You could write the most brilliant blog post or sales page in the world, but if your headline is weak, no one will ever read it. Your headline is the first—and often, the only—impression you make on your audience. It’s what determines whether they click through to read more or scroll on by.
At Gillis Copywriting, we know that a great headline is the foundation of great copy. It’s a skill that every course creator needs to master. Here are five tips for writing headlines that grab attention and drive clicks:
1. Make it Benefit-Driven
Your audience is always asking, “What’s in it for me?” Your headline should answer that question loud and clear. Instead of focusing on the features of your content, focus on the benefits. What problem will you solve? What desire will you fulfill? A benefit-driven headline promises a reward for reading, making it irresistible.
2. Use Numbers and Lists
There’s a reason why so many headlines start with a number. Our brains are drawn to lists because they’re specific and easy to digest. A headline like “5 Ways to Improve Your Sales Copy” is more compelling than “How to Improve Your Sales Copy” because it sets a clear expectation for the reader. It’s a simple but powerful trick that we use often at Gillis Copywriting.
3. Create a Sense of Curiosity
Humans are curious creatures. We can’t resist a good mystery. A curiosity-driven headline teases your audience with a hint of what’s to come, without giving it all away. It creates an “information gap” that they feel compelled to fill by clicking through to read more. The key is to be intriguing without being clickbaity.
4. Keep it Clear and Concise
Your headline should be easy to understand at a glance. Avoid clever wordplay or jargon that might confuse your audience. In most cases, clarity trumps creativity. A simple, direct headline that clearly communicates your message will almost always outperform a clever one that no one understands.
5. Write Multiple Headlines
Your first headline is rarely your best. The pros at Gillis Copywriting don’t just write one headline; we write 10, 15, or even 20 different options for every piece of content. This process of brainstorming and iteration is what allows you to move beyond the obvious and discover the headline that truly shines.
Your headline is the most important piece of your copy. By following these five tips, you can write headlines that not only grab attention but also drive the right audience to your content. And if you need help crafting headlines that convert, the team at Gillis Copywriting is always here to help.
Recent Comments