17 Types of Headlines Content Writers Should Know
An attention-grabbing headline is crucial for online content. Headlines are one-line summaries of your content. While they’re meant to succinctly describe the subject and topic of your content, they also serve the marketing purpose of attracting readers. They are the movie poster or tagline for your content. If you don’t grab their interest from the headline, then you won’t get them at all.
So, it’s important to know how to craft an engaging headline. Fortunately, there are many different types of headlines that have been proven successful in attracting readers to click and read.
What Makes a Great Headline
Writing a good headline is a skill. You need to achieve the perfect balance between clarity and creativity. You don’t want to be so straightforward that it’s boring, but you also don’t want to be so creative that you bury the point of the content.
To help with writing the perfect headline, here are some key elements of what one should do:
Spark curiosity. The headline should leave a little to be desired. If your content addresses a question, don’t reveal the answer in the headline. Write it with the promise that your content will provide the answer. Leave some details vague to encourage people to read your content to get full clarity.
Be succinct. Remember that a headline is only one line. Don’t get carried away with the details to the point where it becomes too long to read. Be straight to the point and communicate the essence of your content as simple and clear as possible.
Evoke emotion. You want to use strong words that drive people to click. This can vary from using popular buzzwords, powerful action verbs, and visual adjectives.
Be accurate. Most importantly, you want the headline to be true to the content. Avoid writing clickbait for clickbait's sake. Ensure your headline matches the promise your content aims to deliver.
17 Types of Headlines
Many writers, influencers, businesses, and blogs use these 17 headline types to pique reader interest.
1. How-To headline
A “how-to” headline lets you know that you’ll be learning something new. Readers can expect step-by-step instructions on how to solve a problem or explain how something works. Think of it as written tutorials. These are fairly easy headlines to spot and write. It’s just the words “how to” followed by the topic or problem you intend to resolve.
Example: How to Create a Content Map
2. What-Is headline
There is also the “what-is” headline, which simply answers the “what” question. These headlines are purely educational and explanatory and promise to define the topic stated in the headline.
Example: What Is a Fractional Content Team, and Why Do You Need One?
3. News headline
News headlines announce any big issues or events. When it comes to news, you want it to be straightforward yet intriguing. It should be straight to the point and state exactly what major announcement or issue the article will cover.
Example: Instagram Adds 3 New Features for Reels
4. Direct headline
Direct headlines give you the full purpose of the content. There’s no mystery or misdirection. You’re getting exactly what the headline promises—a simple summarization of the entire blog or article.
Example: Email Marketing for B2B
5. Indirect headline
Indirect headlines are the opposite. The point and subject of the content are a little more subtle and unclear. There’s a layer of mystery in play. Indirect headlines leave some details vague to pique people’s interest and curiosity, which entices them to read the article to get full clarity.
Example: Former NBA Champion Finds New Job in ESPN
6. List headline
List headlines are great for readers because they sum up their questions and needs in a simple, organized list. They know how many answers or information they will receive from the content.
Example: 11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Content Writing
7. Question headline
The question headline is exactly as it sounds. It poses a question that the content will fully answer. “How-to’s” and “What-is” may fall under this type of headline. The questions and topics tend to be more customer-focused and how it can help them. Be sure to write questions that they don’t know the answer to. Otherwise, they may see no purpose in reading your content.
8. Reasons Why headline
The “Reasons Why” headline is a popular one. It gives readers the “why” of things. The headline promises to provide an explanation or an opinion on a certain topic. It’s often presented in a list, giving multiple reasons to do something.
Example: 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire SEO Writers
9. Command headline
A command headline tells the reader what to do. It’s as simple as that. A strong verb leads the way and directs people to take action. It can also communicate a pain point with the promise of a solution.
Example: Expand Your Online Reach | Attract More People with Content Marketing
10. “Best” headline
“Best” headlines are good for providing rankings and recommendations. People want to find the top-selling or most popular products or services to spend their hard-earned money on, so a “best” headline helps them make their buying decisions.
Example: 6 Best Social Media Management Software for Small Businesses
11. Testimonial headline
Testimonial headlines are built on a quote from a satisfied customer. Word-of-mouth marketing from consumers can often be more effective than ads. Reviews and customer quotes are actual evidence that your product or service lives up to expectations.
Example: “This Tool Cut My Writing Time in Half!”
12. Numeric headline
A numeric headline uses statistics, data, and numbers to grab people’s attention. It’s effective because it provides tangible and measurable proof. Be sure to use an impressive stat to pique the reader’s interest.
Example: A Professional Photo Editing Tool Can Increase Quality By 50%
13. Opinion headline
Opinion headlines promise to deliver information primarily based on thoughts and opinions. They can be used in product reviews or news commentary. It’s important to inform readers that the content is an opinion piece, whether through categorization or disclaimers.
Example: Initial Thoughts on Instagram’s Threads: Twitter is in Trouble
14. Wordplay headline
Wordplay headlines craft a title through clever and creative use of words. It can be a fun and punny way to channel your inner wordsmith and make a headline that uniquely captures the essence of your content.
Example: Make Working From Home Work for You
15. Versus headline
A versus headline compares two or more subjects, concepts, or items against one another. It’s often used to weigh the pros and cons of products or services to help people make easier buying decisions.
Example: Content Writing vs. Copywriting
16. Two-part headline
A two-part headline combines two summarizing titles into one, often via a hyphen (-), em dash (—), colon (:), vertical bar (|), or parentheses. The extra part can help on search engine results pages (SERPs) and entice readers.
Example: What Is Content Writing? (+6 Tips To Write Engaging Content)
17. Proof headline
A proof headline entices readers by using data and evidence to back up their claims. Proofs are effective, especially for research-based content, because they add a sense of legitimacy and accuracy. These headlines often have language such as “backed by science,” “studies show,” or “scientists say.”
Example: 5 Ways Good Leadership Boosts Happiness and Productivity, Backed By Science
Choose the Right Headline for Your Content
We’ve all seen these types of headlines throughout our internet searches. They work because they each evoke curiosity and emotion—factors that play a role in attracting readers. But be sure to use the right headline that aligns with your content. Remember your readers' search intent and craft the perfect title accordingly.
Need help writing a headline and the rest of your content? Let PFC help. Our team of content writers can craft your entire content to amaze your readers. Contact us to learn more.
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