Headlines Writing That Prompt People to Click (w Examples)

A headline is often the first — and sometimes the sole opportunity you have to stop someone in their tracks. In a sea of never-ending content, we make snap decisions within seconds on whether to click or keep scrolling. This is exactly why copywriting headlines are one of the most important things to learn for anyone who creates content, sells products or markets online. Train yourself to write catchy, curiosity-driven, action-inducing click-through headlines.

Why Headlines Matter

Headlines are the doorway to your content. Regardless of how helpful your article, email, or product page might be, it won’t center stage without a solid headline. Twelve simple tips prepare you well for headline writing. Readers are much more likely to click when they immediately know what’s in it for them.

Focus on One Clear Benefit

The most common mistake is saying too much in one headline. Headlines in strong copywriting focus on one key benefit or end result. Be clear, rather than clever. So first, ask yourself: what will the reader get by clicking? Headlines that make a specific claim tend to do better than those that are vague or generic.

Example:

Weak: “Improving Your Writing”

Strong: “7 Simple Writing Tweaks That Instantly Improve Clarity”

Use Curiosity without clickbait

Curiosity is potent, but it needs to be wielded judiciously. Headlines that draw people in with interesting information, yet don’t lie. Avoid exaggeration and empty promises. Instead, tantalize with a solution, insight or fresh angle that piques curiosity.

Example:

“The One Mistake With Your Headlines That Are Killing Your Clicks”

Incorporate Numbers and Specifics

Weave the numbers into your headlines to make them feel concrete and scannable. They help set expectations and indicate that the content is orderly and easy to digest. Perhaps that’s why so many headline writing tips say to use odd numbers; they read more naturally, and seem more credible.

Example:

“9 Headline Formulas Copywriters Use to Increase Clicks [Proven]

Speak Directly to the Reader

[“You” in Healdline Makes it Personal. When readers come across something that sounds like it was written just for them, they are more likely to engage. So directness is a fundamental copywriting headline principle.

Example:

“How to Write Click-Worthy Headlines (Even If You’re a Beginner)”

Tap Into Emotion and Urgency

Emotion drives action. Curiosity, fear of missing out, excitement and relief are emotional triggers that catch the attention of readers and make click-through headlines stick. Urgency also drives action — most especially if time or opportunity is short.

Example:

“Stop Wasting Traffic: Improve Your Headlines Before Posting Again”

Test and Refine Your Headlines

Even veteran writers don’t always have it right. Testing multiple headlines also gives you an insight into what your audience really cares about. Just a few words changed can make a world of difference in CTR. The number one rule in writing great headlines has yet to fail me; never rest on a final version without first testing.

Headlines that attract clicks are an art as well as a science. You can write click-through headlines that stand out from the noise by using some tried-and-true headline writing tips, highlighting clear-focused benefits, and mastering persuasive copywriting headlines. When a headline connects quickly and directly to the reader’s needs and curiosity clicks will just come.