Guidelines to writing headlines of a news or article
Here are some guidelines to writing effective headlines for news or articles:
- Be concise: Keep your headline short and to the point. Aim for 6-8 words or less.
- Be specific: Avoid vague headlines that don't give readers a clear idea of what the article is about.
- Use action verbs: Verbs like "Breaks", "Wins", "Loses", "Says", and "Does" can help create a sense of action and urgency.
- Use numbers: Including numbers in your headline can make it more attention-grabbing and informative.
- Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the article into the headline to improve search engine optimization (SEO).
- Make it provocative: Use a headline that sparks curiosity or controversy to encourage readers to click and learn more.
- Avoid clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases and clichés that don't add value to the headline.
- Use quotes: Including a quote from the article in the headline can add context and make it more engaging.
- Use a question: Asking a question in the headline can pique readers' interest and encourage them to click to find out the answer.
- Use a sense of urgency: Create a sense of urgency by using words like "Breaking", "Exclusive", or "Developing" to make the headline more compelling.
- Use a sense of humor: Humor can be an effective way to make a headline more engaging and memorable.
- Use a sense of drama: Use words like "Shocking", "Stunning", or "Bizarre" to create a sense of drama and intrigue.
- Use a sense of surprise: Use words like "Unexpected", "Surprising", or "Unlikely" to create a sense of surprise and curiosity.
- Use a sense of relevance: Use words like "Local", "National", or "Global" to make the headline more relevant to the reader's interests.
- Proofread: Finally, proofread your headline carefully to ensure it's free of errors and typos.
Some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Use a clear and concise headline that accurately reflects the content of the article.
- Avoid using all capital letters or excessive punctuation, as this can make the headline look spammy or attention-seeking.
- Use a consistent tone and style throughout your headlines to build brand recognition and consistency.
- Consider using a subheading or summary to provide additional context and information about the article.
By following these guidelines, you can create effective headlines that grab readers' attention, encourage them to click, and drive engagement with your content.