11) Headlining and Sub-Headlining Effective Content Pieces
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)
-
This post is brought to you by the Content Development and Marketing Program, find out more information about the program here
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Heading:
Dealing with loneliness during the holidays.
Subheadline:
6 tips to help guide you through holiday loneliness.
❤️ @SassyClassyBrunette ❤️
❤️ Hi, amazing person! Your heading is direct and concise, which can be very catching for the readers, so that's good! For improvement, I'd suggest optimizing the capitalization. However, I like the way you used the number and the word "guide". Congratulations on your great work! ❤️
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Headling:
Making the most of these holidays
Sub-heading:
Gratitude
Staying connected
Safely gathering
Working for good
Exploring new interests and staying busy
Grieving and making peace
title: tips to deal with loneliness during festivities?
Subtitle : Find coping methods to help enjoy the holidays
@CaringBrit I like how you gave a question to the user so that they can think about the article before reading it.
@electricWhisper3694 thankyou very much :)
@CaringBrit I love that your article title is a question instead of a normal title! I also love that you used the word festitivites, it is unique and eye-catching.
The sub-heading title is nice, I would suggest just using "6 Coping Methods to Help Enjoy the Holdays" or even "Coping Methods to Help Enjoy the Holidays" instead of using the word Find. 
@KristinHelps thankyou :) and noted
Feeling lonely during the holidays? How to change it
Subtitles:
How we can connect in these hard times
Social distancing: Apart but close at heart
Need a distraction? Try some hobbies
@electricWhisper3694
The title sounds inviting. I would just add one word to it
Feeling lonely during the holidays? Here's how to change it.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title: What are the 5 heartwarming things you can do to cope with loneliness?
Subheading: Holidays can be a lonely time for some. These 5 simple things can help you connect with others and more importantly, with yourself.
@DonaldDraper
I like your phrasing of the title as a question. It makes me intrigued and want to know more. Heartwarming is also a lovely word to use. Very inviting. Perhaps you could have made them slightly shorter to stay within the word limit. Well done!
@DonaldDraper
Nice inviting title. Good use of the number and using 'the' before the number.
Subtitle could be shorter
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Chase Away The Holiday Blues
The 6 Essential Strategies To Combat Loneliness
Subheadings:
* Gratitude
* Reaching Out To Others
* Covid-Safe Meet-ups
* Generosity
* Fun Things To Do
* Trips Down Memory Lane
@QuietLotus
I had the same idea for the title...so I came up with something else (Sending Off Those Holiday Blahs)...great minds think alike!
@QuietLotus This is great!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
New Headline: How you can combat loneliness during the holidays
Sub headline: Six proven tips to stay happy
@alphav7
Great use of “how” to attract readers
You should use the number “6” instead of the actual word
Thank you, @shoag .
I noted your point 
Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a sub-headline for this published article at 7 Cups.
Headline - Things to Help Fight Your Holiday Blues
Subheading 1 – Count your Blessings
Subheading 2 – Building or Strengthening Relationships
Subheading 3 – Safe Interactions
Subheading 4 – Giving
Subheading 5 – Healthy habits
Subheading 6 – Reminiscing
Subtitile- Top 6 Tips to get you going through the Holidays
@shoag
Maybe you could have used the "How, What, Why" question types related statement for your main title. For instance, What Are the Things That Can Be Done to Avoid Holiday Blues?
I loved the way you chose to write the title & subtitle. Well done, keep it up! ❤👌🏻
Title: What Are the Ways to Combat Loneliness During Vacay?
Subtitle: The 6 Scientifically Proven Ways to Fight Loneliness
Subheadings:
1) It All Starts With You: Self-Care, Self-Compassion, Self-Love
2) Mindfulness & Exercises
3) Reaching Out to Professionals
4) 5-Mins Gratitude Journal
5) Having A Pet
6) Volunteering
Good choice, 💫
You touched on important subheadings on how to combat loneliness while exercising, the most important of which is that everything starts with you self-care or empathy and self-love, and in fact, every person must start from himself to overcome all obstacles.
@lyricalAngel70
Great use of subheadings and title! One thing I would suggest is not to say scientifically proven ways because it is not correct - ideas were sourced from chats with members on 7 Cups of Tea, not the research.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
New Article Title: Overcoming Loneliness on Holidays
Sub-Headline Title: 6 Tips for Holiday Cheer
