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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

508
Huriya June 9th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title:6 Ways to Say Goodbye to Holiday Blues

Sub-title: Tips to Lift your Spirits During the Holidays

2 replies
magicalOcean594 June 30th, 2022

@Huriya


GREAT SUBTITLE

could have used a few more as it is going to benefit your title in other ways then just one:)

SirenOfSerenity July 6th, 2022

Both the title and the subheadline are very attractive for this specific topic! Sounds very informative and has the air of a "must read" article 😊 Fantastic job!

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PhoenixTears5972 June 14th, 2022

Embracing the moment

Sub-headings

  • self-love
  • Discovering things
  • Making each moment worth it
  • Empathising and connecting
  • Understanding
  • Focusing on the present
  • Light-heartedness
  • Persevearance
  • Discovering a new you


1 reply
blissfulForest7074 July 25th, 2022

@PhoenixTears5972

I loved how your topics pulled me to read more about it. The sub headings were apt, and it connected to the main title as well.

My tip would be use some common words to improve the seo-bility of the topic, but as a whole, you've done really well ☺️

1 reply
PhoenixTears5972 July 25th, 2022

@blissfulForest7074 Thank you very much and I'll definitely keep what you said in mind 😊

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NotFound20 September 2nd, 2022

@PhoenixTears5972

I really liked the heading. Getting such a positive vibe from the heading itself.

All the subheadings are self explanatory also.

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magicalOcean594 June 30th, 2022

@soulfullyAbutterfly


Fantastic Fabulous Fun Family friendly ideas during the holidays during covid pandemic


subheadings

socializing while isolated at home

bringing out the games

children can get involved

sober-friendly for everyone

keeping safe but still having fun


1 reply
Ninziesss August 29th, 2022

@magicalOcean594


I really like your headline :D

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SirenOfSerenity July 7th, 2022
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.

New Article Title: Loneliness vs. The Holidays: How To Win The Battle

Sub Headline: 6 Ways To Chase Away The Holiday Blues

1 reply
EmpathyShoulder1904 July 8th, 2022

@SirenOfSerenity

Both of your headlines are lovely and catchy. I like the use of 'versus' in your title and the use of 'how'. They are nice.

CosmicMiracle August 19th, 2022

Hi, @SirenOfSerenity <3

I like how you use your words; very straight to the point and it encourages people to read more. Great job! :)

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EmpathyShoulder1904 July 8th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Title: " The 6 Fabulous Ideas During Vacation Blues"

EmpathyShoulder1904 July 8th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Subheadlines: How can you reduce loneliness during the holidays?

YellowButton223 July 12th, 2022

My proposed title is: Your Essential Guide to Coping With Holiday Loneliness


My proposed subheadlines is to replace “thankfulness”, it is: Gratitude as a coping mechanism


1 reply
admirableRose261 August 17th, 2022

@YellowButton223

That's actually nice. I got the sense that the article went deeper than gratitude. The attitude of gratitude and paying it forward was prevalent through out.

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blissfulForest7074 July 25th, 2022

@SoulfullyAButterfly

How to Celebrate Your Holidays During the COVID-19

Practicing gratitude

Connect with your loved ones

Celebrating with the protocols

Helping others and volunteering

Fun activities to do

Positive outlook

admirableRose261 August 17th, 2022

Not Lonely: A Field Guide to a COVID Happy Holiday

This is tricky for me.

1 reply
CosmicMiracle September 1st, 2022

@admirableRose261

I like how you used the term "field guide" :)

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CosmicMiracle August 19th, 2022
Shifting Focus: Holiday Cheers for Our Mental Health

Expressing gratitude
Touching base
Presence and effort
Giving a helping hand
Channelling your energies
Remembering
1 reply
ThoughtBubbleExpess August 23rd, 2022

@CosmicMiracle I loved how you included mental health here :)

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