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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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KBeauty12 April 10th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Topic: Why feel blue for the holidays when there are 6 easy mechanisms to turn that frown into a smile

Sub - Topic: Six (6) Ways to cope during the holidays

yellowcloudZzz April 15th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Title

Ways to avoid feeling lonely during the holidays

Subheadlining

Things to do when feeling alone

Safe socializing

Keeping the holidays alive during lockdown



CoffeeAddict07 April 20th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Heading: Your Guide to a Holly Jolly Holiday Season: COVID 19 Edition

Subheadline:

Staying Positive, Reaching Out to Your Community, and Giving Yourself your Well-Deserved Self- Love


1 reply
justFarheen September 7th, 2022

@CoffeeAddict07

I love the rhyme 'Holly Jolly' in your title. Makes it unique :). And your subheadline is too straight to the point and summarises the article well!

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Kpopcat2020 April 22nd, 2022

New Article Title:

Conquering Holiday Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Subheadlines:

-Being Thankful

-Connecting and Re-Connecting

-Gathering While Apart

-Volunteering for Others

-Discovering Hobbies

-Making Happy Memories

1 reply
colorfulTurtle948 April 26th, 2022

@Kpopcat2020

I really like the last one, 'Making happy memories.' It's very active and hopeful!

Raspberrycheesecake March 10th, 2023

@Kpopcat2020 I love the sound of these subtitles! It definitely fits in with the article.

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colorfulTurtle948 April 26th, 2022

Title: Holiday Ideas During the 'New Normal'

Subtitles:

Practicing Gratitude

Getting in Touch

Apart but still 'A Part'

Lend a Hand

Bucket List and Adventures

Going Down Memory Lane

BlueCup55 April 29th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Title: 6 Ways To Cope With Holiday Blues

Subheading: exploring ways to overcome loneliness during festivals

Creative ways to overcome the feeling of isolation


1 reply
YellowButton223 July 12th, 2022

I think your title is good for SEO, particularly as it begins with a number.

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alex000 May 22nd, 2022

Heading:

How to make solitude feel like harmony this holiday!

Suheading:

The 6 Serotonin boosting ways to spend your holiday whilst alone.

- Practicing gratitude to lift your spirits

- Strengthening connections with communication

- Being there to help another

- Brushing up your skills or developing new skills

- Self reflection

1 reply
usefulSummer3139 May 23rd, 2022

@alex000

I love your creative title! Definitely caught my eye.

Also, great usage of numbers and keywords in the subheading.

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usefulSummer3139 May 23rd, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Heading: A Guide To Helping You Cope With Loneliness (Holiday Edition)

Subheading: Six Tips To Help You Get Through This Tough Time

plushMermaid2855 May 25th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Feeling alone during the holidays

lonliness during the holidays

issolated during the pandemic



sshn07 June 6th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Don’t Neglect These 6 Tips to Combat Loneliness

Exploring ways to overcome loneliness during the holiday season


2 replies
Huriya June 9th, 2022

@sshn07 The title has a strong voice and your subtitle summarises the post really well!

1 reply
sshn07 June 9th, 2022

@Huriya hey, thank you! I appreciate it.

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