Learn how to make your marketing headlines shine with these 10 simple steps.
Do your headlines lack “oomph”?
Headlines are what motivate a reader to look at the rest of the copy. Thus, headlines demand more attention and more energy than other forms of print copy.
So what do profitable headlines look like? They grab the reader’s attention, fix a problem or deliver them something they desire.
Here are some tips for building headlines that work:
1. Give them a number
Just as I did here. A number represents a clear message that will be easy to read and easy to follow.
2. Motivate to take action
Give them a call to action and give a sense of urgency.
Examples:
Don’t Miss Out! Call Now!
I’ll Only Help 100, So Act Now!
3. Speak to their emotions
Emotions alone can persuade someone to take out their credit card. If you’re headline is strong enough, it will lead them to read more, which will hopefully ultimately lead to the “I really want that!”
Examples:
Make Memories to Last a Lifetime
How to Make a Difference in Your Community
4. Minimize risk
This is giving them the encouragement to give you a try, while also overcoming possible objections they may have.
Examples:
No Obligation to Try!
We’ll Buy it Back From You if You’re Not Satisfied!
5. Tell them the benefit
Readers need to notice your headline to begin with, and then they will want to know what’s in it for them. Being clear about the advantage should get that point across.
Examples:
How to Double Your Site Traffic Now!
How You Can Make Real Money in the Stock Market
6. Be the fixer-upper
We all have things we would like to change about ourselves or have things we would like to have. Show readers in the headline you are here to provide the solution.
Examples:
Drive a Car YOU Can Be Proud Of
It’s Time You Took the Vacation You Deserve
Pointing out what their problem or fault is can be another effective way of using this technique.
Examples:
Get Rid of Bad Skin Once and For All
Stop Worrying About Your House Not Being Secure
7. Tell them a secret
We are all naturally curious and want to know something others may not know.
Examples:
The Secrets to Selling Success
Learn the Secrets of Looking Younger
8. Give away a freebie
It will need to be of value to the customer of course, but offering something free will give them the opportunity to see what you’re all about.
Examples:
Act Now and Get Our Free Report!
Free Guide on How to Be Promoted in 30 Days
9. Speak in their language
Avoid using jargon. You want to keep it simple and use words your customer will understand. If a word would need to be explained to most people, delete it.
Examples:
What Everyone Should Know About Setting Up a Website
Sell Your Stocks While the Time is Right
10. Don’t forget spell-check!
No matter how many spelling bees you won as a kid, do yourself a favor and don’t forgo using spell-check. I once saw a sign on a shop that said, “Bussiness For Sale.” Although a different form of marketing, the question remains the same: would you buy from him?
Tags: Ad Copy, Ad Copywriting, Copywriting, Headlines, Web Copy, Writing
