The top headlines capture attention and drive clicks, whether in search results, social media posts or on a newspaper front page. They are a key component of content marketing that must be carefully planned and executed.
A great headline describes the article or content to come, and evokes an emotional reaction in the reader. It also serves as the source material for the article’s metadata, which helps search engines find the post and display it when appropriate. This is why the best headlines include a keyword or phrase at the front of the headline, ensuring the title tag
Listicles are effective at capturing attention and driving clicks because they promise a structured, streamlined reading experience. They use numbers and phrases like “top,” “five,” or “best” to appeal to readers seeking guidance, tips or solutions.
Using finality style words in a headline (best, ultimate, only, guaranteed) adds weight and urgency to the offer and increases the likelihood of a click. This is a classic approach that’s stood the test of time and works well for eliciting an immediate response from the reader.
Headlines should be short wherever truncation is an issue. In mobile inboxes, subject lines and search results, short headlines are more likely to get seen and tapped. Longer headlines work for social posts and
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