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
- Use active voice
- Keep it short and specific
- Include a number
- 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.
Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King
Comments on this entry are closed.
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:)
Thanks for the feedback, Kristen! If you think of anything else, let me know!
kk
I love writing headlines too, but when it comes to my blog’s headlines, I’m afraid the “short” part goes out the window.