As more and more readers find stories through social media and search engines, a strong headline is critical. It’s the only part of your article that travels to all corners of the Internet, and if it isn’t strong enough, you can’t entice people to click. Think of your headlines like welcome mats — they’re how you greet your audience as they walk through the front door of your website.
The best headlines are specific and compelling. They tell the reader exactly what to expect with a story and generate interest by creating a desire to read more. Writers should always try to avoid being vague or using overly-used words in headlines.
Another popular style is the “how to” headline, which makes a promise that the reader will learn something new. This type of headline works well with many stories, especially those that offer advice or teach a lesson. It’s also important to remember that headlines should be clear and concise because readers have short attention spans.
Finally, it’s important to consider the emotions of your audience when writing headlines. Do they want to be happy or sad? Surprised or angry? When a writer evokes these emotions, they can draw readers in and create a loyal following. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use provocative questions or statements, such as “Are you shocked?” or “Will you share this story?”. This technique is classic and has stood the test of time.