Before we get into it, I want you to head over to Feedly, Pinterest, your inbox, or wherever you choose to keep track of your favourite blogs.
Take a moment to browse, clicking through to 5 – 10 posts that catch your eye. Leave those tabs open, and we’ll come back to them later.
We all know blog titles are important. We’re constantly faced with (frankly ridiculous) stats such as:
8 out of 10 people read your headline. 2 out of 10 read the rest of your post.
Yes, titles are a deciding factor when it comes to clicking onto your post, but NO, they shouldn’t become yet another source of procrastination.
I was recently witness to a frantic Facebook thread, in which one lady had a meltdown because one of her blog titles only got 64 from the Headline Analyzer.
I mean, seriously. Calm the f*$# down.
Anyway, back to today’s exercise. Flick through those open windows and make a note of all the blog titles you picked out. Think about each one – what made you click through?
Headline scripts for your swipe file
Craft titles with punch and pop.
Let me show you what I mean. I went for:
My favorite ways to cope with fear and anxiety // Alisa Burke
… because it addresses emotions and concepts I can relate to.
Should you be using Pinterest? Find out in 10 questions // IFB
… because it asks a question I often ask myself.
How to become a freelance writer that editors will want to hire over and over // The Write Life
… because it addresses a universal concern for everyone in the target audience.
Why you should be treating your Instagram like a blog, and how to do it // Zie Darling
… because it summarises the point of the article (so I can tell if I want to read it right away!)
How I created 19 pieces of content from a Facebook Live video // How to Build your Biz Online
… because it offers a useful (and specific) lesson.
10 things to read, watch & listen to if you’re looking for more freedom & fulfilment in your creative life // Jen Carrington
… because it offers a quick, easy way to discover new information.
A quick way to get more Facebook likes for your Facebook page // Problogger
… because it promises a quick fix.
The ultimate blogging cheat sheet – over 90 blogging terms and tools defined // Mom Blog Mentor
… because it provides a handy, relevant resource.
5 bulletproof strategies for procrastinators who need to get work done // Fizzle
… because it offers a specific solution (plus I love a list!)
Before you know it, you’ll have your own list of what makes a killer headline. Tape this list to the inside of your notebook, as a quick reference for next time you sit down to write.
The fun doesn’t have to stop there. Use your swipe file of blog posts to create your own series of headline scripts, to help you craft your blog titles in a flash.
For an even quicker win – grab mine:
Headline scripts for your swipe file
Craft titles with punch and pop.
Headline scripts for your swipe file Click & Tweet!
My favourite way(s) to (insert specific action + result)
Should you (insert specific action)? Find out with these (tips/questions/resources/worksheets)
How to (insert specific result) that (insert specific demographic) (insert specific reaction or response)
Why you should (insert specific action) and how to do it
How I (insert specific result) with (insert method or resource)
(x) things to (read/watch/listen to/absorb/enjoy/learn) if you want to (insert emotional response or specific result)
A quick way to (specific result)
The (complete/ultimate/comprehensive/best ever) (insert topic) (cheat sheet/manifesto/workbook/guidance/hit list)
(x) (tips/ideas/strategies/lessons) for (specific demographic) who (need/want/hope to/dream of) (specific result)
Now go get brainstorming some shiny new blog titles!
Headline scripts for your swipe file
Craft titles with punch and pop.
