In an infinite galaxy of online content, your headlines are the first and only chance you have to grab a reader’s attention and haul them in. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the top headlines in your industry and try to emulate what they do.
One thing to learn from the best headlines is how they invoke a sense of urgency. This can be done by including a time frame, warning, or call to action in the headline. The more immediate the headline, the more likely it is to get clicked.
Using a number or data in a headline can also pique interest and inspire clicks. These types of headlines often start with “how many,” “what,” or “what are the most.”
A question headline is a great way to capture readers’ curiosities and encourage them to click for more information. This type of headline is particularly effective when it is tailored to the search terms and questions that your audience uses.
Social proof headlines draw attention by citing sources your audience inherently trusts. These can include expert statements, studies or surveys, or testimonials from actual customers.
Wordplay is another headline formula that works well in specific industries. For example, the New York Public Library’s use of a pun in this headline makes the article more interesting and relatable.