Want more readers?
Spend more time on your headline.
Here are 7 common headline mistakes that once you see, you'll never make again:
Spend more time on your headline.
Here are 7 common headline mistakes that once you see, you'll never make again:
When a reader sees your headline, they ask 3 questions:
• Who is this for?
• What is this about?
• Why should I read this? (i.e. what PROMISE are you making?)
• Who is this for?
• What is this about?
• Why should I read this? (i.e. what PROMISE are you making?)
The goal of your headline is simple:
• Present information clearly
• Make a promise to your reader
• Give them enough information to decide if what you've written is for them
The best headlines?
They tell the whole story without giving away the best part.
• Present information clearly
• Make a promise to your reader
• Give them enough information to decide if what you've written is for them
The best headlines?
They tell the whole story without giving away the best part.
Headline mistake #1: Giving away the answer in the headline
The best writing teases a solution, then delivers more value than expected.
Example:
"Feeling anxious? Drink green tea instead of coffee."
vs.
"Feeling anxious? Instead of drinking coffee, try this."
The best writing teases a solution, then delivers more value than expected.
Example:
"Feeling anxious? Drink green tea instead of coffee."
vs.
"Feeling anxious? Instead of drinking coffee, try this."
Headline mistake #2: Not "twisting the knife"
The best writing points out a specific problem. calls attention to it, then solves it.
Example:
"How to make more money"
vs.
"How to make more money (so you can finally stop working the job you hate)"
The best writing points out a specific problem. calls attention to it, then solves it.
Example:
"How to make more money"
vs.
"How to make more money (so you can finally stop working the job you hate)"
Headline mistake #3: Not showing the transformation
The best writing defines a problem, presents the solution, then helps the reader get there.
Example:
"The 4-Hour Work Week."
vs.
"The 4-Hour Work Week. Escape 9-5. Live Anywhere. Join the New Rich."
The best writing defines a problem, presents the solution, then helps the reader get there.
Example:
"The 4-Hour Work Week."
vs.
"The 4-Hour Work Week. Escape 9-5. Live Anywhere. Join the New Rich."
Headline mistake #4: Going for "clever" instead of "clear"
Clever writing = confusing writing.
And when a reader is confused, they bail.
Example:
"The Aura of the Dream Weaver"
vs.
"What Your Dreams Can Tell You About Your Stress Levels"
Clever writing = confusing writing.
And when a reader is confused, they bail.
Example:
"The Aura of the Dream Weaver"
vs.
"What Your Dreams Can Tell You About Your Stress Levels"
Headline mistake #5: Using language that is too niche.
Give your readers enough information to make a decision to read, but don't be overwhelming or hyperspecific.
Example:
"Why Zero-Knowledge Proofs Will Change the World"
vs.
"Why Blockchain Will Change the World."
Give your readers enough information to make a decision to read, but don't be overwhelming or hyperspecific.
Example:
"Why Zero-Knowledge Proofs Will Change the World"
vs.
"Why Blockchain Will Change the World."
Headline mistake #6: Not telling the reader how to feel
Your headline should nudge your reader into a certain state of mind from the beginning.
Example:
"What I learned eating 3 tubs of ice cream"
vs.
"What I learned about self-care eating 3 tubs of ice cream."
Your headline should nudge your reader into a certain state of mind from the beginning.
Example:
"What I learned eating 3 tubs of ice cream"
vs.
"What I learned about self-care eating 3 tubs of ice cream."
Headline mistake #7: Settling for a weak promise
The best writing is opinionated. Be bold in your promise. Don't hedge!
Example:
"This sleep tracking device may give you more energy."
vs.
"This sleep tracking device makes you more energized than sonic the hedgehog."
The best writing is opinionated. Be bold in your promise. Don't hedge!
Example:
"This sleep tracking device may give you more energy."
vs.
"This sleep tracking device makes you more energized than sonic the hedgehog."
And that's it!
With every headline you write, run it through these 7 mistakes and try and fix at least one or two of them.
With every headline you write, run it through these 7 mistakes and try and fix at least one or two of them.
These 7 mistakes come directly from today's Ship 30 for 30 Office Hours.
During each cohort, @Nicolascole77 and I (@dickiebush) teach the frameworks and techniques just like this for you to master the art of writing online.
Join the June 21st cohort: ship30for30.com
During each cohort, @Nicolascole77 and I (@dickiebush) teach the frameworks and techniques just like this for you to master the art of writing online.
Join the June 21st cohort: ship30for30.com
TL;DR: How to craft a good headline
1. Twist the knife
2. Show the transformation
3. Go for "clear" over "clever"
4. Don't give away your answer
5. Nudge the reader to a certain feeling
6. Make a bold promise, then deliver on it
7. Use specific, but not hyperspecific language
1. Twist the knife
2. Show the transformation
3. Go for "clear" over "clever"
4. Don't give away your answer
5. Nudge the reader to a certain feeling
6. Make a bold promise, then deliver on it
7. Use specific, but not hyperspecific language
If you enjoyed these tips:
1. Follow me @dickiebush for more threads on writing and full-stack building.
2. Check out some of my past threads:
1. Follow me @dickiebush for more threads on writing and full-stack building.
2. Check out some of my past threads:
https://twitter.com/dickiebush/status/1368600658601938946?s=20
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