HeadlineForge

How to Write Better Headlines

Why Headlines Matter

According to research, 8 out of 10 people read headlines, but only 2 out of 10 read the rest of the content. Your headline is the first (and often only) impression you make. A great headline can improve click-through rates by 50-200%.

The 5 Key Elements of Great Headlines

1. Optimal Length

Character count: Aim for 50-60 characters to avoid truncation in search results.

Word count: 6-12 words is ideal for most headlines.

Example: "10 Proven Ways to Write Headlines That Drive Traffic" (58 chars, 9 words)

2. Power Words

Include 1-3 power words that trigger emotional responses:

  • Emotional: Free, You, Because, Instantly, New, Amazing
  • Urgency: Now, Today, Limited, Fast, Deadline
  • Curiosity: Secret, Hidden, Unknown, Discover, Reveal
  • Authority: Proven, Research, Expert, Science, Data

3. Numbers & Lists

Headlines with numbers perform 36% better than those without. Odd numbers often outperform even numbers.

Good: "7 Ways to...", "15 Tips for...", "5 Secrets to..."

4. Emotional Impact

Headlines with positive or slightly negative sentiment tend to perform best. Completely neutral headlines often fall flat.

  • Positive: "Transform Your Writing With These Simple Tips"
  • Curiosity (negative): "The Mistakes Everyone Makes With Headlines"

5. Clarity Over Cleverness

Be clear and specific about what readers will get. Avoid vague or overly clever puns that confuse rather than engage.

❌ Bad: "Words That Sing"

✅ Good: "How to Write Compelling Copy That Converts"

Proven Headline Formulas

[Number] Ways to [Achieve Desired Result]

Example: "10 Ways to Boost Your Productivity"

How to [Achieve Goal] Without [Pain Point]

Example: "How to Build an Audience Without Paid Ads"

[Do Something] Like [World-Class Example]

Example: "Write Headlines Like The New York Times"

The Ultimate Guide to [Topic]

Example: "The Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing"

Quick Tips

  • Test multiple headline variations before publishing
  • Front-load important keywords for SEO
  • Use brackets or parentheses to add specificity: "10 Tips (Backed by Science)"
  • Ask questions to engage curiosity: "Are You Making These SEO Mistakes?"
  • Create urgency without being clickbaity
  • Be specific: "Increase Traffic" is better than "Get More Visitors"

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