Master the skill of writing engaging and effective headlines, and you can take a trip to the bank.
The importance of compelling headlines can’t be over-stated. Email subject lines. Headlines for social media posts. Blog post titles. Sales page headlines. All are critical to grabbing attention and getting readers to look at the rest of your content.
Facebook consistently talks about the importance of writing “compelling headlines” for Facebook business posts.
But it can be frustrating, right? Very very frustrating!
I’ve got a few things that can help.
1 – Use a Headline Analyzer
Writing compelling headlines is an art and a science all unto itself. And just like with an advertisement, a compelling headline will either draw people in to read more, or not even given them pause.your post or leave them flat.
One way to know how much punch your headline has is to submit it to an online Headline Analyzer. You’ll receive a score for your headline along with suggestions for improvement.
A few I like are:
Co-Schedule Headline Analyzer
http://coschedule.com/headline-analyzer
Sharethrough
https://headlines.sharethrough.com/
Advanced Marketing Institute
http://www.aminstitute.com/headline/
#2 – Start a Swipe File
Start taking note of which headlines draw you in and why. Keep a file of headlines you find compelling and use them as inspiration when writing your own. Watch the masters at headline writing and model them. Sites like BuzzFeed, Mashable and PopSugar.
Inc. Wire, an email publication from Inc. Magazine also does a terrific job with their email subject lines. Subscribe to their email and start watching how they do it.
#3 – Get Yourself This Book
“Words That Sell” by Richard Bayan is a must have.
Subtitled “The Thesaurus to Help You Promote Your Products, Services, and Ideas.”
I’ve had my copy for decades and wouldn’t dream of working without it. It gets me out of the rut of using the same words over and over and gives my writing some pizzaz.
Check out the sequel, “More Words That Sell” also by Richard Bayan. Both about $15 on Amazon.