Write good headlines that will capture attention.
The ability to write good headlines is a powerful skill, for you only have one chance to capture a browser's attention before he leaves the page. According to the website Copyblogger, an average of 8 out of 10 web surfers will read a headline, while only 2 out of 10 of those people will read the actual content following the headline. By being able to write good headlines, you keep browsers on your site and inspire them to read the rest of what you have to say, buy your products and sample your services.
Instructions
1. Write a specific headline.
Be specific when you write your headline, for specific headlines sell, according to Sean D'Souza, author of the website Wordtracker. Detail often makes an ordinary headline extraordinary, but do not go overboard. You do not want your headline overwhelmed with clutter. Write good headlines by spicing them up with adjectives to give readers that visual they need to continue reading. For example, a headline that reads "Make Savory Marshmallows that Melt on Your Tongue" is much better in comparison to "Make Marshmallows" because it makes your mouth water and creates a sensory impression you cannot ignore.
2. Write good headlines that describe benefits.
Describe how the reader will benefit. By reading your headline, the reader should have an idea of what to expect when they read your actual content. If you do not pinpoint how the reader will benefit from your article, you increase the likelihood of him just leaving the page, deciding that he would waste his time if he stayed or that the article simply does not apply to him.
3. Encourage readers to take action.
Give your readers a call to action when writing good headlines. The purpose of most articles is to inspire the reader to get up and do something. By putting that call to action into the headline, you can further communicate the prominence of the information that follows, according to the website MarketingExperiments. For example, a headline that reads "Stop! Put Down that Cigarette before You Die Like 400,000 Other Americans Last Year" makes you immediately want to stop smoking and find out more about how these other Americans died.
4. Induce emotions with your headline.
Write good headlines by getting the reader emotionally involved. Emotions such as shock, sadness, fear, happiness and grief help build a connection between the reader and the piece he's reading. By targeting the right emotions, your readers will be able to relate to the article on a more personal level, opening them up to take further action once they are done reading, whether it is to quit smoking, purchase an ebook or travel the world on a sole income.
5. Write good headlines that inspire questions.
Make the reader want to know more. Curiosity plays an important role, as it moves a web surfer past your headline and into the rest of the article. Write good headlines by making your readers feel like they would be sorely missing out if they did not read more. Do not be vague -- instead, volunteer some information while leaving out the rest when writing headlines. "The Secrets Behind Lung Cancer Doctors Never Before Revealed" tells you that doctors have found out something about lung cancer that you do not yet know about and induces you to read on to learn more.
