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
@SoulfullyAButterfly
alternative title: Loneliness During the Holidays: How to Handle It
subheadings:
- gratitude,
- companionship,
- socially distant events,
- charitable giving,
- passions and recreations,
- and remembrance
@froyopeach
Love that you used words that were simple and relatable to any reader. Your headings are very inviting.
Well done
@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
@dreamRainbows3245
Really elegant title and subheadings!
@dreamRainbows3245
I love your use of emotional adjectives like “calming”. Your subheadings are creative and succinctly summarise the contents of the article.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Heading: Guide to enjoying the holidays in times of loneliness.
Subheading: Meaningful ways to celebrate holidays during lonliness.
@marvelloustree1111 using the word Guide on the heading is very catchy, indeed.
@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
@Wildarkberry this is a great title and also very easy to understand and direct to the point subheadings! Good job!
@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!
@crang17
WOW! These are really catchy.
@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
@SoulfullyAButterfly
6 Ways to Tackle Holiday Blues
1) Express Gratitude
2) Reach Out
3) Help Others
4) Immerse in Activities
5) Acknowledge Your Feelings
@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
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!
@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.
@Helpingheart23
You worded them with a gentle and warm touch!
@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!
Article title:
6 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays When Facing Loneliness.
Sub-headline:
Learn effective ways to cope with loneliness during the holidays.
@Destiny4157
Yes I have also mentioned the amount (6) in my Title
@KBeauty12
That’s cool! My apologies for taking long to respond.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
New article title
Ideas to make Christmas in isolation fun
Subheading
Physically distant but socially together