How to Create Attention Grabbing Headlines

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How to Create Attention Grabbing HeadlinesWITHOUT DRIVING YOURSELF MAD!

The Headline

Important.Scene-setting.And the stuff of nightmares.Your blog post is fabulous, crafted over several hours.But the headline remains a problem. As you twist and turn words, you morph from an in control writer, to raging ‘why-don’t-headline-come-easy?’ for hours on end.If this describes you, you need this presentation.

3 Factors to Consider Every Time You Create a Headline

I. WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?

II. HOW WILL PEOPLE BE READING IT? LONGER HEADLINES DON’T ALWAYS WORK AS WELL ON MOBILE DEVICES.

III. INCLUDE KEYWORDS

”How To…

BUT DON’T MAKE IT A DRY INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Many people will often ask a question in the search engine bar thus, a ‘How To…’ headline can bump your page/post/website up the rankings.

”Identify and Solve The Problem

“ BORED OF WINTER CASSEROLES? 10 DELICIOUS WINTER RECIPES THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE! “

People are looking for information to solve a problem or an issue. By suggesting what the problem could be, and leaping in with a solution, you will get more clicks.

”Add Numbers

“ 5 GREAT WAYS TO COOK CHICKEN “, “ 10 SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW “

Nothing like knowing what you are going to get so if its 5 fresh ideas with an ingredient or 10 trends on social media, you have it.

”Add Urgency

“ GET THE BEST IDEAS FOR UPDATING YOUR WEBSITE TODAY (AND TROUNCE YOUR COMPETITORS)

Today. Now. Whichever word you use, by injecting urgency into the headline, you can gain more traction online.

”Make a Statement

“ BRILLIANT SUMMER FAMILY RECIPES“

Short, sharp and to the point, a statement headline tells the reader what they are getting. Just make sure you deliver it.

”Controversy

“ FACEBOOK ALGORITHM CHANGE TO AFFECT SMALL BUSINESSES – FIND OUT HOW HERE! “

Not my favourite headline as they can sometimes ‘cheapen’ content, I feel, and look a little too tongue in cheek but if this is what your audience likes, go for it.

”Short Headlines

“ SOCIAL TRENDS 2017 – FACEBOOK “

To the point. Effective. Simple. Eye-catching.

”Ask a Question

“ WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE LATEST FACEBOOK ALGORITHM CHANGES ARE? “

Again, questions work well as this is how people also tend to search. These headlines are also great for sparking interest.

”Finality

“ THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SOCIAL TRENDS IN 2017 “

Using lovely words like ‘ultimate’ or ‘everything you need to know about…’ are positive ways of hooking attention. It gives an air of finality about the post – in other words, once they have read your article, they won’t need to spend any more time cruising the web for the answers or information because your article has it all!

”Intrigue

“ WONDERING WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SPRING SHORT BREAK? “

Picking at intrigue is also a great way of hooking attention. There are loads of examples from odd-ball websites that have headlines such as “Remember XXX from such-a-such show? You’ll never believe what they look like now!” etc.

”Experiment with Headlines

Some headlines work better than others. Taking note of which posts work well, and what headlines you used are all part of creating content that people want.

How do you create attention grabbing headlines? gwynethorford@gmail.com

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