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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@SoulfullyAButterfly
Heading: Creative ways to enjoy the holidays
Sub heading: Six ideas to combat holiday loneliness
@azuladragon34
Hey, great job!
I love love love the subheading!
For the title I personally would have included a hint at the loneliness, but that's just my opinion.
Awesome!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title: HOW TO COPE WITH COVID-19 INDUCED LONELINESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Subheading: How to be thankful, how to stay connected while social distancing, how to distract your mind to find relief and so much more!
Awesome! Makes me want to read the article :)
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.
Answer:
Headline: Alone during holidays? Here's what you need to know to beat it.
Sub-headline: 6 powerful tips I wish I discovered before.
@Textingpals love this :)
Title: All I Want for Christmas Is... People?
Subtitle: How to cope with loneliness during the holidays
I'm wondering if the title is too provocative... Would you read an article with this title, or should I have been a little softer?
@alexandra0321
Alex, hey hey! I love your title! It's very catchy and highly creative without a doubt! 💜
@SoulfullyAButterfly Ways To Handle Holiday Loneliness
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.
The Journey of an overseas Mother.
Top 10 coping mechanism to fight loneliness in a foreign land.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Oh, this is an amazingly creative activity! Love it, Soul 💜
Headline: Catch the 5 Ways to Not Let COVID Wreck Your Holiday Plans
Subtitle: Here’s How to Gracefully Combat Holiday Loneliness!
nice work
@amazingNutella24
I like this one! You used an odd number and it encourages the reader to continue on for tips. It might be a little long, though. Your subtitle is exceptional.
Title : Reasons why you should be arround people during the holidays
Subtitle : Tips to enjoy your holiday and fight the isolation
@optimisticMoment4139
I love that the title gave away a significant point discussed in the article - being with others and providing the discovery of how it helps. However, I think that the article is a little too narrow and didn't include all the points like hobbies and distractions that can be done alone, the same goes for memories and thankfulness.
Are You Feeling Lonely This Holiday Season?
Discover ways to fight loneliness this season
Gratefulness
Community Spirit
Gathering Safely
Help Others
Fun and Games
Memories (best option in my opinion)
@GoldenNest2727 I like the use of the question in the title! Though perhaps it could be a little bit shorter (: