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
Title:6 Ways to Say Goodbye to Holiday Blues
Sub-title: Tips to Lift your Spirits During the Holidays
@Huriya
GREAT SUBTITLE
could have used a few more as it is going to benefit your title in other ways then just one:)
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!
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
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Discovering a new you
@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 ☺️
@blissfulForest7074 Thank you very much and I'll definitely keep what you said in mind 😊
@PhoenixTears5972
I really liked the heading. Getting such a positive vibe from the heading itself.
All the subheadings are self explanatory also.
@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
@magicalOcean594
I really like your headline :D
@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.
Hi, @SirenOfSerenity <3
I like how you use your words; very straight to the point and it encourages people to read more. Great job! :)
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title: " The 6 Fabulous Ideas During Vacation Blues"
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Subheadlines: How can you reduce loneliness during the holidays?
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
@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.
@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
Not Lonely: A Field Guide to a COVID Happy Holiday
This is tricky for me.
@admirableRose261
I like how you used the term "field guide" :)
@CosmicMiracle I loved how you included mental health here :)