A powerful headline is the first thing readers see on a website, blog, or article. If it doesn’t capture their attention, they will skip your post and move on to something else.
Headlines must also grab the attention of search engines to get a lot of “Google Juice.” The first few words of your headline will become part of the post’s URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and should contain important keywords for your niche.
A good headline is a hook that draws people in and promises them some kind of benefit if they read on. You can do this by asking yourself what the reader wants to know or how they want to feel about your story. A great headline answers those questions and makes the reader want to learn more.
When it comes to headlines, don’t believe the rumors that the classic formulas don’t work anymore. The fact is, they can still be incredibly effective. Numbered headlines work well; list posts are a must-have; and question headlines leverage a psychological effect to create tension and interest in the reader.
Keep in mind, though, that a headline is not one thing. It will look different on a homepage, blog post, or a LinkedIn ad. You need to tailor the copy for each type of platform to ensure it hits its mark. A great headline isn’t easy to write, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Take the time to work on your headlines and you’ll be surprised how much they impact the success of your posts.