When it comes to writing, a headline might be the most important element. It’s your sales pitch. It’s first your chance to reel in the reader. If you don’t get ‘em with a catchy headline, you may not get a second chance.
This was crucial information in my journalism days. It was Journalism 101 in fact. And I was reminded of it again while reading the post How to Write Eye-Catching Headlines that Transform Browsers into Buyers, on Copyblogger.com.
The article hits some important notes – and does so concisely. Writer Dave Navarro reminds us that headlines need be informative but also magnetic – every single time. You can write the most winning prose, transcribe a killer interview and add some inspiring insight – but without the right headline, who will read it?
Navarro’s words of wisdom remind us to focus on our keywords. Be clear and keep the audience in mind. If that doesn’t take me back to Journalism Class, I don’t know what does. Then, help those readers achieve a result or find a relevant outcome.
Don’t forget – a headline needs an action word. Make it pop. Refine it until you know you’ve got a winner. These are all great words of advice. We could all use a reminder from time-to-time. And thanks to Copyblogger for offering just that.
Here’s a thought. Revisit the last five stories or blog posts you’ve written and take a second look at the headlines. How might you improve them based on these steps? Let us know what you’ve discovered. We’ll do the same.
Sometimes in the rush of fitting it all in, we don’t refine our work as much as we’d like to do so. I’ll use this opportunity as a reminder to delve back to basics and see how we can better present ourselves readers, potential clients and beyond. Even these details are building blocks of a brand, a corporate image, and an indicator of professionalism. We’re not always perfect. But we will never stop striving for it.
Post by Stephanie Angelyn Casola, director of PR and Marketing at The Urbane Way and @Steph_Urbane on Twitter. At The Urbane Way, we specialize in social media marketing and PR and lifestyle branding. How can we help you?
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