Renowned copywriter Bob Stone emphasizes that the first 15 words of any text are more crucial than the thousands that follow. This is especially true for headlines—they need to be striking, intriguing, and attention-grabbing to draw readers in.
Creating an effective headline becomes significantly easier when you use one of these tried-and-true formulas. Success is guaranteed.
Magical Formulas for Effective Headlines
- Direct Statement: A straightforward claim like “The Tastiest Milk Chocolate You’ll Ever Try” compels the reader to verify the bold assertion.
- Question: Many online search queries are phrased as questions. For example, “What Should You Know About SEO?”
- How-To: Instructional articles are increasingly popular. Many readers will be drawn to questions like “How to Choose a Quality Blender?”
- Command: A call to action or a clear directive often succeeds in engaging site visitors. For instance, “Subscribe Now to Learn How to Lose 10 Pounds in 5 Days.”
- Hidden Benefit: To pique readers’ interest, promise a benefit. An example could be “Slim Legs in Just 15 Minutes a Day.”
- Guarantee: Headlines that assure users of an effective solution or success in an endeavor. Examples include “Earn $50 by Getting 500 Likes on Your Photo” or “Cream Guaranteed to Rejuvenate Your Skin.”
- Discounts: Mentioning discounts or gifts in the headline continues to capture visitor interest. Examples are “Buy a Tea Set and Get a Free Mug” or “Three T-Shirts for Only $25.”
- Personalization: A headline that directly addresses the potential buyer or reader, making it more engaging.
- Reason: Listing the advantages of a product, service, opportunity, or new movie. For example, “101 Reasons to Visit Egypt” or “Why You Should Watch Avatar.”
- Mystery: Mentioning a secret or mystery ensures the article will attract hundreds or thousands of readers.
Using these formulas, you can create headlines that effectively capture and hold your audience’s attention.