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11) Headlining and Sub-Headlining Effective Content Pieces

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

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froyopeach February 14th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

alternative title: Loneliness During the Holidays: How to Handle It

subheadings:

  • gratitude,
  • companionship,
  • socially distant events,
  • charitable giving,
  • passions and recreations,
  • and remembrance
1 reply
alex000 May 22nd, 2022

@froyopeach

Love that you used words that were simple and relatable to any reader. Your headings are very inviting.

Well done

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dreamRainbows3245 February 17th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Title:

Calming ways to soothe a lonely heart this festive season

Subheadings:

Showing Kindness

Accepting that it's hard sometimes

What are you grateful for?

Ring a friend

Volunteer for a cause

1 reply
marvelloustree1111 March 4th, 2022

@dreamRainbows3245

Really elegant title and subheadings!

Ayamii September 18th, 2022

@dreamRainbows3245

I love your use of emotional adjectives like “calming”. Your subheadings are creative and succinctly summarise the contents of the article.

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marvelloustree1111 March 4th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Heading: Guide to enjoying the holidays in times of loneliness.

Subheading: Meaningful ways to celebrate holidays during lonliness.

1 reply
Wildarkberry March 6th, 2022

@marvelloustree1111 using the word Guide on the heading is very catchy, indeed.

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Wildarkberry March 6th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Headline:

Pandemic Holiday Activity Ideas


Subheadline:

Activities To Make Quarantine Holiday Enjoyable


Subheadings:

1. Thank You Notes

2. Texts, Voice Calls, and Facetimes

3. Covid-19 Safe Gatherings

4. Volunteering

5. Fun Activities

6. Recalling Love

1 reply
crang17 March 8th, 2022

@Wildarkberry this is a great title and also very easy to understand and direct to the point subheadings! Good job!

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crang17 March 8th, 2022

@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.

Title: How to Manage Melancholidays with a Bang?

Subheadings / Subtitle: 6 Doable Techniques to have a Happier Holiday

Thank you!

1 reply
Prachi9876 March 15th, 2022

@crang17
WOW! These are really catchy.

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Prachi9876 March 15th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Trying to Cope up With Loneliness During Holidays? Here Are 5 Super Quick Ways!

  • Practice thankfulness

  • Right connection

  • Socially Distanced Gatherings

  • Volunteer

  • Quality Time on Hobbies

MoonlightHelper1 March 17th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

6 Ways to Tackle Holiday Blues

1) Express Gratitude

2) Reach Out

3) Help Others

4) Immerse in Activities

5) Acknowledge Your Feelings

March 21st, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays

Title:

Ways to Deal with a Lonely Heart During the Holidays

Sub-headline:

How to embrace loneliness this holiday season

1 reply
Destiny4157 March 29th, 2022

Hello @Helpingheart23,


Great work on your title and sub-heading! It captured my attention and let me know what to expect in the article. Take care!

Train1 April 7th, 2022

@Helpingheart23

I really like the use of words such as ‘heart’ and ‘embrace’ in your title and sub-headline. They really draw the readers attention and leave the reader wanting more.

yellowcloudZzz April 16th, 2022

@Helpingheart23

You worded them with a gentle and warm touch!

CoffeeAddict07 May 15th, 2022

@Helpingheart23

I love this title! I think that it is so creative because I feel like a lot of people put an emphasis on having a partner or a loved one during the holiday season and that can be tough for people who aren't currently with them!

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Destiny4157 March 29th, 2022

Article title:


6 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays When Facing Loneliness.



Sub-headline:


Learn effective ways to cope with loneliness during the holidays.

1 reply
KBeauty12 April 10th, 2022

@Destiny4157

Yes I have also mentioned the amount (6) in my Title

1 reply
Destiny4157 June 6th, 2022

@KBeauty12


That’s cool! My apologies for taking long to respond.

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Train1 April 7th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

New article title

Ideas to make Christmas in isolation fun

Subheading

Physically distant but socially together