We all know that headlines are essential. They’re the first thing people see when scanning through their social media feeds or websites, and if they don’t catch someone’s attention, they’re likely to move on without reading the rest of your post. So how do you write a headline that will entice people to read more? Check out these killer headline copy ideas!
Why is it important?
Search engine optimization, or “SEO,” is a process by which webmasters and site owners attempt to improve their site’s visibility and to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs). While many factors go into determining a site’s rank, one of the most important is the site’s headline copy.
Headline copy is the text that appears in the search engine results pages (SERPs) when someone searches for a particular term or phrase. The headline is one of the first things people see when searching for something online, and it can be a make-or-break factor in terms of whether or not they click through to your site.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your headline copy is optimized for both search engines and users. Here are some tips for doing just that:
1. Use keywords wisely.
One of the most important things to remember when writing headline copy is to use keywords wisely.
Keywords are the words or phrases people enter into search engines when looking for something.
If you want your site to show up in the SERPs for those keywords, you need to include them in your headline.
However, you don’t want to stuff your headline full of keywords just to get them in there.
Not only will this make your headline copy sound unnatural, but it could also get you penalized by Google. Instead, focus on using a few relevant keywords throughout your headline in a way that sounds natural and makes sense for the reader.
2. Keep it short and sweet.
Your headline should be short, sweet, and to the point. Ideally, it should be no more than 55 characters long, which is the equivalent of about six or seven words. Any longer than that and you run the risk of your headline getting cut off in the SERPs, which can lead to lower click-through rates.
3. Make it catchy.
In addition to being short and sweet, your headline should also be catchy and attention-grabbing.
After all, you want people to actually click through to your site when they see it in the SERPs.
A good way to make your headline more catchy is to use powerful words, such as “amazing,” “incredible,” or “unbelievable.”
4. Use numbers and symbols.
Numbers and symbols can also be helpful in making your headline more catchy and clickable. For instance, you might use a number to highlight a special offer or sale (e.g., “20% off all orders!”).
Or, you could use a symbol to add some visual interest to your headline (e.g., “Get *free* shipping on all orders!”).
5. Use rich snippets.
Rich snippets are a type of code that you can use to add additional information to your listing in the SERPs.
This information can include things like:
- Customer ratings
- Price ranges
- Product descriptions
Using rich snippets can help your listing stand out from the rest and can increase your click-through rate.
6. Test, test, test.
Finally, don’t forget to test different versions of your headline to see what works best.
Try different combinations of keywords, lengths, and styles to see what gets the most clicks. Then, once you’ve found a headline that works well, stick with it!
Headline copy is an important part of search engine optimization, so it’s important to take the time to get it right.
By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your headline is optimized for both search engines and users, which will help increase your click-through rate and improve your overall SEO.
Don’t be generic – give your audience something specific to latch onto
One way to avoid being generic with your headline copy is to be specific and use numbers or statistics. For example:
- “3 Ways to Improve Your Email Marketing Strategy.”
- Or “How Reducing Shopping Cart Abandonment Rates Can Increase Your Bottom Line.”
Another way to avoid being generic is to be creative and use metaphors or analogies. For example:
- “Email Marketing: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”
- Or “How to Win the Email Marketing Game.”
Finally, you can also use humor in your headlines. For example, “Why Email Marketing Is Like a Box of Chocolates.” Just make sure that your humor is appropriate for your target audience and doesn’t come across as offensive.
Curiosity is key – make them want to know more
One way to create curiosity in a headline is by using questions. Questions are a great way to engage the reader and make them want to find out the answer. For example, you could use a headline like:
- “What Happened To The Woman Who Vanished Without A Trace?”
- “Could You Survive In The Wilderness?”
These headlines make the reader curious about what happened and how they would fare if they were in that situation.
Another way to create curiosity is by using a shocking statement. This type of headline grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to find out more. For example, you could use a headline like:
- “He Had A Perfect Life Until He Made One Fatal Mistake”
- Or, “She Thought She Knew Him, But He Was Hiding A Dark Secret.”
These headlines make the reader curious about what happened and why it happened.
Finally, you can also use a mystery element in your headline. This type of headline creates suspense and keeps the reader guessing. For example, you could use a headline like:
- “The Strange Case Of The Disappearing Man”
- Or “The Mysterious Death Of The Wealthy Widow.”
These headlines make the reader curious about what happened and why it remains a mystery.
Use numbers and statistics for added credibility
Numbers and statistics can be used in your headline copy to help illustrate the point you are trying to make.
For example, if you are trying to highlight the importance of a particular statistic, putting that number in your headline can help draw attention to it. In addition, using numbers can help make your headline more concise and easy to understand.
Here are some examples:
- Let’s say you want to write a headline about the benefits of a new product. You could use a number to help illustrate your point, such as “10 Reasons Why This New Product Is Amazing!”.
- Or, if you’re trying to show how popular the product is, you could write “Over 1 Million People Have Tried This Product – Here’s What They Think.”
Of course, using numbers in headlines is not always appropriate. In general, it’s best to avoid using numbers unless they actually add something to the headline and make it more effective. For instance, if your headline would work just as well without a number, then there’s no need to include one.
So, when should you use numbers in your headlines? Here are a few tips:
Use numbers when they help illustrate a point or make a headline more concise.
- Avoid using numbers just for the sake of using them – only include them if they actually add something to the headline.
- When in doubt, err on the side of caution and don’t use a number. If it’s not absolutely necessary, it’s probably best to leave it out.
Following tips can help ensure that your headlines are effective and make good use of numbers:
1. Keep it simple – don’t try to pack too much into one headline. A headline should be able to stand on its own and be understood without needing any additional explanation.
2. Be clear – make sure that the meaning of your headline is clear. Avoid using numbers just for the sake of using them – only include them if they actually add something to the headline.
3. Be concise – try to keep your headlines as short and concise as possible. This will help ensure that people actually read them and don’t get overwhelmed by too much information.
4. Test it out – before you publish a headline, test it out on a few people to see how well it works. You may be surprised at how different people react to different headlines, so it’s always good to get a second opinion.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your headlines are effective and make good use of numbers. Remember, a headline should be able to stand on its own and be understood without needing any additional explanation. So, keep it simple, clear, and concise, and test it out before you publish it.
Types of headlines
There are many different types of headline copies that can be used in order to grab someone’s attention.
Some common examples include using a question as the headline, using a numbered list, or using a strong statement. However, the most important thing is to make sure that the headline is interesting and relevant to the content of the article.
Some common mistakes that people make when writing headlines include using:
- Too much jargon
- Being too vague
- Using a headline that is not relevant to the article.
Additionally, it is important to avoid clickbait headlines that do not deliver on the promises made in the headline.
When writing headlines, it is also important to keep in mind the SEO keywords that you are targeting. By including these keywords in your headline, you can help improve your article’s visibility on search engines. However, you should avoid keyword stuffing as this can result in your article being penalized by search engines.
Tease them with a headline that makes them think “I have to read this”
Adding a tease to your headline copy can help increase click-through rates, as it encourages readers to learn more about what you’re offering. A well-crafted tease can also pique the reader’s curiosity and make them more likely to remember your headline.
When crafting a headline, it’s essential to keep your audience in mind. Write headlines that are clear and concise, and make sure they accurately reflect the content of your article. Be creative- try to come up with a headline that will grab attention and make people want to read more.
There are many ways to have a tease be in a headline copy. Some effective methods include using cliffhangers, questions, or strong statements. However, the most important factor is to make sure that the tease is relevant to the content of the article. If it’s not, then readers will be disappointed and may not continue reading.
Another way to keep readers engaged is to use strong visuals. This could be anything from an eye-catching headline to an interesting graphic. If readers see something that catches their attention, they’re more likely to stick around and read the article.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that the article itself is interesting and informative. If it’s not, then all the teasing in the world won’t matter. Readers want to learn something from what they read, so make sure that your articles are worth their time.
The anatomy of a good headline
The anatomy of a good headline is all about grabbing the reader’s attention and enticing them to read more. The best headlines are short, catchy, and to the point, while still containing enough information to let the reader know what the article is about. Headlines should also be relevant to the article content so that readers know they’re getting what they expect when they click on the link.
When it comes to writing headlines, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:
- Be clear and concise
- Use strong verbs
- Make it relevant to the article content
- Keep it short and sweet
- Use numbers and lists
- Use catchy phrases
- evoke emotion
- Use proper grammar and punctuation
- Avoid clickbait
Headline Copy Formulas
A headline copy formula is a specific set of instructions you can follow to create a headline that will grab your audience’s attention.
There are many different formulas out there, but here are three of the most common ones:
- The listicle headline: This type of headline is very popular on social media, and it consists of a list of items, usually numbered, that your audience will find valuable. For example: “10 Ways to Make Your Business Stand Out from the Competition.”
- The How-To headline: As the name suggests, this type of headline tells your audience how to do something. For example: “How to Write Headlines that Get Results.”
- The Question headline: This type of headline poses a question that your audience is likely to be interested in, such as “What’s the Best Way to Market Your Business?”
- The Curiosity headline: Similar to the question headline, this type of headline piques your audience’s curiosity by promising to deliver information that they’re likely to find valuable. For example: “You Won’t Believe What We Learned about Marketing from Coca-Cola.”
- The News headline: This type of headline promises to deliver breaking news or information that your audience is likely to find interesting. For example: “Coca-Cola Launches a New Campaign and You’re Going to Love It.”
- The Testimonial headline: This type of headline features a testimonial from a satisfied customer or client, which can help to build trust with your audience. For example: “Rave Reviews for Coca-Cola’s Newest Campaign.”
- The Offer headline: This type of headline is designed to get your audience to take action, such as by taking advantage of a special offer. For example: “Take Advantage of Our Special Offer and Get a Free Sample of Coca-Cola.”
- The Warning headline: This type of headline is designed to grab your audience’s attention by warning them of potential danger or downside. For example: “Don’t Make the Same Mistake We Did: The Dangers of Not Marketing Your Business.”
- The Guarantee headline: This type of headline is designed to build trust with your audience by promising them a specific benefit or outcome. For example: “We Guarantee You’ll Love Our Newest Campaign.”
- The Call to Action headline: This type of headline is designed to get your audience to take immediate action, such as by clicking on a link or signing up for a free trial. For example: “Click Here to Get a Free Sample of Coca-Cola.”
Don’t forget about keywords
Adding keywords to your headline copy is important because it can help you rank higher in search engines. When people are searching for information, they may see your article near the top of the search results if you include the right keywords in your headline. This can help you attract more readers to your article.
Including keywords in your headline copy can also help you connect with your audience. People are more likely to click on an article that includes the keywords they were searching for. This means that they are more likely to find the information they were looking for in your article.
If you want to connect with your audience and rank higher in search engines, consider adding keywords to your headline copy. However, don’t stuff your headlines with too many keywords. This can make your headlines seem spammy and could turn off potential readers. Instead, focus on using a few strategic keywords that will help you reach your target audience.
When you’re creating headlines, it’s also essential to make sure they are catchy and attention-grabbing. This will help ensure that people actually click on your article when they see it in the search results. To make your headlines more effective, try using numbers or powerful words that will grab attention.
Key takeaways
When creating a headline for your website or article, it’s important to keep in mind the keywords that you want to rank for. A well-crafted headline that includes these keywords can help increase your ranking on Google and other search engines. In addition, a catchy headline can also help to draw in more readers, which can result in more traffic and conversions.
Some tips for writing headlines that include keywords:
- Use keyword-rich phrases: When including keywords in your headline, be sure to use phrases that are relevant to your content. For example, if you’re writing an article about SEO, using a phrase like “SEO tips” or “How to improve your SEO” would be more effective than simply saying “SEO.”
- Keep it short and sweet: A good rule of thumb is to keep your headlines under 60 characters. This ensures that your headline can be read easily and won’t get cut off in Google’s search results.
- Use actionable language: Headlines that include actionable language tend to perform better than those that don’t. For example, a headline like “10 Tips to Improve Your SEO” is more likely to be clicked on than one that says “What is SEO?”
- Test, test, test: Always test different headlines to see which ones perform the best. A/B testing is a great way to do this. Try out different headlines and see which ones result in the most traffic and conversions.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to writing headlines that include keywords and help improve your SEO.
Headlines are one of the most important aspects of your content. They’re what get people to click on your article, and if they’re not interested in the headline, they won’t bother reading the rest of your content. That’s why it’s important to ensure that you write headlines that will interest your target audience. In this blog post, we provided a few tips for writing killer headline copy that won’t annoy your customers. Are you ready to start writing better headlines? Sign up for our newsletter and we can help you get started!