Of course! Here is an article about tips for choosing the best headline.
The Headline is 80% of the Battle: 7 Tips for Choosing One That Wins
Legendary ad man David Ogilvy once said, “On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.”
In today’s hyper-saturated digital world, that statement is more true than ever. Your content—whether it’s a blog post, a sales page, a YouTube video, or a simple email—is competing with an endless scroll of distractions. Your headline is not just a title; it’s your one shot to stop the scroll, grab attention, and make a promise the reader can’t refuse.
A great headline is the difference between being read and being ignored. So, how do you craft one that captivates? Here are seven essential tips for choosing a headline that wins.
1. Clarity Trumps Cleverness
It’s tempting to write a witty or abstract headline that shows off your creative flair. Resist the urge. Your primary goal is to communicate value instantly. If a reader has to spend more than a second deciphering what your article is about, they will move on.
Your headline should be a crystal-clear preview of the content to come.
- Vague & Clever: “The Digital Nexus”
- Clear & Specific: “How to Integrate Your Social Media and Email Marketing”
The second headline leaves no room for doubt. The reader knows exactly what problem will be solved and what they will learn.
2. Harness the Power of Numbers
There’s a reason you see so many headlines with numbers—they work. Numbers and data make a headline more specific, concrete, and believable. List-based articles (like this one!) are popular because they promise a structured, easy-to-digest format.
Numbers set clear expectations for the reader.
- Weak: “Ways to Improve Your Morning Routine”
- Strong: “5 Simple Changes That Will Revolutionize Your Morning Routine”
- Even Stronger (with data): “How a 15-Minute Morning Routine Can Boost Your Productivity by 40%”
3. Focus on the Benefit, Not Just the Feature
Readers are always subconsciously asking one question: “What’s in it for me?” Your headline needs to answer that question immediately. Don’t just describe what your content is; describe what it does for the reader.
Translate the features of your content into tangible benefits.
- Feature-focused: “Our New App Includes a Budgeting Tool”
- Benefit-focused: “Finally Take Control of Your Finances with This Simple Budgeting App”
The first headline describes a tool. The second describes a feeling of empowerment and control—a much more compelling promise.
4. Create a Curiosity Gap (Without Being Clickbait)
A curiosity gap is the space between what your reader knows and what your headline teases they could know. It piques interest and makes them want to click to find the answer. However, there’s a fine line between curiosity and dishonest clickbait.
The key is to make a promise you can actually keep.
- Clickbait (Bad): “You Won’t Believe This One Weird Trick to Save Money!”
- Curiosity (Good): “The Counterintuitive Money-Saving Habit That a Millionaire Swears By”
The second headline is intriguing and specific, creating curiosity without overpromising or sounding deceptive. It suggests a valuable secret is about to be revealed.
5. Address a Pain Point or Ask a Question
The most powerful content solves a problem. Your headline should connect with a struggle or desire your target audience is already experiencing. By framing your content as a solution, you make it instantly relevant.
Asking a question is a direct way to engage the reader’s mind and make them reflect on their own needs.
- Pain Point: “Tired of Writing Blog Posts No One Reads? Here’s the Fix.”
- Question: “Are These Common Grammar Mistakes Hurting Your Credibility?”
Both headlines speak directly to a reader’s potential insecurities and offer a path to improvement.
6. Use Strong, Active Language
Weak, passive language puts readers to sleep. Use strong verbs, powerful adjectives, and active voice to give your headline energy and urgency. Words like “Stop,” “Create,” “Master,” “Unleash,” and “Discover” are far more engaging than “Ways to,” “Things you can,” or “Is shown to.”
- Passive: “Better Sleep Can Be Achieved with These Methods”
- Active: “Master Your Sleep: 7 Proven Methods for a More Restful Night”
7. Keep SEO in Mind
A brilliant headline is useless if no one can find it. For digital content, your headline should almost always include your primary keyword or keyphrase. Think about what your ideal reader would type into Google to find your article.
The trick is to weave the keyword in naturally without sacrificing clarity or impact. It’s often best to place your keyword closer to the beginning of the headline.
- Without SEO: “A Guide to Starting Your Own Garden”
- With SEO: “Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Vegetable Garden from Scratch”
Your Headline Writing Workflow
Don’t expect the perfect headline to appear on your first try. Make it part of your process.
- Brainstorm: Write at least 10-15 different headlines for every piece of content. Don’t censor yourself—just write.
- Analyze: Use a free tool like CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer to score your options. These tools can provide feedback on word balance, length, and emotional impact.
- Test: If possible, A/B test your headlines. Use different headlines for the same link on social media or test email subject lines to see which one gets a higher open rate.
Your headline is your first, and often only, chance to make an impression. By treating it with the strategic importance it deserves, you can dramatically increase the odds that your valuable content gets the attention it’s due.
