Use the 65-Character-Rule to Make Your Headlines Stronger

BuzzSumo analyzed 100M popular headlines and found the ideal headline length.

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In November 2023, BuzzSumo analyzed 100M of the best headlines across X and Meta and found out that titles need to be specific and explain enough to hook readers.

Here’s what BuzzSumo foud in their survey:

“We found the ideal headline length to be 11 words and 65 characters.”

Interesting, don’t you think?

5 words more than the average SEO expert would suggest.

So why write super short headlines unless you absolutely have to?

In fact, the 65 character rule is a thing in… SEO.

Google Search and Goole News experts say a title shouldn’t be longer than 70 character.

65 is best!

So a maximum of 65 characters for headlines is a good idea!

It’s a good best practice example to follow.

Not only when writing online but also when writing newsletter subject lines.

Tell me, how long are your headlines on average?

Here’s my interview with Derek Hughes: