How to Write Headlines that Grab Attention
Headlines aren’t just for newspapers, of course. But they are typically the first thing that customers read in your ads, in your e-newsletter articles, on your web pages, and even in your emails. A headline that grabs attention can immediately engage customers and pique their interest – or it can be skimmed over and ignored as they move on to something else. But since headlines are responsible for up to 80% of a customer’s response, here are some ideas for writing headlines that boost those response rates and attract lots of attention from readers:
-
Give Tips, Hints, or Information – One of the best ways to grab attention is to use a list of tips or hints in your headline. The “top 10 ways to”, “tips to help you”, or “the best ideas for” are sure-fire ways to get attention from readers.
-
Use a How-To – Another tried-and-true attention grabber is using a “how-to” teaser in your headline. Customers love free advice or gaining new information, and “how-to” headlines are a great way to clue in your readers that you’re about to give them something they already want.
-
Ask a Question – Involve your customers immediately by asking a question in your headline. Make sure the question is relevant to both their interests and your products or services. Use a question that will make them curious enough to read what comes after the headline.
-
Make an Announcement – People love something new, so write your headline to announce something in a way they’ve not heard it before. Use words like “Introducing,” “New,” and “Announcing” as a way to generate excitement.
-
Point Out the Benefits – Let your customers know right away that your message will help them in some way, or fill a need that they have. Touch on the benefits in your headline, then provide the supporting detail in the content of your offer.
Writing powerful headlines can be the spark you need to capture your customers’ attention and compel them to keep reading your message. And once you get their attention, you have an opportunity to convince them with your content and motivate them to respond. If you can write effective headlines for your ads, articles, and web pages, you greatly improve the odds that your content will be noticed instead of neglected.
