Headlines are like first impressions – you don’t get a second chance to improve on that initial encounter.
And if your headline fails to resonate with the viewer and compel them to read the content that follows, they are lost forever.
The goal of every headline is to convince the viewer that they need to read the full content. The challenge is how to convey this urgency within the confines of a typical headline. Here are some key thoughts to keep in mind when writing headlines that stand the best chance of turning a surfer into a reader.
- Know Your Audience
It sounds trite, but knowing your what your audience needs is central to crafting an effective headline. In some cases, this will mean triggering an emotional response; or if writing for a scientific audience for instance, making use of the appropriate terminology within the headline will help provide the incentive to get the reader to continue beyond the headline…
