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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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sillyLittleBook September 3rd

How to Cope with Lockdown Loneliness

6 ideas for this holiday season

1 reply
Eitas September 21st

@sillyLittleBook it is good

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sweetnutella September 13th

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: How to Celebrate the Holiday Amidst COVID-19 Restrictions

New subheadline: 6 Ways to Beat COVID-19 Blues During the Holiday Season

1 reply
Yougotmyback October 14th

@sweetnutella

This is really good! I love how concise the title is, and it's not cluttered at all. 
I just feel the sub-headline is catchier and should be the headline.
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Chocolate0 September 20th

@SoulfullyAButterflyTi

Main Title 

Strategy for choosing main and subheadings to improve content  

Subtitle 

Effective tools to ensure title quality

2 replies
Chocolate0 September 20th

@Chocolate0

Sorry there was a misunderstanding this is my answer


Main Title 

The impact of loneliness on individuals during the holidays


Subtitle 

Hobbies and their role in alleviating loneliness

1 reply
EventHorizons November 7th

@Chocolate0

Neat that you included hobbies (:

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Eitas September 21st

@SoulfullyAButterfly Topic:

Sign that your therapists/counselors are red flag

Sub-heading:

Introduction

Role of therapist/counselor

Sign of Red flag:

Conclusion


2 replies
Eitas September 21st

@Eitas oh i mean

Title: 5 Signs your therapists/counselors are red flag that you must avoid

Sub heading: Be careful when you meet these kind of therapists/counselors

1 reply
Cathylistens November 8th

@Eitas

I like the topic, it's brave and very real. Some people feel that a therapist is a therapist, but it is not one size fits all so putting this up as a topic will be very helpful. As a constructive critic, and only because going into therapy, you may be very vulnerable and easily swayed from going forward, in the sub heading that, included are the contracting green flags to watch for to show a good therapist. 

I really admire this topic :)

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Yougotmyback October 14th

@SoulfullyAButterfly 

Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.

Heading:
7 Creative Ways to Beat the Seasonal Gloom 

Subheadings:
Gratitude in action
Reinvent your space
Move to the beat
Fuel inspiration
Creative connection
Self-care rituals
Recharge yourself with mindfulness
EventHorizons November 7th

Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.

Main: How to Manage Loneliness During the Holiday Season 
10 ways to survive loneliness and related emotions

Cathylistens November 8th

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Headline: Poor body image, the large corporations dream

Sub-headline: Helpful steps to help negate the feeling that you must fit the image they are selling

1 reply

@Cathylistens

This looks refreshing and straight to the point.

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@SoulfullyAButterfly

Title: How To Navigate The Loneliness During Holiday Seasons?

Subheadline: 6 steps to help us embrace and experience joy while being alone