How to Write a Headline That Stands Out in a Crowded Market
You need to capture the reader's attention as quickly as possible, or they'll move on to the next article without giving your piece a chance.
But how exactly do you write a headline that stands out? How do you make it unique enough to grab attention, yet still informative enough to convey what the article is about?
The following tips will help you write that perfect headline, even in the most crowded of markets.
1. Know Your Audience
Before you can even begin to write your headline, you need to know who your audience is. Who are they? What are their interests? What do they need?
You want to know your audience so well that you can write a headline that speaks directly to them. Knowing what they're interested in and what they need will help you write a headline that they'll be immediately attracted to.
2. Be Specific
Your headline should be specific enough to give readers an idea of what they're going to get. If it's too vague, people won't bother to read on.
For example, "Ways to Save Money" is too broad and too common. Instead, "10 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill" is more specific and enough to encourage readers to click on the article.
3. Use Numbers
Use numbers in your headline to make it more compelling. "10 Ways to Save Money" is more attention-grabbing than "Ways to Save Money."
Numbers catch readers' eyes, and they also give the reader an idea of how much information they're going to get. They'll know they're going to get ten specific ways to save money, and that'll keep them interested.
4. Use Power Words
Power words in your headline will make it more interesting and compelling. Power words are words that evoke emotions, feelings, and desires.
For example, "How to Boost Your Confidence in 10 Days" is more compelling than "Ways to Increase Your Confidence." The word "boost" evokes a feeling of rising, action, and progress, making the headline more interesting.
5. Stand Out from the Crowd
To stand out from the crowd, you need to be unique. Find a unique angle for your article, and write a headline that reflects that angle.
If you're writing about a common topic, approach it from a different perspective. Make your headline attention-grabbing by twisting it in an unexpected way.
6. Add a Sense of Urgency
Adding a sense of urgency to your headline can make people act quickly. If they think they'll miss out on something fantastic if they don't click on your article, they are more likely to read it.
For example, "Hurry! Only Two Days Left to Get Your Summer Body" tells the reader they have a limited time to read about the subject they're interested in.
In conclusion, writing a headline that stands out in a crowded market is all about knowing your audience and finding a unique angle. Be specific, use numbers, power words, and add a sense of urgency to make your headline attention-grabbing.
Remember, your headline is the first impression you make on your reader, so make it a good one!