Member-only story

10 Proven Tips for Creating Irresistible Headlines

In a crowded digital space, the right headline can be the key to standing out online

--

Think about how many headlines you read every day while searching online or browsing social media. What makes you actually click on an article or post to read it?

Quite often it’s the headline.

It’s been said that on average, 8 out of 10 people will read headline copy, but only 2 out of 10 will read the rest.

Headlines are often the first (and sometimes only) chance to capture the attention of users who are endlessly scrolling through their feeds. And yet many content creators treat their titles as an afterthought. The good news is that writing captivating headlines is a skill you can learn and hone to perfection.

So what makes a captivating headline?

Over the years, I have developed some tried and tested formulas for writing headlines that compel readers to click and read more.

In this article, you will discover effective strategies for creating compelling headlines that deliver results every time.

1. Use Strong, Action-Oriented Language

Action words grab attention and make your content more dynamic and engaging, prompting readers to respond or take specific actions. Words like “discover,” “learn,” “boost,” and “unlock” create a sense of urgency and excitement.

How to do it: Start by brainstorming a list of action words that are relevant to your content. For example, if you’re writing about productivity, words like “maximize,” “accelerate,” or “transform” can be very effective. Use these words to construct headlines that promise clear benefits or outcomes. Test different variations to see which ones resonate best with your audience. For instance, compare “Learn Social Media Marketing Tips” with “Unlock the Secrets to Social Media Marketing Success” to see which performs better in terms of engagement.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet

--

--

Marie Ennis-O'Connor
Marie Ennis-O'Connor

Written by Marie Ennis-O'Connor

Social Media Consultant. Keynote Speaker. Digital Storyteller. https://hcsmmonitor.com

Responses (1)