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11) Headlining and Sub-Headlining Effective Content Pieces

User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly January 31st, 2021

Article titles (headlines), as well as subheadlines, are one of the first things a reader reads.

In this discussion, we will understand effective strategies to write headline titles as well as subheadlines to these titles.

Some general tips include:

  • Avoid long article titles: try to fit the title within 62 characters or limit it to 5-7 words.

  • Consider using “What”, “Why”, “How”, or “When” as these are catchy and add to curiosity.

  • Use Numbers - numbers ensure the availability of organized information, and are generally liked: using Odd Numbers in the title has helped in terms of SEO. Remember to write the number itself (5 instead of five).

  • To add specificity, consider using “the” before the number.

  • Provide an answer to why people should click and read your content: words like “tips”, “strategies”, “facts”, “reasons” all help provide a rationale.

  • Include the word “Guide” where applicable.

  • Consider using emotional adjectives that describe the topic. For example, “essential”, “free” etc.

  • Consider outlining Negative aspects - spin this to meet mental health content goals. For example, The 5 Essential Things You Did Not Know About Depression.

  • Use common words to ensure people understand and grasp the topic while finding the title simple

  • Consider using a “Things I Wish I Had Known” approach to content if applicable.

How to test your headline as being unique:

Copy and paste your headline with quotation marks into the Google search bar. (e.g. “The 5 Essential Things You Did Not Know About Depression”) - if the results come back as “no results found”, your headline is unique!

Helpful Resource: Useful Title Capitalization Tool

Note: The bottom line to success in terms of marketing and content is to ensure that your content body reflects the great headline/title. It might be worth considering to write final titles after the content body.

Subheadlines: Effective subheadlines summarize the content body while also linking it to the title.

Activity

Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.

Reply to at least one other student’s response and share your feedback with them

(Edited by @SoulfullyAButterfly: 12/2/2021 to clarify "subheadline" instead of subheading)

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This post is brought to you by the Content Development and Marketing Program, find out more information about the program here

510
February 1st, 2021

Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheading for this published article at 7 Cups.

Creative Celebrations of Holidays in the Current Covid Times

Subheadings-

Showering Gratitude

Reconnection

Covid-Friendly Gathering Ideas

Volunteer to Help Yourself via Helping Someone

ReDiscover Hobbies

Making Peace with Memories

1 reply
User Profile: SynSavory
SynSavory February 2nd, 2021

@Fristo

What a festive title, and the subheadings are very clear.

User Profile: blissart
blissart February 6th, 2021

@Fristo

Relevant title and easy to understand subheadings

User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly OP February 13th, 2021

@Fristo Great title - really adds curiosity - As for subheadings, I did mean "subtitle" but those are great subheadings as well!

User Profile: Happy900
Happy900 February 13th, 2021

@Fristo Great Job.

User Profile: SassyClassyBrunette
SassyClassyBrunette February 19th, 2021

@Fristo

The title and subheading help makes everything clear! Great job!

User Profile: azureOwl6812
azureOwl6812 February 20th, 2021

@Fristo

A nice way to rephrase the headings ,easy to understand what the article is about!

User Profile: AnisiaCocanMA
AnisiaCocanMA March 15th, 2021

@Fristo

You've lightened the best perspective for these times in just a few words. For sure is an emotional touch for anyone who's seeking guidance !

User Profile: optimisticDay8079
optimisticDay8079 March 29th, 2021

@Fristo great heading and easy to understand subheadings :)

User Profile: Clarisse29
Clarisse29 March 31st, 2021

@Fristo

strength: Loved the subheadings as they are concise yet catchy

weakness: the title could be a bit more catchy by adding numbers or the 'wh' or how questions.

User Profile: blindHeart12
blindHeart12 June 5th, 2021

@Fristo

I like the sub heading that speak out of the article content.

User Profile: Iamanotheru
Iamanotheru August 1st, 2021

@Fristo
I love your response! Thank you for sharing.

User Profile: twilight000
twilight000 August 4th, 2021

@Fristo
Festive and intriguing titles. Simple and to the point. Nice job :)

User Profile: Brinaa101
Brinaa101 August 9th, 2021

@Fristo

I liked how you used simple, yet eye-catching words! It catches the reader's attention to make them inclined to read the article. Good job!

User Profile: emotionalCurrent5586
emotionalCurrent5586 October 26th, 2021

@Fristo

User Profile: emotionalCurrent5586
emotionalCurrent5586 October 26th, 2021

@Fristo very positive, light engaging headings!!! will surely read this article :)

User Profile: CoffeeAddict07
CoffeeAddict07 April 20th, 2022

@Fristo

I really love this title! I feel like it is fun an engaging and I think that your subheadings are really good too!

User Profile: Kpopcat2020
Kpopcat2020 April 22nd, 2022

@Fristo

I like the title-perfect for the holidays, and the sub-headings are very creative.

-Kpopcat2020

User Profile: BlueCup55
BlueCup55 April 29th, 2022

@Fristo Your title and the subheading are to the point and eye-catching. Well done!


User Profile: PhoenixTears5972
PhoenixTears5972 June 14th, 2022

@Fristo

A creative title and subheading are clear and straightcut enabling the reader to develop a general idea on what the content can be about

User Profile: jasishereforallofu
jasishereforallofu September 3rd, 2022

@Fristo I love it 💜

User Profile: heathermarie95
heathermarie95 August 25th, 2023

@Fristo

I like the article title and the subheadings as they get straight to the point.

with that being said, the article topic was a create choice being it was still during the beginning of covid.

User Profile: Countrygirl095
Countrygirl095 March 3rd

@Fristo love this 

User Profile: InsightfulPhoenix
InsightfulPhoenix March 25th

@Fristo

You have such a great way of connecting with an audience, not only does your title gain interest. The subheading titles also keep this audience engaged in your article. Great Work!

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User Profile: SynSavory
SynSavory February 2nd, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheading for this published article at 7 Cups.

Main title: Facing Loneliness During the Holidays

Subtitle: 6 Tips to Get You Started

1 reply
February 4th, 2021

@SynSavory Simple and sweet heading and subheading.

2 replies
User Profile: SynSavory
SynSavory February 5th, 2021

@Fristo

I figured keeping it simple will help readers, especially if they're overwhelmed and tired.

User Profile: SynSavory
SynSavory February 5th, 2021

@Fristo

Thanks!

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User Profile: KatherrinneP
KatherrinneP February 7th, 2021

@SynSavory

I really like your subtitle, it's very sweet and friendly. Well done! heart

1 reply
User Profile: SynSavory
SynSavory February 8th, 2021

@KatherrinneP

Thank you - I figured that I keep it simple and easy.

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User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly OP February 13th, 2021

@SynSavory great example of how we could of course add the numerical bit onto our subtitle - however, in general, we usually use it for the very first heading/title of the article in light of SEO purposes -- regardless, this is still a great method for general articles. for example, one's that won't have lists but still have a certain number of points.

1 reply
User Profile: SynSavory
SynSavory February 15th, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Ohhh I see.

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User Profile: CaringBrit
CaringBrit February 20th, 2021

@SynSavory love both the title and subtitle great job no improves right on brief

1 reply
User Profile: SynSavory
SynSavory February 21st, 2021

@CaringBrit

Wow! thanks!

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User Profile: greatfulPassion
greatfulPassion August 6th, 2021

@SynSavory
Simple and sober!

1 reply
User Profile: SynSavory
SynSavory August 7th, 2021

@greatfulPassion
Thank you!

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User Profile: Zahraa000
Zahraa000 January 16th, 2022

simple and kind heading and subheading

User Profile: Gargi07
Gargi07 July 23rd

@SynSavory

That's so good simple and short is easy to reaf

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User Profile: blissart
blissart February 3rd, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Heading

The 6 exciting ways to cope with festival loneliness

Sub headings

The "Holiday Blues" challenges

Ideas to cope effectively

1 reply
User Profile: Azalea98
Azalea98 February 12th, 2021

@blissart

I love in your sub heading you made it a challenge! That would definitely increase interaction and encourage people to actually take part in it!

I also love the use of the word exiting in your title, it indices the reader and makes them want to read more!

Great job 👏

User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly OP February 12th, 2021

@blissart I really like your new title, especially the use of the number to represent a list as well as the word "exciting" to help click it too after wanting to relate. However, I highly suggest using the capitalization tool for Titles. Your's would read: The 6 Exciting Ways to Cope With Festival Loneliness

As for subheadings, I did mean "subtitle" but those are great subheadings as well!

User Profile: Textingpals
Textingpals September 26th, 2021

@blissart

I loved how you used the number rightly to make the headline attractive.

Great job, Bliss.

User Profile: WhiteRoses25
WhiteRoses25 November 7th, 2021

I like this one it’s short and gets to the point. I need to work on my skills.

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User Profile: KatherrinneP
KatherrinneP February 6th, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheading for this published article at 7 Cups.

Headline: Why You Shouldn’t Be Ashamed of Asking for Help.

Subheadline: I Will Guide You in This New Chapter.

1 reply
User Profile: FinleyTews
FinleyTews February 7th, 2021

@KatherrinneP Your headline uses the question word "why" to increase attractiveness and has good capitalization. The subheadline is usually de-capitalized though. Also, I think they should be more linked to the holiday and Covid themes, as those are the main subjects in the article.

User Profile: RationalMe7
RationalMe7 March 8th, 2021

@KatherrinneP

The framing of the headline & sub headline is good. It can be easily read.

Would have been better if you included the COVID angle to it as well. As it's a recent article.

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User Profile: FinleyTews
FinleyTews February 7th, 2021

Title: 6 Tips to Chase Away the Holiday Blues

Subheading: Practical ways to enjoy the holiday and stay safe

1 reply
User Profile: WendinCaring
WendinCaring February 9th, 2021

@FinleyTews

The title is eye-catching. The "Blues" stayed in my head when I wrote my first title. Sorry that I sorta borrowed your idea.

User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly OP February 13th, 2021

@FinleyTews great use of the number and the words "chase away" to gain interest - the subtitle summarizes the article very well too

User Profile: Excitingeasting
Excitingeasting May 26th, 2021

@FinleyTews

A catchy title with the use of "chase away" phrase

Subtitle could be more empathetic

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User Profile: WendinCaring
WendinCaring February 9th, 2021

Title: Survival Tips to Beat Your Holiday Blues
Subtitle: Break the Isolation Spell Inside Out

User Profile: WendinCaring
WendinCaring February 9th, 2021

I can't delete my first post. So I am editing it a bit.

Title: Lonely Holidays Survival Tips
Subtitle: Break the Isolation Spell Inside Out

3 replies
User Profile: FinleyTews
FinleyTews February 9th, 2021

@WendinCaring Your subheadline sounds quite attractive. Both the titles are on point. It's okay if you also use "holiday blues", it's a common phrase :)

User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly OP February 13th, 2021

@WendinCaring I really like the subtitle, the title is also great for a general piece but perhaps could use restructuring to include a number? How does "6 Survival Tips for Lonely Holidays" sound to you?

1 reply
User Profile: WendinCaring
WendinCaring February 14th, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

That sounds better.

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User Profile: Azalea98
Azalea98 February 12th, 2021

Article title: How to overcome feeling somber and secluded

Subheading: Several Covid friendly tips and tricks

1 reply
User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly OP February 13th, 2021

@Azalea98 nice take on both the headline and subtitle! As the article is about the holidays perhaps adding that bit into the heading "secluded during the holidays" could help -- I would also like to recommend checking the capitalization of your heading - yours should read "How to Overcome Feeling Somber and Secluded During the Holidays"

User Profile: FrenchToast
FrenchToast April 19th, 2021

@Azalea98 Nice heading! Like Soul said, might be useful to focus on the holiday aspect of the article to embody it in your headline! Thanks for sharing.

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User Profile: Happy900
Happy900 February 13th, 2021

Headlining and Sub-Headlining

Effective Content Pieces

Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheading for this published article at 7cups

Loss of Freedoms, during COVID Times

Subheadings-

Limited travel

Must have a mask on in public

Very limited people interactions

Closed Borders

1 reply
User Profile: 11820Read
11820Read February 17th, 2021

@Happy900

Feedback: Straight to the point, so this should save the readers' time. Personally I think they can still be more creative and shortened, but still good.

User Profile: sophiasanae
sophiasanae July 13th, 2021

@Happy900

I love this proposal! For the sub-headlines I would suggest to switch up the wording to make it "Coping with limited human interaction!"

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User Profile: 11820Read
11820Read February 17th, 2021

Article title: 6 Steps to Re-Colour Holiday Blues

Subheadings:

Give Thanks

Thanks, Technology!

Brand-New Gatherings

Kindness Begin in YOU

My Favourite Things

I'm Here

3 replies
User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly OP February 20th, 2021

@11820Read Great use of incorporating a number as well as using a positive word "recolor" that definitely helps add curiosity too. As for the subheadings, these are great - the lesson was updated to reflect the need for a "subheadline" to summarize the article but these are great too!

2 replies
User Profile: 11820Read
11820Read February 20th, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Oh right, sorry I missed reading the subheadline part. Saw it just now. blush

1 reply
User Profile: SoulfullyAButterfly
SoulfullyAButterfly OP February 20th, 2021

@11820Read no worries

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