How to Write Compelling Headlines That Increase Clicks

Are you struggling to write compelling headlines? Do you write headlines to attract your visitors but still get low clicks? Do you want to increase the rate of clicks of the headline?

If the answer to the above questions is YES, then at the end of the article, you’ll be an expert in drafting compelling headlines.

Headline is the first and foremost element that helps you gain the attention of the readers. Thus, it is imperative to write a compelling headline to increase visibility. Crafting headlines that capture attention and compel readers to click is an art that takes practice. 

Effective headline piques interest, conveys key information about the content and aligns with the overall tone.

The goal of writing a good headline is to increase clicks and convert them into leads. This article will help you write compelling headlines that convert.

How to Write Compelling Headlines

Let’s dive deep into tips to create compelling headlines that will generate traffic.

7 Best Tips to Write Compelling Headlines

Follow these proven tips to write compelling headlines that stop scrollers in their tracks:

1. Hook with Curiosity

Ask an intriguing question, point to an irresistible reveal, or spark debate. Highlight something readers desperately want to know to bait them into reading more.

Hook with Curiosity

For example:

  • Is This Little-Known Copywriting Trick the Secret to Viral Headlines?

  • The Shocking Headline Formula Used by Top Content Marketers (See Step-by-Step Blueprint)

2. Target Emotions

Identify your target audience’s hopes, fears, and dreams - what keeps them up at night? Then, craft an emotional headline that really speaks to them.

Emotional Triggers

Source: R1Learning

For example:

  • Worried You'll Never Get Promoted? Here's How to Showcase Your Value

  • Struggling to Find Work with Purpose? Follow These 5 Steps to Land Your Dream Job

3. Keep it Simple

Resist cramming complex ideas into headlines. Use simple language and emotion-packed words that are easily understood at a glance.

Keep it Simple

For example:

  • How to Double Your Productivity in Just 1 Week

  • Sick of Complex Diets? Eat These 5 Foods to Lose 10 Pounds Fast

4. Use Power Words

Incorporate power words that grab attention and set an urgent, valuable, exclusive tone. Examples include instant, secrets, you, free, proven, amazing, how to, big, top, best, shocking.

Words Have Power

For example:

  • Instantly Captivate Any Audience with These 10 Powerful Opening Lines

  • Register Today for Our Free 5-Day Challenge to Land Higher Paying Clients

    Pro Tip: Here is the list of 700+ power words to enhance your headline's readability and CTR.

5. Focus on Benefits

Emphasize the concrete value readers receive - improved status, money saved, headache cured. Help them clearly envision potential outcomes from reading.

Focus

For example:

  • Boost Client Satisfaction Scores By 21% In Just 2 Months With This Simple Strategy

  • Slash Your Energy Costs By 40% or More With These 10 DIY Tricks

6. Use Numbers

Quantify value, savings, and rankings whenever possible. Numbers suggest tangible ideas readers can easily grasp.

Use Numbers

For example:

  • Learn the Top 7 Most Effective Sales Closing Techniques Used by the Best in the Business

  • 5 No-Fail Ways to Lose Up to 20 Pounds in 10 Weeks

7. End with Calls to Action

Close headlines with clear calls to action - Read This, See Why, Find Out How, and so on. Stronger action verbs inspire engagement.

CTA

For example:

  • See Why Top Bloggers Swear by This Easy-To-Use Keyword Research Tool

  • Read This Before You Send Another Email Campaign

Refine and test different options to determine the most effective words, phrasing, and framing for your niche and goals. A headline that elicits an emotional response tailored to your audience gives content a fighting chance to shine.

The above 7 tips for writing compelling headlines can be small in numbers, but these tips are extremely HOT and will help write catchy headlines that increase traffic. 

FAQs 

What makes a good headline?

A good headline clearly summarizes the core benefits readers get from content in a compelling way. It stirs curiosity, emotions and urgency using power words. Good headlines also speak directly to target readers' pain points and present content as a desirable solution.

How do you write clickbait headlines?

Clickbait headlines intentionally exaggerate or obscure facts to trick readers into clicking. Some common clickbait headline tactics include asking mysterious questions, making unbelievable claims without specifics, using click-triggering phrases like “you won’t believe,” and withholding key details. Write headlines ethically focused on true content value.

What is a good headline length?

Ideally, keep headlines under 65 characters to stand out in searches and social media feeds. Very short 1-5 word headlines can work well, too, by isolating power words sure to pique interest.

Can headline generators help?

Yes, AI-powered headline generators can provide useful inspiration on emotional phrases, power words, and structural templates proven to perform well. However, the best headlines still require human creativity and judgment to connect with a target audience.

Should headlines match content titles and themes?

Yes, headlines should align seamlessly with content titles, themes, tone and keywords to avoid confusing readers. Consistent messaging builds authority and trust.

How often should you change headlines?

Change headlines periodically to keep attracting fresh readers from searches. Try slight headline variations focused on different emotional appeals, questions, benefits, and offers. See which phrasing converts best over time.

Final Thoughts: Is a Good Headline a Must?

In this article, we have discussed how to write compelling headlines (with examples). The goal of this article was also to share 7 pro tips to enhance headline writing. I’m sure you will be able to craft a good headline in your copy from now onwards.

Crafting attention-grabbing headlines is a critical skill that takes practice to master. By focusing on invoking curiosity, emotions and benefits in headlines, you can compel readers to click at higher rates. Use power words that speak directly to what your audience cares most about.

Remember to keep headlines short, scannable and consistent with your content’s tone. Refine them based on hard data - not guesses - about what wording best activates your target readers. The right phrasing could dramatically multiply traffic overnight.

Continuously test headline variations that highlight different facets of exclusivity, controversy or intrigue that get clicks repeatedly. Let data guide your emotional headline appeal strategy.

Thus, if you want to grab the readers' attention, writing a good headline shouldn’t be an option; it is a must.