The best headlines catch readers’ attention, convey a sense of the article’s substance and entice them to click. They also help online search engines match stories to people. The nuances of good headlines are complex, but there are some simple rules that can help.
For example, a long headline might work on social media or in the
In the past year, we’ve been witness to a wave of deadly terror attacks and a presidential campaign that was more divisive than usual. The Las Vegas shooting renewed America’s debate on gun control. Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the Caribbean and southern Florida, while the Getty Center and Skirball Cultural Center were threatened by wildfires in California. And, at the end of 2017, a new leader arrived in the White House and took on some familiar issues.
These are just a few examples of top headlines in 2017. But there is one element that remains constant: A great headline is a necessary start to any story. NPR’s editors are constantly working to create engaging headlines that capture people’s attention and draw them in. They aren’t easy to do. They require careful thought, attention to the details of an article and a lot of trial and error.