No, that isn’t a typo. What I mean is – are the headlines or titles you use for your online content “headline” worthy? Do they grab attention and pull your readers in? Do they create any sort of buzz?
Or, do they fall a little flat?
If you fall into the second camp, don’t worry. You are certainly not alone.
Because headlines can make or break your content marketing efforts, I thought we should spend a little time talking about them this week. How to write them. How to optimize them (and how to make them compelling at the same time). Writing great headlines is a learned skill – and as such, is something that can be greatly improved upon with a little practice.
Something to keep in mind while crafting your headlines is that although people come online looking for information – their true motivations go deeper than a simple quest for knowledge. In most cases, what they are really looking for are ways to make their lives better, easier, more fun or more profitable. If your headlines promise you know how to accomplish any of those things – you are way ahead of the curve.
Speaking of great headlines – check this one out: Internet Marketing for Smart People.
Brilliant!
Can you imagine stumbling across that article and NOT reading it? I mean, really. Think about it for a second. Assuming you have at least a passing interest in Internet Marketing – if you came across an article with that title, would you really think – “Nope. Clearly not for me”…
Even if you did – wouldn’t you be at least a little interested in how you could maybe join that group? 
(You can imagine my relief when I read on and found that the 4 Pillars outlined in this Copyblogger.com post are consistent with what I’ve been been rambling on about here – Relationships (i.e. Consultative Selling), Direct Response Copywriting, Content Marketing, and Having Something Worth Selling (including ideas)).
I have to admit… for a moment there, I was a little worried…
But, reading the article alleviated my concerns – and made me feel better about myself to boot.
Kidding aside, that headline did its job – and then some. Not only did it compel me to read the full article – it also has me talking about it (and linking to it) here. Which is exactly what a great headline is meant to do.
This week, let’s focus on creating our own headline-worthy headlines, okay?
Til Next Time,
PS I have been invited by Lynn Terry at ClickNewz.com to participate in her weekly Internet Marketing webinar tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct 27th) at noon EST. The topic this week is content creation – and to say I’m honored to be included would be an understatement! If you’d like to join us for this casual and informative chat – you can register here.
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Titles and headlines are something I really need help with. Mine are definitely not grabbing. Can’t wait until the webinar, you’ll do awesome!
Thank you, Angie – Headlines and titles can be tricky, but creating good ones is definitely a skill that can be mastered with practice.
How is your own article challenge going?
PS I am really looking forward to the Webinar tomorrow, too!
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