It’s no secret that headlines are important. In fact, they’re arguably the most important part of a blog post, because if people don’t click on them, they won’t read your content. And as any blogger or content creator knows, getting people to read your content is key to growing an audience and building your brand.
That’s why we asked our friends at BlakSheep Creative, a creative agency that specializes in content marketing, to share their best tips for writing headlines that people will actually click on. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Keep it short and sweet.
The best headlines are usually around eight words long. Any longer than that, and people tend to lose interest. So if you can make your headline short and to the point, you’ll be more likely to get people to click on it.
“We’ve seen firsthand that shorter headlines tend to perform better than longer ones,” says BlakSheep Creative co-founder Clint L Sanchez.
“People are busy and their attention spans are short, so you need to make sure your headline is direct and easy to understand.”
2. Use strong keywords.
When people are searching for something online, they typically use keywords. So if you can use keywords in your headlines, you’ll be more likely to show up in search results.
“Make sure to do your keyword research before you write your headline,” Sanchez says. “That way, you can ensure that you’re using the right keywords to attract your target audience.”
3. Use powerful words.
Using powerful words like “secret,” “revealed,” or “exposed” can help to make your headline more enticing and get people to click on it.
“Remember, your headline is what’s going to make people want to read your article,” Sanchez says. “So make sure it’s something that will grab their attention and make them want to learn more.”
4. Make it benefit-focused.
Your headline should be focused on the benefits that your readers will get from reading your article. So instead of writing a headline like “5 Tips for Writing Headlines,” try something like “5 Tips for Writing Headlines That People Will Actually Click.”
“People want to know what’s in it for them,” Sanchez says. “If you can show them how your article will benefit them, they’re much more likely to click on it.”
5. Be specific.
If you can be specific in your headline, people will know exactly what they’re going to get if they click on it. For example, “7 Easy Ways to Write Headlines That People Will Actually Click” is more specific than “How to Write Good Headlines.”
“Being specific not only helps people understand what they’re going to get from reading your article, but it also helps you attract the right audience,” Sanchez says. “If you’re too general, you’ll attract people who aren’t interested in what you have to say.”
6. Make it interesting.
If your headline is boring, no one will want to read it. So try to come up with something that’s interesting and will make people want to learn more.
“You want your headline to be something that people will see and say, ‘That sounds interesting, I want to know more,'” Sanchez says. “The best way to do that is to be creative and think outside the box.”
7. Use numbers and lists.
People love lists. In fact, articles with headlines that include numbers tend to perform better than those without. So if you can, try to incorporate a number into your headline.
“Lists are easy to read and understand, so people are more likely to click on them,” Sanchez says. “Plus, they tend to be shareable, so if people like your article, they’re more likely to share it with their friends.”
8. Be creative.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your headlines. If you can come up with a headline that’s catchy and unique, people will be more likely to click on it.
“Your headline is your first opportunity to make a good impression,” Sanchez says. “So make sure it’s something that will grab people’s attention and make them want to read more.”
9. Use emotion.
Emotional headlines tend to perform well because they trigger an emotional response in people. So if you can make your headline emotional, you’re more likely to get people to click on it.
“Your headline should evoke some kind of emotion in people,” Sanchez says. “Whether it’s happiness, sadness, anger, or anything else, if you can make people feel something, they’re more likely to click on your headline.”
10. Ask a question.
Asking a question in your headline can be a great way to get people to click, because they’ll want to know the answer.
“People are naturally curious, so if you can pique their curiosity with your headline, they’re more likely to click on it,” Sanchez says. ” Just make sure you’re asking a question that people actually want to know the answer to.”
11. Test, test, test.
The best way to figure out what works and what doesn’t is to test different headlines and see which ones perform the best.
“You can never know for sure which headlines will work best until you test them,” Sanchez says. “So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what gets the best results.”
Well, there you have it! These are 11 easy ways to write headlines that people will actually click. So what are you waiting for? Go out and try them today!
Thanks to Clint Sanchez of BlakSheep Creative for his insights.
If you want to learn more about BlakSheep Creative and its services, you can check out their website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
