That 8 Out of 10 Websites Could Be Damaging Business' Credibility."
"Drink Two Glasses Of Red Wine Every Day And You Will Live Longer, Reveals...(name of Study)"
10- Explain 'How To'
"How to Promote Your Ebook And Become a Celebrity."
"How to Choose Your Wedding Diamond Ring."
11- Give reasons
"12 Good Reasons For Drinking Red Wine."
"24 Reasons To Form Strategic Alliances."
12- Start by 'why'
"Why You Should Not Use 'Click Here.'"
"Why Potential Customers Are Abandoning Their Shopping Carts."
13- Guide Step-by-Step
"Five Easy Steps To Win Customers."
"Three Critical Steps To Gain Customer Loyalty"
14- Instil fear
"Did You Realise That You Could Be Sued If..."
"What Will You Do If Your Computer Crashes?"
15- Command
"Lose Weight While Sitting At Your Computer"
"Create Ads That Will Boost Your Sales."
16- Use Comparisons
"Organic Search Engine Marketing Versus Pay-Per-Click."
"Should You Give Away Or Sell Your Ebook?"
17- Add Secrecy
"Insiders' Secrets For Instant Online Profits"
"Psst! For Your Eyes Only...Expert (name of Expert) Shares How He Earns $25,000 Per Month With EBay."
18- Educate
"Learn To Promote Your Website On A Shoestring Budget."
"What's Blogging? Is It For You?"
19- Provoke
"Women Over 35 Are Better Lovers."
"Buying Shares Is A Waste Of Money."
Provocative and controversial statements can attract attention but they can also infuriated your readers. Use with caution.
20- Start with negatives
"Don't Make Your Sales Page Look Like An Advert."
"12 Reasons Not To Buy A Web Cam."
21- Offer expert advice
"All You Should Know About..."
"Doctor (name of Doctor) Recommends..."
22- Give a new perspective
"The Art (or Science) of Writing Headlines."
"The Language of Success."
23- Exaggerate (if you can justify it)
"The Revolutionary Formula Of..."
"The Best Recipe to Cure Hangovers."
24- Give away incentives
"Free pedometer."
"Win A Holiday In Paris."
Now that you know how to make headlines, let your own creativity take the lead.
There are so many ways to create attention-grabbing headlines. For example, you could:
1 - Start with a question
"Is Google AdSense Driving Potential Customers Away from Your Site?"
"Hate exercise? Me too."
2 - Address your target market
"Attention Small Business Owners!"
"If You Are A Webmaster And Looking For Free Tools..."
3 - State a fact
"Your Competitor Could Be Your Best Friend."
"Marriage is the Biggest Investment In Your Life."
4 - Use a quotation
"I Lost 20 Kilos In 60 Days."
"I Made $8,397 Last Month With My Affiliate Program!"
5 - Arouse curiosity
"Did You Know That..."
"What Your Boss Doesn't Want You to Know..."
6 - Connect emotionally
"Do You Feel Tired When You Wake Up in the Morning?"
"Are You Frustrated Because Visitors Leave Your Site Without Buying?"
7 - Present your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
"Get your University Degree In 12 Months Even If You Have Not Completed High School"
"Combine AdWords and ClickBank for Huge Online Profits and Make $1000 Per Month Without Having A Website Or A Product To Sell."
8 - Create dreams
"What Will You Do With That Extra $1,000 A Week?"
"If You Could Convert 80% Of Your Website Visitors To Customers, How Much Money Would You Be Making?"
9 - Provide newsworthy information
"New Study Founds That 8 Out of 10 Websites Could Be Damaging Business' Credibility."
"Drink Two Glasses Of Red Wine Every Day And You Will Live Longer, Reveals...(name of Study)"
10- Explain 'How To'
"How to Promote Your Ebook And Become a Celebrity."
"How to Choose Your Wedding Diamond Ring."
11- Give reasons
"12 Good Reasons For Drinking Red Wine."
"24 Reasons To Form Strategic Alliances."
12- Start by 'why'
"Why You Should Not Use 'Click Here.'"
"Why Potential Customers Are Abandoning Their Shopping Carts."
13- Guide Step-by-Step
"Five Easy Steps To Win Customers."
"Three Critical Steps To Gain Customer Loyalty"
14- Instil fear
"Did You Realise That You Could Be Sued If..."
"What Will You Do If Your Computer Crashes?"
15- Command
"Lose Weight While Sitting At Your Computer"
"Create Ads That Will Boost Your Sales."
16- Use Comparisons
"Organic Search Engine Marketing Versus Pay-Per-Click."
"Should You Give Away Or Sell Your Ebook?"
17- Add Secrecy
"Insiders' Secrets For Instant Online Profits"
"Psst! For Your Eyes Only...Expert (name of Expert) Shares How He Earns $25,000 Per Month With EBay."
18- Educate
"Learn To Promote Your Website On A Shoestring Budget."
"What's Blogging? Is It For You?"
19- Provoke
"Women Over 35 Are Better Lovers."
"Buying Shares Is A Waste Of Money."
Provocative and controversial statements can attract attention but they can also infuriated your readers. Use with caution.
20- Start with negatives
"Don't Make Your Sales Page Look Like An Advert."
"12 Reasons Not To Buy A Web Cam."
21- Offer expert advice
"All You Should Know About..."
"Doctor (name of Doctor) Recommends..."
22- Give a new perspective
"The Art (or Science) of Writing Headlines."
"The Language of Success."
23- Exaggerate (if you can justify it)
"The Revolutionary Formula Of..."
"The Best Recipe to Cure Hangovers."
24- Give away incentives
"Free pedometer."
"Win A Holiday In Paris."
Now that you know how to make headlines, let your own creativity take the lead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)