Blog Tip: Captivating Headlines

April 15, 2008 · Filed Under Blogging, Marketing 

Actually this tip doesn’t just apply to bloggers. It also applies to writers or web editors who make posts or articles on web-based or printed material.

In a nutshell, you have to write with your headline (first) in mind.

In my previous article, How to Write Better News, I tackled the fundamentals of creating crisp and direct-to-the-point content that both human and robot (the Google spider kind) can appreciate. Your headline will be the deciding factor whether your reader will click on that link or not.

If the header doesn’t have a call to action or is bland/lame, you can kiss your article (and that potential reader) goodbye.

Here’s an example. If your header reads: “The Long Wait is Over” and your piece will tackle a game patch that’s long overdue, it will get you nowhere. The long wait for what??? Get my drift. It doesn’t pique my curiosity enough for me to click and get more details because it seems irrelevant.

Change that to “Burning Foot Patch Launches April 1″ and that’s another story. It’s relevant to me as a player and for sure, I’d click to read more details.

Here are other header-types that captivate

  1. List type - Examples would be 10 Ways to Make 1,000 Gold in a Day or 5 Tips to Sure Overupgrading. Sometimes I just write about the list and then make the header after I’m finished with the actual number.
  2. Question Type - pose a striking question such as Are Bots Beneficial to the Community?. The trick here is to arouse their curiosity and create controversy. You’re playing around with their political (or sometimes lack of) sentiments. You’re bound to get more hits and SEO that way.
  3. The Colon Hype - Play around with your subject and predicate. Here’s an example Mario: Most Popular Videogame Icon is Gay. Interesting?

You also have to remember that your header must summarize the entire article. If it isn’t interesting, your article is more likely the same.

Try to practice these tips and I hope that you get more hits and visitors. Don’t forget to share them with your readers too. Just give me some link-love and I’d be more happy than a gay Mario.

Peace!

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Comments

5 Responses to “Blog Tip: Captivating Headlines”

  1. lionel on April 17th, 2008 7:16 am

    Argh. I had to go back and edit a blog post title because of this article. You’re correct!

    Your marketing genius challenges me. I want to learn your kung-fu, sensei!

  2. GM T on April 17th, 2008 2:04 pm

    Thank you, buddy. Glad to be of help

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