Headline titles are more important than most writers would care to assume. In fact, the viability of having your article read lies on how catchy your headline reads. The catchier the better.

So how do you do it?

One important factor to remember is to always ask yourself “why would I want to read this article?”

If you can answer that convincingly with your headline, go on. If not, write another one and another until you have in your hands the best possible version.

I’ve compiled 5 do-able and practical tips to help you write a catchy and killer marketing headline. This is in accordance with my ongoing effort to help you become a better online marketer.

5 Headline Tips and Tricks

Use Numbers

The mind can easily “see and recognize” figures. This spatial recognition is so effective that wherever you go, numbers will almost always jump out instantly. Look around you and you will notice that numbers are everywhere.

For best practice, use somewhere between 1 to 5 to enumerate your headline with tips or what-have-yous, it works.

Use Picturesque or Interesting Adjectives

A headline without any adjective is doom to fail. Use adjectives that are easy to understand and must be catchy. Some of these are the following:

• Essential
• Incredible
• Free
• Easy
• Important
• Fun

Use Rationale

This is effective if you are going to do a list post. You can use the following words.

• Facts
• Ideas
• Lessons
• Principles
• Reasons
• Secrets
• Tricks
• Ways

One cautious word of advice – please don’t ever use the word things. I know you can do a lot better than that.

Use Trigger Words

What, why, who, when, and how are considered as trigger words. They define your headline and immediately “cast the net” on the target audience. Trigger words are effective when you are trying to persuade or you want to enable your readers.

Make a bold Promise

Always remember your initial and most important goal – have readers read your article. Readers will always ask “what’s in it for me?” If you can successfully address that query, you have reached your goal.

Making a promise is a sure way to catch their attention. Make it bold or audacious but not to the point that you are fooling them. That’s a major no-no.

Likewise you can promise your readers about something valuable. It can be learning a new skill, trying out a new brand of soap or asking him to do something for the first time and what they will get out from it.

They key point to remember is that you are asking your readers to read your article.

Finally

Now, let’s put our headline writing formula to the test, try this:

50 Ways to Leave your Lover – yeah it’s a song I know, but it’ll real catchy.  How about “How to lose 2 kilos in 2 weeks”.

All in all, you can’t force your readers to read something that is really boring. They want to be informed and entertained. Make it worth their time. Start with the headline.