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:
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Avoid long article titles: try to fit the title within 62 characters or limit it to 5-7 words.
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Consider using “What”, “Why”, “How”, or “When” as these are catchy and add to curiosity.
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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).
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To add specificity, consider using “the” before the number.
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Provide an answer to why people should click and read your content: words like “tips”, “strategies”, “facts”, “reasons” all help provide a rationale.
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Include the word “Guide” where applicable.
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Consider using emotional adjectives that describe the topic. For example, “essential”, “free” etc.
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Consider outlining Negative aspects - spin this to meet mental health content goals. For example, The 5 Essential Things You Did Not Know About Depression.
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Use common words to ensure people understand and grasp the topic while finding the title simple
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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
Guidance for Solving Anxiety With Self Awareness
s: Quick tour of your inner resources
given article : How to enjoy the lonely times
s: Find happiness in little things
@SoulfullyAButterfly
(New Title and Subtitle)
Sending Off Those Holiday Blahs
"Ideas I Wish I Had Know To Do"
@SoulfullyAButterfly
When You're Alone for The Holidays
Stay Connected From Afar
@SoulfullyAButterfly
propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.
HOW DO WE DEAL WITH LONELINESS?
LETS FIND OUT BEST COPING TECHNIQUES FOR LONELINESS.
Main title: How to overcome loneliness during the holidays
Subtitle: Tips to start
@optimisticDay8079
I like that your title was relevant which made it easy to figure out what the subject of the article is.
Maybe it would help to add more power and sentiment words?
@optimisticDay8079
Hey,
I like the main title you proposed. It has a How-to form, which makes readers want to engage with it.
I think the subtitle is a bit weak compared to it though. Perhaps you could use some words that capture more attention or give a direct tip instead.
@optimisticDay8079
"tips to start" is good subheading as tips word catch people attention.
though it left me a question mark what to start.. .
@SoulfullyAButterfly
(heading) 6 Ways To Better Celebration During Covid
(subheading) Reducing Loneliness and adding joy in life amidst the pandemic
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Headline: Feeling Lonely During the Most Beautiful Time of the Year? Subheadline: The Ultimate Guide to Coping During Holiday Season
@jovialButterfly6752
Starting the title with a question is a great idea as it is more likely to draw attention. I loved how the sub-headline gives the reader a brief idea of the article!
Good job!
Headline: How to cope with holiday blues?
Subheadline: Finding comfort in celebrating holidays in solitude
propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.
6 Things to do for the Holidays During COVID-19
Learn how to cope in the holiday season
Really like how you used the tips given in the post to make your headings. However, I do see that your capitalisation isn't too good. Maybe you can try reading the APA style manual on how to properly capitalise titles and subtitles :)
New article title: How to replace loneliness with joyfulness this holiday season
A couple of proposed subheadlines:
Virtual meet-ups
Giving back to your community
Hello @MizuKagami
I really like the second subheadline- Giving back to your community. If I had to choose between the two, I'll go with that :)
I also like how you refer to change loneliness into joyfulness. The word joy brings back the holiday spirit!
@MizuKagami
Hey there, i liked very much your new article title... you did a great work mentioning how to replace something negative into a positive one.
The only thing is that you could do more was mention more than two subheadlines.