How To Write Headlines Readers Can’t Help But Click

Do you want to write a great headline?

I’m here to help. In this post, I break down the 4 steps you can take to ensure that you write a crystal clear headline that your readers can’t help but click.

When writing headlines, knowing what to do can be half the battle.

I suggest you spend time answering a few simple questions to clarify your thinking before you start the writing process. Asking questions such as: who, what, why and how many, forces you to think of the details of your headlines before putting any words on paper.

Spend time working through these steps and you will be writing great headlines that people will want to read and share in no time flat. But before we get to the steps, let’s talk about why clarity is so important in the headline writing process.

Why headline clarity is king

Great writing is not about writing. It’s about thinking.

In Ship 30 for 30 we help readers build a daily writing habit. And once you have built your daily writing habit, we help you push your thinking to get clear on what you are writing about and who you are writing for.

To get someone’s attention, you have to understand their thinking. The clearer you are about why people…

• Do the things they do,
• Are they way they are,
• Have the fears they have and,
• Desire the things they desire

..the more likely you are to speak directly to your audience. AND when people feel like you are speaking directly to them, you hook their attention.

That is the power of a well-written headline.

The headline is your North Star, your direction, and your compass.

It is the most important part of your essay because it tells your reader what they are about to get in exchange for their time. The better the thought process behind your headlines, the higher chance that people will want to read it and share it with others!

Getting good at headlines means getting good at clarity. That’s why we recommend you write your headlines first.