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!
Showing posts with label how to write headlines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how to write headlines. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Day 4 - How to Write Killer Headlines - The Basics
A headline can make or break a sales letter, website page, newsletter, email, email newsletter, blog post or twitter post. In fact, everything you write should have a killer headline.
Headlines are the gatekeeper of an article or ad. If it's good, people will read on. If it isn't, then your email or sales letter hits the recycling bin or gets the delete button treatment.
Just as the purpose of every sale is to get a second sale, the purpose of every sentence is to get your reader to read the second sentence.
The first sentence doesn't start in the body of the text. It starts with the headline.
Still need convincing?
If you're still not sure about the importance of headlines, check out these snippets from the experts:
According to David Ogilvy, founder of the Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency and author of Confessions of an Advertising Man:
"On the average, 5 times as many people read the headlines as read the body copy. It follows that unless your headline sells your product, you have wasted 90% of your money."
Google: "Recent research suggests that users decide to stay or leave your site in 8 seconds or less -- in that short amount of time, headlines are the one piece of copy that users will actually read."
There are a number of basics that you need to get right when writing headlines.
1. Identify who Your Audience Is
Your headline should change depending on whether or not your audience is freezing, cold or warm. By this I mean, will your audience be reading your article/letter/ad/ for the first time? Will they know who you are, will they know your product name?
You can tailor headlines to suit your audience's knowledge of you and your product. This will lead to more people reading your articles. Decide whether you are writing to sell or writing to engage.
2. Write for People First
You will read many articles extolling the virtues of headlines and keywords for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). SEO helps raise your profile on the search engines. (We'll talk about this in a later article). Some exponents argue that writing for SEO is different than writing for reading's sake. My experience has shown that writing for people first will help with both SEO and click-through.
If you write as if you're talking to the person, chances are you're going to write a killer heading..and copy.
3. Ask yourself 'What's in it for me?'
If you want to lure people into your copy, then you need to ask yourself the question through the reader's eyes - "what's in it for me?". If you can't answer this, then you need to start again. No matter what way you structure your headline, it has to answer that important question.
4. Keep it Short
The average or ideal length for a headline is five words. Shorter headlines give a better punch or a better sizzle to your message. If you are battling with more words, then simply make a sub-heading out of them or make use of punctuation.
5. Make it Real
Under no circumstance should you write the best headline ever, but not have the copy to back it up. Or worse still, the product or service doesn't match up with the headline's benefits. Your headline has to support the copy just as the copy supports the headline.
The best headline in the world won't stop a bad story from ruining your reputation.
6. Keep it Simple
I've seen numerous witty and clever headlines. Some work, a lot don't. My advice is to keep it simple. Don't be clever for clever's sake.
7. Start Over
Once you've written your headline, ask yourself if you're happy with it. If you are, start over again. If you're not, start over again. You should spend as much time on your headline as you do on your copy. Do not stop until you are proud of your headline.
Day 4 - Homework
Today, I'm relying on 6 questions that Clayton Makepeace, one of the world's acclaimed copy-writers said in teleconference on 20th December 2006.
Take a recent headline and ask yourself:
1. Does your headline touch a nerve?
2. Does it make a unique claim or statement?
3. Does it provoke curiosity?
4. Is it credible?
5. It is specific?
6. Does it have a news element?
7. Does it offer a compelling benefit for reading?
Headlines are the gatekeeper of an article or ad. If it's good, people will read on. If it isn't, then your email or sales letter hits the recycling bin or gets the delete button treatment.
Just as the purpose of every sale is to get a second sale, the purpose of every sentence is to get your reader to read the second sentence.
The first sentence doesn't start in the body of the text. It starts with the headline.
Still need convincing?
If you're still not sure about the importance of headlines, check out these snippets from the experts:
According to David Ogilvy, founder of the Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency and author of Confessions of an Advertising Man:
"On the average, 5 times as many people read the headlines as read the body copy. It follows that unless your headline sells your product, you have wasted 90% of your money."
Google: "Recent research suggests that users decide to stay or leave your site in 8 seconds or less -- in that short amount of time, headlines are the one piece of copy that users will actually read."
There are a number of basics that you need to get right when writing headlines.
1. Identify who Your Audience Is
Your headline should change depending on whether or not your audience is freezing, cold or warm. By this I mean, will your audience be reading your article/letter/ad/ for the first time? Will they know who you are, will they know your product name?
You can tailor headlines to suit your audience's knowledge of you and your product. This will lead to more people reading your articles. Decide whether you are writing to sell or writing to engage.
2. Write for People First
You will read many articles extolling the virtues of headlines and keywords for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). SEO helps raise your profile on the search engines. (We'll talk about this in a later article). Some exponents argue that writing for SEO is different than writing for reading's sake. My experience has shown that writing for people first will help with both SEO and click-through.
If you write as if you're talking to the person, chances are you're going to write a killer heading..and copy.
3. Ask yourself 'What's in it for me?'
If you want to lure people into your copy, then you need to ask yourself the question through the reader's eyes - "what's in it for me?". If you can't answer this, then you need to start again. No matter what way you structure your headline, it has to answer that important question.
4. Keep it Short
The average or ideal length for a headline is five words. Shorter headlines give a better punch or a better sizzle to your message. If you are battling with more words, then simply make a sub-heading out of them or make use of punctuation.
5. Make it Real
Under no circumstance should you write the best headline ever, but not have the copy to back it up. Or worse still, the product or service doesn't match up with the headline's benefits. Your headline has to support the copy just as the copy supports the headline.
The best headline in the world won't stop a bad story from ruining your reputation.
6. Keep it Simple
I've seen numerous witty and clever headlines. Some work, a lot don't. My advice is to keep it simple. Don't be clever for clever's sake.
7. Start Over
Once you've written your headline, ask yourself if you're happy with it. If you are, start over again. If you're not, start over again. You should spend as much time on your headline as you do on your copy. Do not stop until you are proud of your headline.
Day 4 - Homework
Today, I'm relying on 6 questions that Clayton Makepeace, one of the world's acclaimed copy-writers said in teleconference on 20th December 2006.
Take a recent headline and ask yourself:
1. Does your headline touch a nerve?
2. Does it make a unique claim or statement?
3. Does it provoke curiosity?
4. Is it credible?
5. It is specific?
6. Does it have a news element?
7. Does it offer a compelling benefit for reading?
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Headline Writing - Write Headlines That Get Your Article Read - Part 2
In part 1 we covered the importance of writing a great headline to grab your readers attention & get them to read your article in full.
Now we take a look at other ways of developing your headline style.
You need to think about your audience. Who is it that you are writing for?
For gossip and entertainment?
For those looking for financial advice - facts and figures?
For someone looking for exercise or health information - reliable and assuring?
For those browsing for ideas and pastimes?
Who are they and what are they looking for? Answering these two questions will set you on the right route to plan and write an article that will capture their attention... and from this you can then style the headline.
For example say that you're writing an article aimed at someone who is searching for the right mortgage. That person will look for 'facts', 'figures', 'surveys' and even maybe a case study that they can identify with. The language will be business like & authoritative. Anyone reading would not expect lots of jokey thoughts and gossip in the article. On the other hand if you are writing your article aimed at someone searching for news on their favourite pop star, gossip, jokes and light frothy sentences will hit the mark.
You've got 5 seconds!
When writing your headlines remember that you only have about 5 seconds to grab your potential readers attention.
If they scan the list of headlines and yours doesn't 'pop out' you've lost them forever.
Here are a few more styles that can help you to write a great headline.
The 'Testimonial' Headline
"I used 'XY's' formula B ... now I earn $ssss and have financial freedom"
Testimonials are very powerful, when they sound believable. Use them to help you sell a new product or idea.
The 'News' Headline - Make an announcement
"It's here at last! The breakthrough in internet marketing has arrived"
A great way for announcing new products and services, making the reader feel that they're in at the beginning.
Also you may have noticed that I didn't say 'what' it was... so you add an element of curiosity in the headline too.
The 'Formula' headline - tell them 'how to'
"Follow these 3 simple steps to increase your writing speed"
How often are you looking for the solution to the problem? Well if the headline tells you that you can find the solution in just 3 simple steps... aren't you going to want to read 'what' those simple steps are?
Often these headline begin with words like "How to" ... "how to loose 5lb's in 1 week... with just 5 minutes a day". The secret is that the headline suggest that the solution will be revealed in the article.
The 'Question' Headline
"Do you hate the Gym? - How to have a gym workout without ever stepping inside one again"
The secret to this type of headline is to pose the question that you know most people will answer in a certain way... then you suggest that the answer will be given in the article. When writing this sort of headline... you need to be sure that the majority of your readers are going to agree with you ... or they may just say "No... I love the gym" and never read on.
The 'Order' Headline... Do it now!
"Act now and save £1000 on your insurance this year!"
Giving a command focuses attention on a desired action that you want the reader to take on reading the article.
What ever style of headline you choose... make sure that you 'Deliver'
What I mean is, if you suggest that you are going to tell them the solution to the problem, in the headline, you must give that solution in the article or at least tell them where the reader must go to find the solution.
Don't refer to something in your headline and then not mention it in the article. This leaves the reader confused and cross... they'll feel cheated and won't trust you or read your articles again!
Add Value to your headline
Turn an 'ok' headline like "How to write a good headline" into a great one "Get your articles read - Writing headlines that GRAB!"
Short and sweet.
7 words is a good guide. If you've got more to say then put it in a sub-headline.
Need some more ideas... here are some words and run-ins that'll help to attract readers attention:
Activate, Achieve, Affordable, Amaze, Amazing, Avoid,
Best, Breakthrough, Banish, Bounce back from ..., Beginners guide to..., (the) Best & Worst ways to ...., Budget,
Captivate, Create, Cash in on..., Complete guide to ..., ..... on the Cheap
Discover, Discovery, Deliver, ..... Dreams come true,
Eliminate, Essential, Energise, Essential elements, Exciting,
Formula, Fantastic,
Great, Gigantic, Guaranteed, Gain the..., Get the edge..., Good news when....,
How to ..., Hidden secret ..., Hot tips on...,
Incredible, Ingenious, Impossible (to miss),
Just out..., Judge for yourself...,
Kill, Killing,
Love, Loveliest, Looking for..., Longing for..., (the) Last word on...,
Master, Mastering, Must have, Must-know,
No more, New, Newest, Never .... again, No-fail guide to....,
Outrageous, Outrage, One time offer...,
Powerful, Profit from, Perfect (solution, birthday gift, holiday,etc)
Quick guide to, Questions & Answers to..., Questions that you must ask about....,
Results, Revealed, Revelation, (the) Real...., Read this before....,
Simple, Simplest, Secrets, Scientific, Shocking, Special report...., Strategies for..., Straight answers about..., (the) Solution to...,
Ten Quick Tips, Tips, Tricks, Time-tested, Tactics, Top, Techniques, Thrifty
Unbelievable, User-friendly ways to..., Unleash, Unlimited, Unique,
Value added, Valuable,
(7) Ways to..., What's HOT and What's NOT in..., When to ... and when not, (the) Worst thing you....,
You must try this...., You need to know how....,
I'm sure you'll begin to think of hundreds of variations and improvements.... start writing them down now... and when you see a good headline... adapt it for your use.
Enjoy your writing
Now we take a look at other ways of developing your headline style.
You need to think about your audience. Who is it that you are writing for?
For gossip and entertainment?
For those looking for financial advice - facts and figures?
For someone looking for exercise or health information - reliable and assuring?
For those browsing for ideas and pastimes?
Who are they and what are they looking for? Answering these two questions will set you on the right route to plan and write an article that will capture their attention... and from this you can then style the headline.
For example say that you're writing an article aimed at someone who is searching for the right mortgage. That person will look for 'facts', 'figures', 'surveys' and even maybe a case study that they can identify with. The language will be business like & authoritative. Anyone reading would not expect lots of jokey thoughts and gossip in the article. On the other hand if you are writing your article aimed at someone searching for news on their favourite pop star, gossip, jokes and light frothy sentences will hit the mark.
You've got 5 seconds!
When writing your headlines remember that you only have about 5 seconds to grab your potential readers attention.
If they scan the list of headlines and yours doesn't 'pop out' you've lost them forever.
Here are a few more styles that can help you to write a great headline.
The 'Testimonial' Headline
"I used 'XY's' formula B ... now I earn $ssss and have financial freedom"
Testimonials are very powerful, when they sound believable. Use them to help you sell a new product or idea.
The 'News' Headline - Make an announcement
"It's here at last! The breakthrough in internet marketing has arrived"
A great way for announcing new products and services, making the reader feel that they're in at the beginning.
Also you may have noticed that I didn't say 'what' it was... so you add an element of curiosity in the headline too.
The 'Formula' headline - tell them 'how to'
"Follow these 3 simple steps to increase your writing speed"
How often are you looking for the solution to the problem? Well if the headline tells you that you can find the solution in just 3 simple steps... aren't you going to want to read 'what' those simple steps are?
Often these headline begin with words like "How to" ... "how to loose 5lb's in 1 week... with just 5 minutes a day". The secret is that the headline suggest that the solution will be revealed in the article.
The 'Question' Headline
"Do you hate the Gym? - How to have a gym workout without ever stepping inside one again"
The secret to this type of headline is to pose the question that you know most people will answer in a certain way... then you suggest that the answer will be given in the article. When writing this sort of headline... you need to be sure that the majority of your readers are going to agree with you ... or they may just say "No... I love the gym" and never read on.
The 'Order' Headline... Do it now!
"Act now and save £1000 on your insurance this year!"
Giving a command focuses attention on a desired action that you want the reader to take on reading the article.
What ever style of headline you choose... make sure that you 'Deliver'
What I mean is, if you suggest that you are going to tell them the solution to the problem, in the headline, you must give that solution in the article or at least tell them where the reader must go to find the solution.
Don't refer to something in your headline and then not mention it in the article. This leaves the reader confused and cross... they'll feel cheated and won't trust you or read your articles again!
Add Value to your headline
Turn an 'ok' headline like "How to write a good headline" into a great one "Get your articles read - Writing headlines that GRAB!"
Short and sweet.
7 words is a good guide. If you've got more to say then put it in a sub-headline.
Need some more ideas... here are some words and run-ins that'll help to attract readers attention:
Activate, Achieve, Affordable, Amaze, Amazing, Avoid,
Best, Breakthrough, Banish, Bounce back from ..., Beginners guide to..., (the) Best & Worst ways to ...., Budget,
Captivate, Create, Cash in on..., Complete guide to ..., ..... on the Cheap
Discover, Discovery, Deliver, ..... Dreams come true,
Eliminate, Essential, Energise, Essential elements, Exciting,
Formula, Fantastic,
Great, Gigantic, Guaranteed, Gain the..., Get the edge..., Good news when....,
How to ..., Hidden secret ..., Hot tips on...,
Incredible, Ingenious, Impossible (to miss),
Just out..., Judge for yourself...,
Kill, Killing,
Love, Loveliest, Looking for..., Longing for..., (the) Last word on...,
Master, Mastering, Must have, Must-know,
No more, New, Newest, Never .... again, No-fail guide to....,
Outrageous, Outrage, One time offer...,
Powerful, Profit from, Perfect (solution, birthday gift, holiday,etc)
Quick guide to, Questions & Answers to..., Questions that you must ask about....,
Results, Revealed, Revelation, (the) Real...., Read this before....,
Simple, Simplest, Secrets, Scientific, Shocking, Special report...., Strategies for..., Straight answers about..., (the) Solution to...,
Ten Quick Tips, Tips, Tricks, Time-tested, Tactics, Top, Techniques, Thrifty
Unbelievable, User-friendly ways to..., Unleash, Unlimited, Unique,
Value added, Valuable,
(7) Ways to..., What's HOT and What's NOT in..., When to ... and when not, (the) Worst thing you....,
You must try this...., You need to know how....,
I'm sure you'll begin to think of hundreds of variations and improvements.... start writing them down now... and when you see a good headline... adapt it for your use.
Enjoy your writing
Thursday, 1 September 2011
How to Write Headlines - 7 Tips for Writing Effective Marketing Headlines
Learning how to write headlines is crucial for marketing success. Whether you're writing a headline for your brochure, a title for your white paper or a subject line for your e-mail marketing campaign, you need those first words your prospect reads to be catchy and intriguing.
These seven strategies will get you thinking about the creative headline options you can use next time you need an attention-grabbing headline. The examples (for a dog food called Healthy Paws) following each tip will help you understand exactly how to apply each strategy to your writing.
1. Appeal to your prospect's emotions. A little tug on the heartstrings is sure to get your potential customer's attention. Example: Is your dog's food harming his health?
2. Tailor your message to specific customer segments. Every customer wants to be unique. By appealing to each customer group's interests and affinities, you'll connect on a deeper level. Example (targeted to fitness-buff women): You care about your health - what about hers?
3. Be the teacher. People are always on the lookout for useful, relevant information. Offer to provide the information they're searching for. Example: Seven ways to help your dog live longer.
4. Ask a question. Open up a conversation with the reader by asking them a question they'll want the answer to. Example: Why does Healthy Paws have dog tails wagging?
5. Make an offer they can't refuse. When you have a great offer to deliver, don't beat around the bush. Tell them upfront what the offer is with a direct, to-the-point message. Example: Get your free sample of Healthy Paws - today!
6. Share the news. Prospects are drawn to things that are fresh and new. If you have a new product, or if there is recent news relating to your product, try incorporating it into your headline. Example: New study shows Healthy Paws dogs live longer.
7. Make it personal. People love to hear about what you can do for them. Include the word "you" or "yourself" in the headline to make sure they get this message. Example: Help your dog live longer - here's how.
Megan Tsai is an experienced, deadline-driven marketing copywriter. As a full-time freelancer, she provides business writing, copywriting and marketing communications for companies and advertising agencies.
These seven strategies will get you thinking about the creative headline options you can use next time you need an attention-grabbing headline. The examples (for a dog food called Healthy Paws) following each tip will help you understand exactly how to apply each strategy to your writing.
1. Appeal to your prospect's emotions. A little tug on the heartstrings is sure to get your potential customer's attention. Example: Is your dog's food harming his health?
2. Tailor your message to specific customer segments. Every customer wants to be unique. By appealing to each customer group's interests and affinities, you'll connect on a deeper level. Example (targeted to fitness-buff women): You care about your health - what about hers?
3. Be the teacher. People are always on the lookout for useful, relevant information. Offer to provide the information they're searching for. Example: Seven ways to help your dog live longer.
4. Ask a question. Open up a conversation with the reader by asking them a question they'll want the answer to. Example: Why does Healthy Paws have dog tails wagging?
5. Make an offer they can't refuse. When you have a great offer to deliver, don't beat around the bush. Tell them upfront what the offer is with a direct, to-the-point message. Example: Get your free sample of Healthy Paws - today!
6. Share the news. Prospects are drawn to things that are fresh and new. If you have a new product, or if there is recent news relating to your product, try incorporating it into your headline. Example: New study shows Healthy Paws dogs live longer.
7. Make it personal. People love to hear about what you can do for them. Include the word "you" or "yourself" in the headline to make sure they get this message. Example: Help your dog live longer - here's how.
Megan Tsai is an experienced, deadline-driven marketing copywriter. As a full-time freelancer, she provides business writing, copywriting and marketing communications for companies and advertising agencies.
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
The Secrets Behind Writing Killer, Attention Grabbing Headlines
Too often, the value of a great headline is overlooked. In fact, it can be the number 1 reason you're not getting the traffic you're looking for.
Sometimes, I'll read a fantastic article that provides lots of value, but it goes virtually unnoticed because the title is so boring or just turns you away.
That would be like baking the perfect chocolate chip cake. I mean moist and rich, like there's too much chocolate flavor to fit into one cake.
And then you cover it with puke green frosting.
Completely ruins it, huh? The few people who do try it would think it was amazing, but that's not the point of our blog posts right? We want as many people to read them as possible.
So that's the first step: take more than 3 seconds to come up with a good headline.
I have two absolutely favorite models I use to write headlines that figuratively grab passer-byers and force them to read my posts. The first way is to create so much curiosity that people feel compelled to read it.
Let's say that you write a post about a few tricks to building your MLM. Most writers would just say "Build Your MLM Fast" or something like that. Yawn.
How about "Explode your MLM Business Fast with 2 Dumb Little Secrets". Everyone who is in an MLM will think "Do I know those 2 Secrets? I could be missing out!"
My second favorite headline-writing model is to be very specific. Instead of using the headline "Build Your MLM Fast", change it up a little to say "How To Close Prospects On The Phone In 10 Minutes".
It's not a crazy exciting headline, but it's a very specific skill that a lot of people have interest in. You might say that people are interested in building their MLM fast, too, but because the headline is so general, they're expecting some very general, non-specific tips in the article. Specificity will always attract more readers.
One of the best suggestions I have for you is to visit a blog that has headlines that compel you to read. Ask yourself "Why did this headline grab my attention? What words specifically? Did it grab my curiosity? Did it advertise a specific skill?"
Write down what you learn. When you get some ideas on how to do it properly, start jotting down ideas for good headlines. Odds are, you'll throw most of them out, but you'll come across some that will work.
Read your headlines out loud before using them and decide if you would click on it.
For a great resource, go to Google and look for "100 best headlines".
It was compiled by one of the most famous copywriters of all time, Jay Abraham. He gives you 100 great headlines and also a brief explanation as to why they are so great. You'll learn A LOT trust me!
Remember, no matter how fantastic and amazing your content is, you won't get the readers you want until you can draw them in with your headline!
For more internet marketing tips, visit the resource box below.
Your success starts with you, so make it happen!
Erin Smith is a full time network marketer who has trained hundreds of network marketers to generate leads and build their business using just the internet. To see how you can generate 50+ leads per day for free, visit Erin Smith's MLM Secrets today!
Sometimes, I'll read a fantastic article that provides lots of value, but it goes virtually unnoticed because the title is so boring or just turns you away.
That would be like baking the perfect chocolate chip cake. I mean moist and rich, like there's too much chocolate flavor to fit into one cake.
And then you cover it with puke green frosting.
Completely ruins it, huh? The few people who do try it would think it was amazing, but that's not the point of our blog posts right? We want as many people to read them as possible.
So that's the first step: take more than 3 seconds to come up with a good headline.
I have two absolutely favorite models I use to write headlines that figuratively grab passer-byers and force them to read my posts. The first way is to create so much curiosity that people feel compelled to read it.
Let's say that you write a post about a few tricks to building your MLM. Most writers would just say "Build Your MLM Fast" or something like that. Yawn.
How about "Explode your MLM Business Fast with 2 Dumb Little Secrets". Everyone who is in an MLM will think "Do I know those 2 Secrets? I could be missing out!"
My second favorite headline-writing model is to be very specific. Instead of using the headline "Build Your MLM Fast", change it up a little to say "How To Close Prospects On The Phone In 10 Minutes".
It's not a crazy exciting headline, but it's a very specific skill that a lot of people have interest in. You might say that people are interested in building their MLM fast, too, but because the headline is so general, they're expecting some very general, non-specific tips in the article. Specificity will always attract more readers.
One of the best suggestions I have for you is to visit a blog that has headlines that compel you to read. Ask yourself "Why did this headline grab my attention? What words specifically? Did it grab my curiosity? Did it advertise a specific skill?"
Write down what you learn. When you get some ideas on how to do it properly, start jotting down ideas for good headlines. Odds are, you'll throw most of them out, but you'll come across some that will work.
Read your headlines out loud before using them and decide if you would click on it.
For a great resource, go to Google and look for "100 best headlines".
It was compiled by one of the most famous copywriters of all time, Jay Abraham. He gives you 100 great headlines and also a brief explanation as to why they are so great. You'll learn A LOT trust me!
Remember, no matter how fantastic and amazing your content is, you won't get the readers you want until you can draw them in with your headline!
For more internet marketing tips, visit the resource box below.
Your success starts with you, so make it happen!
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Wednesday, 29 June 2011
How To Write Headlines - Writing Headlines That Get Your Articles Read - Part 1
The secret ingredient to all successful articles is writing a great 'Headline'. Whoever your reader is:
Website visitor
Robot web spider
Other website owners
All great articles that are optimised for your website have one thing in common.
A great Headline!
What is a Headline?
Why is writing a great Headline important?
How do you write a great Headline?
What is a Headline?
It's the bulletins that open up the news on the radio or TV.
It's what's written on the front of the news stand.
It announces the content of the article.
Headlines are used to pull the eyes to the page & compel the reader to read on... If they have searched for a specific word then, if your headline contains that word, they will be drawn to it.
Why is writing a great Headline important?
In a world of news, reports, sounds & pictures we suffer information overload - Headlines help focus the readers attention - grab their interest & give a reason for them to spend time reading your article. You do write your articles to be read, don't you? I know that some write articles just so that they include their website links or affiliate links, but these empty, badly planned articles are not the most successful on the web.
How do you go about writing a good Headline for an article.
Consider the following:
learn the secret formula to .....
I made the fatal mistake ......, make sure you don't!
Why ..... & ...... grab your customers attention.
The last word on ........
Cash in on ....... before others do.
OH NO... Bush has done it again!
Didn't they all say 'read me' I have something important to say? Didn't they all indicate the nature of the article to come? Didn't they all have an element of curiosity about them? Didn't they all have impact?
Writing a good headline for an article is an art that one gets better and better at.
But here are some simple rules to follow and help you supercharge your Headlines:
1. Appeal to your readers biggest desires
Make money.
Get healthy.
Loose weight.
Achive more.
Look ten years younger.
Find love.
Readers are often looking for solutions to their problems. If your Headline is the answer to their problem then they will read on.
2. Acknowledge their fears.
Avoid making this costly mistake.
Act now ... don't loose out!
The terrible truth about 'X' and how to avoid it.
Sometimes readers haven't acknowledged a problem or are only just becoming aware of it. By suggesting that you know the problem and can help with the solution will get them to read on.
3. Ignite their emotions.
Why we all hate our boss!
No more Monday morning blues!
Throw away your glasses forever.
Why rubbish is YOUR fault!
Sometimes you need to grab those readers and compell them to read your articles by raising their emotion levels. Sometimes you are actually challenging them to argue with you.
4. Appeal to their curiosity.
How 'X' & 'Y' made a million from 1 simple widget.
Double your Adsense income overnight with this one simple strategy.
What New Year resolutions did Madonna make this year?
Make sure that you use your Keywords, that you've based your article on. Those looking for information on the a particular subject, for example 'How To Write a Great Headline' will likely choose your article to read over another that doesn't use the keywords that they searched on. Look at my headline and you see that it includes 'writing', 'headlines', 'write', 'read', 'articles'. I have a good chance that both the human visitors will use these keywords when searching for information on 'how to write a good headline' but I am also including information so that the search engines might give a high value to my article too.
In How to write headlines - writing headlines that get your articles read - Part 2 I look at more strategies to get those time poor internet readers choosing your article to read.
Brian Cotsen writes articles & reviews tools to help you succeed with your website or online internet affiliate marketing. Visit http://www.simplewebsitemarketing.com
Website visitor
Robot web spider
Other website owners
All great articles that are optimised for your website have one thing in common.
A great Headline!
What is a Headline?
Why is writing a great Headline important?
How do you write a great Headline?
What is a Headline?
It's the bulletins that open up the news on the radio or TV.
It's what's written on the front of the news stand.
It announces the content of the article.
Headlines are used to pull the eyes to the page & compel the reader to read on... If they have searched for a specific word then, if your headline contains that word, they will be drawn to it.
Why is writing a great Headline important?
In a world of news, reports, sounds & pictures we suffer information overload - Headlines help focus the readers attention - grab their interest & give a reason for them to spend time reading your article. You do write your articles to be read, don't you? I know that some write articles just so that they include their website links or affiliate links, but these empty, badly planned articles are not the most successful on the web.
How do you go about writing a good Headline for an article.
Consider the following:
learn the secret formula to .....
I made the fatal mistake ......, make sure you don't!
Why ..... & ...... grab your customers attention.
The last word on ........
Cash in on ....... before others do.
OH NO... Bush has done it again!
Didn't they all say 'read me' I have something important to say? Didn't they all indicate the nature of the article to come? Didn't they all have an element of curiosity about them? Didn't they all have impact?
Writing a good headline for an article is an art that one gets better and better at.
But here are some simple rules to follow and help you supercharge your Headlines:
1. Appeal to your readers biggest desires
Make money.
Get healthy.
Loose weight.
Achive more.
Look ten years younger.
Find love.
Readers are often looking for solutions to their problems. If your Headline is the answer to their problem then they will read on.
2. Acknowledge their fears.
Avoid making this costly mistake.
Act now ... don't loose out!
The terrible truth about 'X' and how to avoid it.
Sometimes readers haven't acknowledged a problem or are only just becoming aware of it. By suggesting that you know the problem and can help with the solution will get them to read on.
3. Ignite their emotions.
Why we all hate our boss!
No more Monday morning blues!
Throw away your glasses forever.
Why rubbish is YOUR fault!
Sometimes you need to grab those readers and compell them to read your articles by raising their emotion levels. Sometimes you are actually challenging them to argue with you.
4. Appeal to their curiosity.
How 'X' & 'Y' made a million from 1 simple widget.
Double your Adsense income overnight with this one simple strategy.
What New Year resolutions did Madonna make this year?
Make sure that you use your Keywords, that you've based your article on. Those looking for information on the a particular subject, for example 'How To Write a Great Headline' will likely choose your article to read over another that doesn't use the keywords that they searched on. Look at my headline and you see that it includes 'writing', 'headlines', 'write', 'read', 'articles'. I have a good chance that both the human visitors will use these keywords when searching for information on 'how to write a good headline' but I am also including information so that the search engines might give a high value to my article too.
In How to write headlines - writing headlines that get your articles read - Part 2 I look at more strategies to get those time poor internet readers choosing your article to read.
Brian Cotsen writes articles & reviews tools to help you succeed with your website or online internet affiliate marketing. Visit http://www.simplewebsitemarketing.com
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