The headline is the first thing readers see, so it has to be great. It’s your only chance to grab their attention, and it should make them want to read the entire story.
The best headlines are simple, direct and easy to understand. Often, the simplest titles are the most effective — think of the classic newswheel format (with national, world, weather and sports) and the shortest headlines on tabloid newspapers.
Headlines that include a number or statistic show the reader what they’re in for, and make it easy to scan for more relevant content. This style isn’t just for list posts, though; the stats can also be used to emphasize the fact that a post is based on research or data.
Emotional triggers like anger and surprise can create an immediate hook for your article. However, you must be careful not to overdo it, as this can backfire and turn your audience off. Controversy is another tried-and-true method to draw in your audience. It creates an interest in your article and gets people talking about it.
It’s important to prioritize your users when creating a headline — they are more likely to engage with content that aligns with their needs, interests and emotions. However, don’t sacrifice accuracy for a good headline; search engines can easily detect keyword stuffing and penalize you accordingly. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires a solid grasp of the data, intimate knowledge of your audience, and an awareness of cultural nuances.