This is how to write catchy blog headlines, because while you can have the best content in the world, but if nobody clicks on it, then it’s useless.
So here is how to increase your traffic by an average of 150%, by writing strong headlines.
Go here for the video version of this post.
Table of Contents:
Why You Need A Strong Headline
I’m going to give you an 8 step plan to writing headlines that get clicks. Then I’m going to show you some examples, and then give you high converting templates to use.
Now, this not only works blog posts but it also works for affiliate offers, email subject lines, adverts and social media.
But you see, a bad headline will repel traffic. So your headline has to do a couple of things.
First of all, it needs to stop people from scrolling. Secondly, it needs to motivate them to take action. And that’s because your headline isn’t the only one they’re looking at.
If they’re searching Google, then you’re competing against at least 10 other headlines.
If they’re checking their email, then you’re competing against dozens of other emails that are asking for their attention.
This structure is loosely based on headline practises suggested by Andy Crestodina of OrbitMedia, with my own twists.
Make A Specific Promise
Step 1: Make a specific promise.
Emphasis on the word ‘specific’. You have to promise them a result. Something quantifiable. Something real.
People are only interested in what’s in it for them. As harsh as it sounds, they are not interested in you.
They’re only interested in gaining something.
So the specific promise you make to them COULD be the most irresistible part of the content.
Use Numbers
Step 2: Use numbers.
Numbers stand-out and require less brain power to understand. They also suggest variety, so people subconsciously see headlines that have numbers as having more value than ones that don’t.
Step 3: Inject curiosity. Curiosity is one of the most powerful emotional triggers we have available.
Take a look at the way Buzzfeed and Upworthy use curiosity in their headlines.
They never reveal the entire story, they only tease a specific element.
Ask Questions
Step 4: Ask questions.
Not only do questions create a sense of ‘wonder’ but they’re also great for search engines.
Google uses semantic indexing to figure out how keywords and content work together.
Questions make it easy for Google to understand the context of your content.
A quick look at the SEMrush keyword magic tool will prove that there’s a high number of questions being asked in for almost every keyphrase, so it makes sense to position your content in front of that traffic.
Use Power Words
Step 5: Use Power Words.
Power Words are highly persuasive and can trigger an emotional response.
In fact, Teespring increased their conversion rate by more than 12% by just adding power words to their call to action. But you can use them on your headlines too.
Words like ‘crazy’, ‘secret’, ‘free’, ‘easy’ and ‘official’ are all proven to increase traffic.
Keyword Prominence
Step 6: Keyword prominence.
Placing your focus keywords at the beginning of the headline can benefit your search engine optimization efforts.
It tells Google that your keywords are important.
Use Punctuation
Step 7: Use punctuation.
Good punctuation serves two fronts.
Firstly, it gives you an opportunity to put your keywords at the beginning of the headline.
And secondly, it gives you the opportunity to use emotional driven copy that appeals to humans, and gets more shares on social media.
For example, you could have your keywords at the beginning, followed by a colon, and then inject curiosity in the later part of your headline.
Split Test
Step 8: Split test.
Running two or more versions of a headline can dramatically improve your traffic.
In fact, that’s exactly how BuzzFeed became so popular.
They had a custom-built split testing tool built directly into their content management system, so their writers could quickly and easily test multiple headlines.
And thankfully, you don’t need to have a custom-built solution to run your own tests.
There are a wide range of free WordPress plugins available that will do it for you.
Headline Examples
Now let’s take a look at some examples, and then I’ll give you some templates to use so you can create your own headlines anytime you want to.
“29 life lessons learned in travelling the world”
“How to write a cover letter for a Jon in 2021 (12+ examples)”
“Lose 8 pounds in 2 weeks”
5 Headline Templates
Write at least 5 headlines before choosing one
Template: What _____ can teach us about _____
Example: What psychology can teach us about weight loss
Template: X _____ lies that are sabotaging your _____
Example: 7 weight loss lies that are sabotaging your results
Template: What _____ never told you about _____
Example: What doctors never told you about weight loss
Template: X easy ways to _____ without ______
Example: 7 easy ways to lose weight without a crazy diet
Template: New _____ reveals the secret to _____
Example: New study reveals the secret to long term weight loss
What’s Next?
If you’re serious about increasing your blog traffic, headlines are a great starting point. But if you want to see how I got 30,000 visitors a day for free then go to profitcopilot.com/traffic and get the free course.