Do You Know the Secret to Writing Riveting Headlines?

by Kristen King on January 19, 2007

If not, or if you want a refresher, you need to read on, because this post rounds up some of the best advice online for writing hardcore headlines.

Tips from Kristen

  1. Use active voice
  2. Keep it short and specific
  3. Include a number
  4. Don’t trick your reader


Tips from Other Folks

10 Sure-Fire Headline Formulas That Work, from Copyblogger, including

  • The Secret of [blank] (see above)
  • Who Else Wants [blank]?

7 More Sure-Fire Headline Templates That Work, also from Copyblogger, including

  • Do You Recognize the [number] Early Warning Signs of [blank]? (see Lively Women and above)
  • If You Don’t [blank] Now, You’ll Hate Yourself Later

5 Tips to Writing Effective Web Headlines from Ginger Makela at Google Analytics, including

  • Don’t sound like an ad
  • Highlight benefits rather than features

Check them out, and post your resources and tips in the comments!

__________________________________________
www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King. All rights reserved.

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

January 19, 2007 at 3:04 pm

that’s pretty much it. i love headline writing. i used to be a copy editor. miss the job, not the hours! this is very useful, KK:)

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January 19, 2007 at 3:12 pm

Thanks for the feedback, Kristen! If you think of anything else, let me know!

kk

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January 19, 2007 at 6:18 pm

I love writing headlines too, but when it comes to my blog’s headlines, I’m afraid the “short” part goes out the window.

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