5 Tips to Writing an Engaging Headline

VA Contact - Writing an Engaging HeadlineThe success of marketing copy such as brochures, ads, and press releases depends on the headline—or in the case of an email, the subject line. It needs to grab the reader and compel him or her to take action by reading the brochure or opening the email.

It’s your first hurdle, and it’s a big one.

The headline needs to speak to a pain the reader has or something the reader wants—now. Arousing curiosity is a good tactic. Appealing to strong emotions grabs the attention of the reader and hits him or her on a basic, gut level.

Following are a few ideas to show you how to write your next powerful headline.

Benefits, benefits, benefits.

Create a headline from your main benefit. What will your product do for customers? Get to the point, and show them what they get.

Try a brain dump.

Don’t worry about a great headline yet—get your thoughts down. Add to the benefits. Remember the pain you’re trying to ease. Think about the 5Ws and an H: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Can you use any of those words in your headline? Write five or ten options out, and play with them.

Don’t be too clever.

A little cuteness makes people laugh and helps them remember your product, but too much sounds insincere. People can spot phonies a mile away. Remember, while they don’t care about you, they need to feel they can trust you before they buy.

No false promises.

Misleading promises or incorrect information is always a no-no. You don’t want to appear untrustworthy. One person who doesn’t trust you can suddenly become 10, 20, or more.

Keep it short and sweet.

If your headline is too long, try taking out words or groups of words, and see if it still flows. You probably won’t get a perfect wording on your first try. Take out words like that, really, and just. Use short words and action verbs wherever you can. Make the customer feel as if you are addressing him directly. Speak in the second person—you, not we.

Finally, when you think you have a good headline, let it sit for at least 8 hours. When you go back to it, you’ll see it with fresh eyes. You’ll be amazed at what will come to mind, and you’ll know when it’s ready to go. If you take the time, you’ll surprise yourself at how well you do.


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Article Source : 5 Tips to Writing an Engaging Headline : ArticleBase

Michelle Salater -
About the Author:
Michelle Salater is an award-winning writer and president of Sumèr, LLC, a company which specializes in web copy writing, SEO copywriting, and the promotion and marketing of websites after they launch. As an avid business blogger, Michelle has grown her marketing blog, Copy Doodle, to be a powerful lead generation and client education tool, and frequently guest blogs and lectures on blogging. In 2009, Michelle won the Charleston Business Journal’s Forty under 40 award for her business and community leadership.

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As a realtor having a real estate buisness means doing large volumes of advertising and marketing.  One of my strategies as a real estate assist is having handy lists.  Compiling a list of headlines for listings, self promotions and your email marketing will reduce the time you spend when your actually need to sit down and create them.  When you get an idea for a good headline, type it on an easy to access word document or just dictate them to yourself on your phone to write down on a sheet of paper that is specifically for this.  Believe me, I use my handy list every day.  

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August 25, 2010 · Filed Under Realtor Tips and Advice · Leave a Comment 

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