Everything
that you publish to the Internet has the ability to become listed on
search engines. Obviously, the better your SEO strategy, the better your
ranking and visibility will be.
But even if your SEO strategy gets your website, blog post or even your PPC advertisement on the first few pages of a search engine, that does not mean that your page, blog or ad is going to be clicked on by those people performing the search. Yes, landing on one of the top few search engine results pages is important, but having a great headline is what will get your item clicked on, and receiving the click through is much more important than receiving the first few rankings. Recently I’ve written a post regarding catchy blog titles.
But even if your SEO strategy gets your website, blog post or even your PPC advertisement on the first few pages of a search engine, that does not mean that your page, blog or ad is going to be clicked on by those people performing the search. Yes, landing on one of the top few search engine results pages is important, but having a great headline is what will get your item clicked on, and receiving the click through is much more important than receiving the first few rankings. Recently I’ve written a post regarding catchy blog titles.
How to Write an Attention Grabbing Headline?
So how do you create a clickable headline?
1. Use keywords.
Your audience is going to be more likely to click on headlines that contain keywords that they used in their searches. This is why it’s extremely important that your headline contains keywords. Not only will it attract your audience to actually click on your link, but it will also help you rank appropriately. Search engines search for keywords, and keywords in headlines hold a very hefty weight when it comes to ranking.
Your audience is going to be more likely to click on headlines that contain keywords that they used in their searches. This is why it’s extremely important that your headline contains keywords. Not only will it attract your audience to actually click on your link, but it will also help you rank appropriately. Search engines search for keywords, and keywords in headlines hold a very hefty weight when it comes to ranking.
2. Add some numbers.
People do not like to waste their time clicking on links and becoming bombarded with tons and tons of content. One way to let your audience know that you will not bombard them with content is to use lists, and a great way to let your audience know that you’ll provide them with lists is to add numbers to your headline. For example, instead of saying “How to Write Headlines”, say “9 Ways to Write Headlines”. This way, your audience will know exactly what they’ll be receiving and if it will be worth the effort.
People do not like to waste their time clicking on links and becoming bombarded with tons and tons of content. One way to let your audience know that you will not bombard them with content is to use lists, and a great way to let your audience know that you’ll provide them with lists is to add numbers to your headline. For example, instead of saying “How to Write Headlines”, say “9 Ways to Write Headlines”. This way, your audience will know exactly what they’ll be receiving and if it will be worth the effort.
3. Be descriptive.
Like using numbers, it’s also a great idea to share descriptive information to paint a picture in your audience’s head. This lets them know exactly what information you plan on giving them and what they can use it for. For example, instead of saying, “9 Ways to Write Headlines”, you should say, “9 Easy Ways to Write Compelling and Clickable Headlines”. This not only lets your audience know that these tips are easy, but it also lets them know what the end result will be—in this case, clickable headlines.
Like using numbers, it’s also a great idea to share descriptive information to paint a picture in your audience’s head. This lets them know exactly what information you plan on giving them and what they can use it for. For example, instead of saying, “9 Ways to Write Headlines”, you should say, “9 Easy Ways to Write Compelling and Clickable Headlines”. This not only lets your audience know that these tips are easy, but it also lets them know what the end result will be—in this case, clickable headlines.
4. Ask open ended questions.
Asking questions is a great way to earn clicks on your links, but there’s a catch. You never want to ask a question that can be answered with a simple yes or no. If you do this, people will assume they already know the answer and will not take the time to click on your link or read your information. Instead, you want to get them to think about the question, and then click on your link to find out the right answer.
Asking questions is a great way to earn clicks on your links, but there’s a catch. You never want to ask a question that can be answered with a simple yes or no. If you do this, people will assume they already know the answer and will not take the time to click on your link or read your information. Instead, you want to get them to think about the question, and then click on your link to find out the right answer.
5. Know what’s trending.
Every day, there are certain topics that are trending. For example, during an election year, topics about elections or the presidential candidates will be trending. If it’s close to the Super Bowl, football will be a hot topic. It’s important for you to also know which topics are trending at the moment and use it to your advantage. If you are not paying attention to what’s trending, you may not be reaching your audience and their interests.
Catchy headlines are the first thing that your audience will see, and the more intriguing you can make it, the more clickable it will be.
Caleb Grant is a marketing expert writing on behalf of SEOMap – a group specializing in keyword analysis and selection.
Every day, there are certain topics that are trending. For example, during an election year, topics about elections or the presidential candidates will be trending. If it’s close to the Super Bowl, football will be a hot topic. It’s important for you to also know which topics are trending at the moment and use it to your advantage. If you are not paying attention to what’s trending, you may not be reaching your audience and their interests.
Catchy headlines are the first thing that your audience will see, and the more intriguing you can make it, the more clickable it will be.
Caleb Grant is a marketing expert writing on behalf of SEOMap – a group specializing in keyword analysis and selection.
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