Are headlines a big deal on your website? Yes they are. More visitors read your headline than any other element of content. And your headline must grab attention...you want your visitors feeling they have to read your first sentences, drawing them into your whole Web page.
My online library contains lots on writing headlines that work. In the ebooks and blog posts I've saved over time, I've learned the psychology behind good headline writing and collected plenty of excellent samples. Headline writing is a science that takes time to master.
But You Can Get Proven Headlines Without All the Work
If you're a marketer strapped for time, there's an easier way to get effective headlines for your Web pages, blog posts, and online articles. It's simple. Use headlines you like from magazines, copy rich newspaper ads (you know, like those Amish electric heater ads that appear as full-page articles), and your surfing online. Then you change the headline, substituting words that work for your page or post.
How to Instantly Re-Create Headlines Perfect for Your Business's Online Marketing
For example, I've discovered a terrific source of proven headlines right under my nose at home. It's my wife's subscription to Real Simple magazine. Real Simple's tagline is Life Made Easier and the magazine is full of articles on everything from investing to cooking Italian easier and better. (Which is the same thing you hope to do for your marketplace with your Web pages: easier and better!)
Here's how you can create your own headlines. I'm using Real Simple's March 2013 cover (see photo above). I've made up headlines from business categories I've had as clients.
Real Simple Headline: Back to Basics Beauty/Easy Steps to Looking Great
Plastic Parts Manufacturer Headline: Back to Basics Quality/Easy Steps to Error Free Parts
Real Simple Headline: The Crucial 5 Questions to Ask Your Aging Parents
Insurance Agency Headline: The Crucial 5 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent
Real Simple Headline: This Month's Organizing Makeover
Web Content Writing Firm (NKB Marketing?): This Month's Web Content Makeover
All of us try to write powerful headlines to get our website visitors to stay on our pages. So if you get stuck on the headline as you're writing your content, just get a copy of Real Simple magazine for (you guessed it!) real simple headline ideas.
Also, start a collection of headlines you like from any media for use later. Collecting headlines is also a great source for blog post ideas.
Excellent headlines are all around us. All you have to do is pay a little attention.
Until next time,
Nick
Other helpful posts on headlines:
10 Attention Getting Words for Your Next Headline
10 More Attention Getting Words for Your Headlines
