5 Rules for Writing Killer SEO Headlines
If you’re competing online, the massive flow of information is probably getting in the way of connecting your content to its rightful reader. Apart from a number of tricks and techniques, there is one SEO method that can be the key to your reader’s screen. And it’s the SEO optimized killer headline. Here are a few basic rules to help you master the art of writing an effective headline.
Rule #1: A killer SEO headline contains a relevant keyword.
When you start writing an article, you most probably have an idea what it’s going to be about. That idea, expressed in a few words, is your keyword. In fact, you don’t have to choose a word and repeat it a hundred times on a page. It’s enough to let the search engines know what your content is really about. You can choose a few keywords and use them interchangeably in the right context. Remember that even if the reader finds you, you still have to keep them in your website. If they are annoyed with the artificial language use, he’ll find the X sign without a second thought. As long as your content is equipped with the right terminology, you’ll have a natural keyword construction that will attract both search engines and readers. Despite this, initial planning is always a plus.
Rule #2: A killer SEO headline is about the content it presents.
Don’t even try to fool the reader with a word or name that has nothing to do with your content. First, it’s highly advisable to include a keyword in the headline. Second, the vocabulary of your content must correspond to the topic. Even if the reader clicks your link, a killer headline will not keep them there, if they feel fooled by you. Moreover, the experience of being fooled by fake headlines often blocks the reader’s vision to notice it. Similarly, if you walk by a building and there’s always an ad poster on it, you’ll most probably not pay attention to it, because your mind blocks unnecessary information. Don’t let your website be that ad poster on the building.
Rule #3: A killer SEO headline is catchy.
You might wonder what a catchy headline really means. Well, it can be interpreted in two ways. First, a catchy headline of an article would intrigue the reader’s interest. In other words, you play with their curiosity and give them a candy they can’t find anywhere else. In fact, the ways of tackling human interest are almost always the same. You can hint about something secret, something forbidden, fresh,new, exclusive, and so on. While this requires a bit of creative approach, it can still be a killer SEO headline, as long as it’s relevant to the content.
The other option of understanding the meaning of a “catchy headline” is its connection to the reader. If you can read the visitor’s mind and write a sentence that is in the reader’s thoughts right now, they’ll most probably knock your door and choose your headline from the list. Make it personal, informal, and shape it as a human thought. Remember that it must always be or, at least, seem natural.
Rule #4: A killer SEO headline is short.
Time is precious, and our eyes know it. If we see a two-line headline, even if it’s SEO optimized and catchy, we would pick the shorter alternative. Although writing a shorter headline takes more time, it’s definitely worth the effort. A 60-80 character headline is just what you need.
Rule #5: A killer SEO headline is simple.
Finally, you’ll have to make sure your reader understands the headline. Don’t use complicated structures or rare words. A killer SEO headline contains the right elements in the simplest form. Be clear, so that you can be heard.
More on iNexxus Blog
