How to Create Powerful Headlines

October 6, 2016 Teresa Clark

Off

Welcome to my blog! If you would like to keep updated on new posts, please subscribe.
And consider following me on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for visiting!

You have mere seconds to capture a reader’s attention through your website or blog content. One of the single most powerful tools you have to accomplish this task is headlines. Here are a few tips to help you create compelling and powerful headlines:

Tap into your reader’s emotions – According to psychologists our buying decisions are based first and foremost on our emotions. Use headlines that offer your readers a strong emotional benefit or reaction. Consider tapping into a reader’s desire to feel attractive, confident, pampered, proud, respected, or safe.

Make it active – To compel your readers, it’s important to use active language. Active language shows movement and commands attention. For example, “Stop Your Sugar Cravings Today with this Simple Step” is a fine headline; however, it doesn’t command action nor does it really tap into any emotions. A better headline would be, “Conquer Your Sugar Cravings with this Simple Step.” Conquer is an active and emotionally powerful word. This headline leaves readers feeling powerful and in control, and it commands action.

Let your readers know they’re important – “You” is a very powerful word. It lets your readers feel as if you’re talking to them specifically and as if you’re interested in solving their problems or helping them achieve their desires. So use “you” in your headlines. Compare these two options: “Conquer Your Sugar Cravings with this Simple Step” and “Conquer Sugar Cravings with Our System.” When people see what’s in it for them in the headline, they will be compelled to continue reading your copy and ultimately make a purchase.

Now that you understand which types of headlines sell, how do you begin to write those powerful headlines?

Get to know your audience intimately – What is your audience’s hopes, dreams, desires, and problems? Understanding your audience will help you create emotional and powerful headlines directed specifically at them and their needs.

Determine how your products or services will make your audience’s lives better – For example, if you sell fitness equipment and you know that your audience struggles with feeling attractive, then you can create headlines that highlight a specific benefit your fitness equipment offers to solve that problem.

Write 10 to 20 possible headlines – Yes, 10 to 20 possible headlines. Not only will this give you practice writing compelling headlines, it will help you hone in on that perfect headline. And if you think you have a few winners, consider conducting A/B testing to determine which headline is more effective.

Marketing and copywriting experts consider your headline to be the most import element of any effective written piece. When you take the time to craft a compelling and powerful headline, you will reap the benefits for years to come.