A strong headline catches readers’ attention, sets the tone for your article, and sets expectations for the material you’ll cover. That’s a lot to pack into one line of text, but fortunately, there are headline formulas that have stood the test of time.
For example, a question headline is an effective way to get people engaged because it makes readers think of an answer. Likewise, using emotion-provoking words like “shocking” or “amazing” can draw in readers. For news articles, choosing a controversial topic can also be a powerful hook. However, it’s important to note that you should be mindful of the audience and choose a headline that is appropriate for your target audience.
Headlines are arguably the most important part of any online story because they serve as the primary source material for search engines. As such, your homepage headlines, blog posts, and ad copy should all align with the headline of your article to make it easier for visitors to find what they’re looking for.
Keeping your headlines as short as possible is another great way to make them more compelling. After all, your readers have limited attention spans — especially online! So try to stick to a maximum of seven words or less. A shorter headline is also easier to read and can increase your chances of getting clicked. Lastly, using action-oriented keywords and persuasive language can help you write better headlines. Grammarly’s AI can check your article for these words and phrases, helping you craft a more effective headline.