How to Write Headlines So Good People Can’t Look Away
Headline/hook writing mini-course
Crafting an irresistible headline is just as important as writing compelling content. Without a hook, no one clicks through to read your beautiful prose and imaginative stories.
As a writer active in digital media for over a decade, I've seen phenomenal articles get ignored because the headlines couldn't grab attention.
On the flip side, some average pieces went viral thanks solely to headline hype.
The truth is your headline’s power fuels your content’s visibility. Master click-worthy headlines, and more eyes convert to your writing.
If you want readers loyal to your writing, be sure to read this crash course on penning hypnotic hooks that score viral victories.
No fluffs, no B.S., just some actionable tips you can begin implementing in your next article.
1. Ask Engaging Questions
Spark intrigue by asking readers questions that connect to solutions ahead in your content.
Align answers to questions with what the full piece covers.
Examples:
- Feel Stuck With Slow Word Counts?
- Want Your Novel Finished This Year?
- Can’t Get Past Writer’s Block?
- Tired of Rejection Emails?
2. Highlight Interesting Data
Share fascinating stats related to issues your readers care about. Sprinkle numbers sparingly to convey thought leadership.
Examples:
- 58% Hooked by Page 3 - New Research
- Daily Writing Pays More: Surprising Data
- Only 7% of 2022 Books were Traditionally Published
3. Make Bold Promises
Exceed expectations by explicitly promising aspirational outcomes aligned to your readers’ goals. Then, over-deliver on those bold claims.
Examples:
- I’ll Teach You to Write 5,000 Words Per Day
- Land a Book Deal in 90 Days (My Method)
- 10x Your Income in 2023 - Here’s How
- Master Writing Skills in Just One Weekend
4. Connect to Reader Desires
Tap into core human motivations like freedom, money, health, confidence, and growth.
Show how your content unlocks outcomes readers strongly desire.
Examples:
- Get Paid for Personal Essays: A Guide
- Earn Six Figures Working 10 Hours/Week Writing
- Travel & Earn as a Writer: My Story
- Quit Your Day Job & Write Full-Time in 2023
Of course, you need great content to retain readers long-term. But irresistible headlines hook them first. Stop overlooking this key piece and start writing winners!
5. Add Urgency With Timelines
Promising readers dazzling transformations by specific deadlines implants actionable hope within stated time periods, adding accountability to aim progress.
Examples:
- Learn Pro Writing in Just 6 Weeks
- Sell Your First Article by Month’s End
- Establish Your Author Brand in 2023
6. Use Impactful Adjectives
Adorning headlines with adjectives and adverbs amplifying outcomes subcommunicates delivery on quantified qualitative improvements resonating emotionally once read.
Examples:
- Incredibly Easy Ways to Triple Word Counts
- 5 Wildly Successful Author Branding Strategies
7. Stack Benefits Artfully
End your headlines by highlighting multiple advantages unlocked through consuming your content.
This ramps up perceived value exchanges, thereby justifying clicks and the time that will be spent reading.
Examples:
- How I Landed 5 Book Deals and Bestseller Status
- I Made 6-Figures Blogging Just 8 Hours Per Week
I hope you find these tips helpful.
As the next steps, would you be interested in joining my 90-day small group writing coaching cohort launching in January 2023? Just for five people.
I offer personal feedback and guidance to boost skills quickly.
Just leave me a comment to learn more or send me an email — exclusiveaj@gmail.com
If this was helpful, be sure to clap me a thousand times (joking, a few tens would do), leave me a comment (it will encourage me a lot — smiles), and share this with someone you know needs it (they say sharing is caring).
Additional resource: “5 Tips for Writing in a Compelling Way”
