How to write a title that captures readers is often the biggest challenge in writing. While the title needs to grab attention, it’s crucial that it delivers what it promises.
Why catchy titles make a difference
It’s important to be mindful of the Google and social media potentials for the headline so that it not only attracts readers but also appears to an audience of prospective readers in the first place. the keyword-rich title will give a shout-out to Google so that placement on the search list is the most advantageous. In fact, because the title is one of the most important SEO parameters by which Google ranks the results, it must contain the page’s most important and traffic-driving keywords. To make the title stand out in as few added words as possible makes the difference between lots of clicks and yawns. A good thesaurus and dictionary will prove to be the writer’s best friends in the search for the most original choice of words to augment the keywords in that standout catchy title.
In all writing – whether blog or formal news item – a crucial aspect to keep in mind is the audience. Most writers have a certain audience in mind and already write to that mindset, but follow-up needs to happen. Do you write and upload, then forget it, or do you follow the number of clicks to see it you’ve made a hit or miss? Knowing what succeeds will help writers to capture their biggest possible following, and isn’t that what every writer aims for? Why communicate if no one is hearing the message?
The audience is also vital to the actual content of the catchy title. How much controversy should be included? Is the audience trendy or conservative? Will they be intrigued by use of celebrity names and/or political hot potatoes, or will that turn them away? Brainstorming, though often a committee or group technique, can be done by the solo writer as well. Putting down as many potential titles and word choices as possible will yield the catchiest option once they’re all lined up together. Often the best selection will end up being a combination of several alternatives.
How to write a title for informative or newsy articles
The type of title crafted for articles varies with the level of the item’s formality. When news or information is being conveyed, it’s best to stick with a more conventional style. This is not the time to use clichés; it’s the time to write something out of the ordinary without transgressing into the offensive. It’s important for the title to express that the information will be useful and based on solid knowledge of the subject. If a person scanning titles stops and says, “hmmm, this one is different from the rest”, they’ve been caught. They’re also more likely to click on the article if the description following the title explains the contents in as few – thought significant – words as possible.
Getting creative writing catchy blog titles
How is a blog title different from a more formal title? This is where the blogger gets to have fun. The less formal to very informal nature of blogs allows the writer to be freer with the title. If humor is the blog style, humorous titles attract readers, since most people like to be entertained. On the other hand, if the blog is a serious discussion of world events, humor might take a back seat to presenting hard facts. This factual priority should be reflected in the title. For those current event bloggers with a more satirical bent, this also is reflected in the title. Bottom line – bloggers are vying for attention in a competitive venue where personality may be key. The title should reflect this personality in order to stand out.
Writing a good title comes down to putting these few guidelines into practice. Concise use of critical keywords becomes easier as one works at the craft. Making noticeable catchy titles comes down to picking outstanding words to go with those keywords. After all, everyone is using the same keywords but the successful writer’s job is finding the few additional descriptors that show originality, creativity and pack a punch within the strict limitations. For example, if the keywords are “finding a job”, brainstorming descriptors for “finding” or “job” is where originality and creativity come into play. Resulting choices could be: Finding a Job Fantastic, Finding a Job That Finds You, Finding a Job That Makes Mom Ecstatic, Finding a Job in Three Easy Steps, Finding a Job by Using Pinterest, and so on. All are based on keywords but add the specific theme of the accompanying article.
Overall, writing an intriguing title should be a priority rather than an afterthought. It offers the best opportunity – in today’s competitive world of content – to be noticed by an audience for the truly important words that follow the catchy title.