With a compelling headline a browser becomes a reader. In the same way, a compelling Facebook post gives the web surfer the impetus to visit your blog or buy your book. But what makes a great headline? The best contain your entire message in one memorable bite…without spoiling the ending.
Here are some of the basic types of headlines:
- Direct Headlines go straight to the heart of the matter, without any attempt at cleverness. A direct Facebook post might read Free SEO E-book.
- An Indirect Headline takes a more subtle approach. It uses curiosity to raise a question in the reader’s mind. It frequently uses clever words with double meanings. One of my favorites was, Why You Should NOT have a Facebook page. The actual blog post was written tongue-in-cheek about not wanting to promote a product.
- A News Headline is pretty self-explanatory, as long as the news really is news. It might be a product announcement, an improved version, or even a content scoop. Introducing the New Google Plus.
- The How to Headline is everywhere—mainly because it works. Just be careful not to work it too much. How to Craft a Perfect Facebook Post.
- A Question Headline must be more than just a question—it must be something your audience is actually interested in. How can Google Plus Help You?
- The Command Headline issues an order, telling the reader what to do, such as Subscribe to The Write Conversation Today!
- Another effective technique is called the Reason Why Headline. This is where your popular Top Ten Reasons to … fall.
- Finally, we have the Testimonial Headline, this works because it provides outside proof that what you offer has value. This is the only headline that uses quotation marks in the title. It lets the reader know this is a testimonial and will be continued in the body of the email.
What are some key components to a compelling headline?
- It must provide the reader with the tools to evaluate the content.
- It needs to resonate with a reader’s urgency.
- It’s important to show the reader why this offer/product/person is unique.
And it must do all of this clearly and concisely.
Now it's your turn. Do you have a strategy when it comes to posting on Facebook? What makes a Facebook link one you want to click on?
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
This is great information for bloggers and tweeters, too. When I'm preparing my tweet that links the blog to Twitter, I try to use some of these types of techniques to spark interest.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Edie!
Thank you for your headline tips. On Facebook, I think posting a line from the blog would work. One that's fairly short and snappy to create interest. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've read all sorts of blogs about blog headlines, and articles about article headlines...this FB headlines is great! I'm saving and utilizing. Thanks for this great post!
ReplyDeleteSandra, you're absolutely right, I teach this same technique for Twitter and blogging as well!
ReplyDeleteKaty, good tip about utilizing an actual line from the post. Ideally you'll post about your blog more than once and you may want to also construct a headline as well.
Karen, I'm so glad you find this helpful. It's really been a lifesaver for me when I try to come up with clever ways to talk about a post.
Blessings All, E
I needed this! Thanks for helping me figure all this stuff out.
ReplyDelete