How to Write Headlines that Drive Clicks and Engagement
by Mallaury Pageau

Illustration by Connelly Miller
Did that grab your attention?
Readers are extremely curious and headlines are the first thing they see when you publish a blog, article, website, etc. For this reason, it is vital to have an eye-catching first impression.
Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your headline stands out amongst the others!
Avoid Clickbait; Be Genuine!
While it might seem enticing to deceive your audience into clicking your headline…don’t. Yes, the goal is to have an eye-catching and engaging headline, but you have to make sure that it reflects the story you are trying to tell.
False promises will damage your brand’s credibility and will result in a lack of loyal consumers.
Headline Formulas that Work
Using power words that prompt your audience to act on something generates their curiosity and makes them want to read more about your topic. Words like “secret,” “proven,” “ultimate,” “must-have,” and “exclusive” tend to draw a reader’s attention.
In addition, headline formulas provide a guide that ensures we follow best practices for a successful, clickable headline.
For your next blog, email, or article try this:
number + adjective + noun + promise
Ex. “7 Simple Ways to Maximize Your Productivity Today”
Keep it Short
Headlines that are too long and wordy can overwhelm readers – aim for clarity and keep it under 60 characters!
Ask Questions!
Questions are another tactic for generating curiosity in readers. They make them wonder, and this tactic is especially effective if the question touches on a reader’s pain point. Think about it: If you see a question in a headline, you want to know the answer, right?
Make It Fun!
A good headline can make or break whatever you are trying to share with your audience. Humor or intrigue can make your headline stand out from a Google search of thousands – so have fun with it and play with creative phrasing!
Headlines are your secret weapon – they’ve got the power to make readers need to click on your content! You’ve put in the work, so why not make sure your headline does it justice? Take a moment to brainstorm and get creative with something that’ll grab attention and leave readers eager to dive in