7 Tips for Writing Attention-Grabbing Headlines
Create Attention-Grabbing Headlines using these seven tips.
As you may know, one of my big promises is to help you make more money with your messaging. One way to do that is through attention-grabbing, results-oriented headlines. Your headlines can make or break your first impression.
People are spending more time online, so your website must get them to stick around because they enjoy the content and the experience, not because they can’t find the information they need.
From everything to your website homepage, sales pages, emails, and ads, you can include headlines to engage your audience and get them to take action the exact way you want them to.
In this post, I’ll give you some helpful tips on where to include attention-grabbing headlines AND how to write them!
Where are headlines important?
Headlines can make or break whether or not someone stays on your website and navigates through your content in the way you want them to.
55% of visitors spend fewer than 15 seconds on your website.
According to the Nielson Norman Group, Visitors read only about 20% of the words on the average webpage. That means the 20% they are reading MUST BE GOOD.
Most times, your headlines and subheadings are what sticks out as the reader scrolls the page.
Any time you have a new section or transition to a new topic, you should have a headline and a sub-headline that gives the reader a glance at what’s in the section and what they can expect to gain from reading.
Tips for Writing Great Headlines that are Clickable and Impactful
#1. Use Numbers and Specific Data
Using numbers in your headlines will help convey authority and give the reader an idea of what they will get inside your blog, lead magnet, or website section. Numbers in your articles are also good for…
SEO (Google loves numbers!)
Tapping into our brain’s preferred way of receiving and organizing information
It lets the reader know exactly what and how much information they will be getting, giving them an idea of how much time they need to invest in reading.
It makes you sound authoritative
Example: 7 Tips for Writing Effective Headlines
#2. Ask Questions
Asking a question in your headline is a great way to engage your reader. Make sure your question is an open-ended question vs. a yes/no question. If your reader can answer no immediately, they have no reason to keep reading or open the tab. An open-ended question will spark curiosity. Our brains LOVE curiosity!
Questions can also be good for SEO. A complete question will help Google understand how the article is helpful and connect people to your content.
#3. Use Power Words and Strong Adjective
Power words are descriptive, persuasive, and evoke an emotional response. Likewise, good copywriting and storytelling will connect your reader emotionally to you and your brand.
“People do NOT buy based on logic alone — they buy based on emotion. The more genuine, emotional connection you make with your customers, the stronger your business will become.” – Marie Forleo
Seven different types of power words can help add personality to your writing.
Fear
Encouragement
Lust
Anger
Greed
Safety
Forbidden
With all of your writing, you want to ensure you’re using your words for good and continually operating with honesty and integrity. Words are powerful and can create more harm than good if misused.
#4. Make a Promise
Use your headline to make a promise to your reader, such as offering a solution to a problem or providing valuable information they actually want to consume.
Examples:
Build your dream business in 90 days or less
90 Days to $6k Months
Create your first 6 Figure Offer following these THREE Steps
Launch your offer in 60 days or less
Get high-paying clients without a single sales call
However, when you make a promise — make sure you can stand behind the promise! Don’t just make the promise because it sounds good.
#5. Results Oriented
You want to talk to your clients about what they want to achieve or create in their lives or business. The first question your reader will ask is, “what’s in it for me?”
Rather than positioning your headlines based on what your business does or offers, focus on the specific pains or problems your offer will solve for them.
Think below the surface and speak directly to the results you will create for your client.
#6. Make it Short and Sweet
Shorter headlines can be more effective because they are easier to skim and read. People’s attention span is quick, so you must ensure it grabs them before losing them.
#7. Be Clear over Catchy
This is one of the most essential tips for writing a headline. A confused buyer DOESN’T buy!
A specific headline should tell the reader EXACTLY what they can expect from your content. They have questions, and they’re likely looking for a specific answer to the question. The more specific you are, the higher chance you will get the click.
For example, "How to Write Headlines That Increase Click-Through Rates."
Remember, the goal of your headline is to grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading your content. By using these tips, you can create headlines that are more likely to do just that.
To ensure your headlines are working for you, there are ways to track and analyze whether or not it’s converting. Here are a few questions to ask…
Did your content generate any unique clicks for 2-3 months?
Are people engaging with your post (commenting, sharing, etc.)
Are people staying on your page? What is your bounce rate?
Your overall focus should be to educate and inform the reader about what to expect from your content following the headline. The more clear and more specific you are, the more likely it is to convert.
Do you have any other headline-writing tips I haven’t mentioned here? What was the most helpful for you in this post? Comment below!
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