Did you know that the average social media user’s attention span is less than that of a goldfish? Yup, that’s right. It can only take eight seconds for an audience’s mind to wander. That’s why, when you’re writing content, it’s essential to hook ‘em from the very start.
Enter: your headline.
Aside from the actual body text of your blog, website content, or article, your headline is probably one of the most important aspects of your writing. After all, it’s the first thing your audience will read, so it’s essential to ensure it’s informative, precise, and engaging.
Not sure where to start? We’ll be highlighting some of the key tips to writing great headlines through the do’s and don’ts along with a few examples formulas to craft headlines that are engaging and attention-grabbing.
The do’s and don’ts of headlines
At the first glance, writing a headline can seem exceedingly simple. However, crafting a great headline can require a bit of strategy: what are you trying to say to your audience? What kind of emotion am I trying to evoke from this content?
Headline do’s
When it comes to writing an effective headline, there are a couple of things to remember. The first is to be specific, concise, and pragmatic. If your headline is broad, or vague to the actual topic, audiences will be less likely to stick around. For that reason, being specific about your content within your headline is essential.
Another tip is to focus on your audience and the benefits they’re seeking from your blog, website, or any other type of content. The goal of any article is to get a certain point across to an audience, so really hone in on that. Whether you’re giving a guide to perfecting a skill, or educating them on a specific process, it’s essential to cater to your audience in a personable and informative manner.
Headline don’ts
As you craft your headline, there are a couple of things to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is writing a headline that’s too long, as this can bore the reader and cause them ti avoid your content. Along with this, it’s essential to be creative when you’re crafting your headline. Instead of a boring one-liner headline, try incorporating a colon, or even coming up with an interesting and clever title. This way, users will be more drawn to your content.
For more information on writing the perfect headline, be sure to check out the infographic below for an overview of the headline writing process, along with a few examples of headline formulas.
