Grabbing a reader’s attention is not easy in the crowded digital landscape. With so many articles, ads, and social media posts competing for attention, the headline is often your first – and sometimes only – chance to make an impression. It doesn’t matter how brilliant your copy is if no one reads it!
That’s where headlines come in. They’re where your audience decides whether to dive in or scroll by.
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Think about it. When was the last time you read an article from start to finish?
The chances are it was because the headline hooked you in. It promised something you needed to know or piqued your curiosity, so you couldn’t resist clicking.
1. Be clear and specific
Simplicity is your friend. Vague headlines are the fastest way to lose your audience’s interest. Focus on being specific about the value of your content.
For example:
“10 tips for writing better headlines” is more effective than “How to Write Headlines.”
Similarly, “Boost your B2B sales by 50%” is more compelling than “Improve Your Business,” it tells the reader precisely what they’re getting and why they should care.
2. Incorporate power words
Certain words have the power to evoke an emotion and compel action. Words like “proven,” “effective,” “essential,” and “ultimate” can make your headline more persuasive.
“The Ultimate Guide to SEO Copywriting” sounds more authoritative and valuable than just “SEO Copywriting.”
This list of power words or emotion triggers from CoShedule is a great crib sheet and will help you write compelling headlines that shine.
3. Numbers and lists
Numbers and lists often perform better because they suggest a structured, easy-to-read format, making the content more manageable..
For example:
“7 Ways to Improve Your Email Marketing” will likely attract more readers than “Ways to Improve Your Email Marketing."
Numbers also help to set expectations so the reader knows exactly what they'll get from the content.
4. Ask a question
Questions engage the reader’s curiosity and invite them to find the answer in your content.
A headline like “Are You Making These Common SEO Mistakes?” creates intrigue and encourages your audience to read on for answers.
“Are You Making These 5 Common B2B Marketing Mistakes?” directly addresses the reader’s potential pain points and offers tips to solve them.
5. Create a sense of urgency
Urgency encourages readers to act quickly, increasing their chances of clicking on your content. Phrases like “Don’t Miss,” “Today Only,” or “Before It’s Too Late” can prompt immediate action.
“Click now: Limited Time Offer on Web Design Services” will generate more clicks than “Web Design Services Offer.”
“Is Your Website Costing You Customers? Find Out Now” directly addresses a potential pain point (losing customers) and creates a sense of urgency with “Find Out Now.” It prompts immediate action from business owners worried about their website’s performance – or lack of performance.
6. How-To Headlines
People are always looking for solutions to their problems.
So, a headline like “How to Create a Killer B2B Content Strategy That Drives Sales” promises practical, valuable information.
7. Make it relevant to your audience
Rule 101 of copywriting is to write for your audience. It's not about you; it's about the reader, so your headlines must be relevant to them and address their interests and pain points.
Before writing the headline, think about what your audience is searching for and tailor it to their requirements. The most engaging headlines speak directly to your reader’s needs and desires. They promise value that your audience wants.
For example, if you’re writing for time-poor salespeople or business owners, a headline like “The 2-Minute Guide to Maximising Your LinkedIn Presence” could be incredibly effective. It promises quick, actionable advice on a platform essential for B2B networking.
Writing attention-grabbing headlines
Writing great headlines does take practice. Your headline is your first chance to connect with your audience – so make it count. Experiment with different approaches, and keep refining, testing, and learning from what works. Don’t be afraid to inject a bit of personality into your headlines. B2B doesn’t have to be boring.
You can create headlines that grab attention and drive engagement by being clear, specific, and relevant, creating a sense of urgency and incorporating numbers or questions.
And remember, the best headline in the world is useless if the content doesn’t deliver on its promise. So make sure your copy lives up to the hype!
Do you need help creating headlines that pack a punch? I’m a qualified copywriter and SEO content writer who knows how to write content that appeals to your target audience. So get in touch, and let’s talk; I’m here to help.
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