7 Headline Formulas That Work

Let me tell you a little secret…

More than half of people will only read your content’s headline. The remaining will determine whether or not your content is worth their time based on your headline.

This is true whether you are trying to boost your search engine optimization (SEO), create more traffic to your website/blog, or just trying to get people to read your content in general.

In a world saturated with content marketing, it may be challenging to stand out from the crowd. So how do you craft a headline that creates traffic and makes your content different from the rest?

Well, usually, I’d recommend that you take the time to think about a great headline. You can even do it after you’ve finished writing your piece. As long as you have a general approach or topic in mind, you don’t need the headline just yet.

But in most cases, time is of the essence. What happens if you took too long to write and headlines are coming up?

Worry not. There are many headline formulas that work and can serve as an inspiration for you to craft your own.

Here’s a few of them. Let’s move from the typical “How to-” headlines that you see over and over again. 

The secret of/to […]

This one is especially effective for catching people’s attention.

Who doesn’t love secrets?

If your piece tackles insider knowledge about a specific topic, use it to your benefit. Use this headline formula to communicate how your secret benefits the reader.

Examples:

• The Secret of Getting Your Car Loan Approved
• The Secret to Becoming A Millionaire With Only $500
• The Secret of Successful Copywriting

Here’s A Quick/Easy Way To [Solution to Problem]

Solve a person’s nagging problem or free them of some pain, and you got yourself a reader that will read what you have to say.

People love easy and quick solutions to their problems. Most stand around doing nothing until an easy fix comes around. Who doesn’t love shortcuts?

Examples:

• Here’s a Quick Way to Get Over Your Ex
• Here’s an Easy Way to Clean Your Computer
• Here’s a Quick Way to Boost Your Credit Score

[Do something] like [best/top/world-class example]

Who doesn’t want to be the best? Learning to do things like the best turns you into the best, right?

Shoutout to Gatorade’s “Be Like Mike” campaign in the early ’90s featuring Michael Jordan.

Examples:

• Sing Like Ariana Grande
• Get The Girl Like James Bond
• Speak Chinese Like A Native

The Lazy [Subject’s] Way to [Something]

You already know this. People love an easy way out of something. 

This headline formula is especially effective to attract people that are pressed for time, which is everyone.

While no one likes to describe themselves as lazy, everyone loves the lazy way since it saves time and effort.

Examples:

• The Lazy Investor’s Way to a Million Dollars
• The Lazy Mom’s Way to Better Home-Cooked Dishes
• The Lazy Marketer’s Way to Great Online Marketing

You Don’t Have to Be/Need [Something Difficult] to be [Desirable Result]

People often see barriers to success, which prevents them from taking action. If you can remove or at least soften the wall between them and their desired result, people will skim past your headline to your content.

Examples:

• You Don’t Have to Be Good At Videogames to Gain Subscribers
• You Don’t Need A Degree To Retire Rich
• You Don’t Have to Be A Best-Selling Author to Make A Living Out of Writing 

[Number] Ways to […]

While this may seem like a “how to” headline, it’s boosted by how specific it is. The reader knows exactly what to expect.

Take a look at this article’s headline, for example. It’s a restructured way of saying “7 Ways To Build A Headline”.

Examples:

• 10 Ways to Make The Most Out of Your Investments
• 5 Ways to Make A Great First Impression
• 200 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’

What Everyone Needs to Know About [Something]

Curiosity is a powerful way to attract readers. It’s almost as if you are challenging the reader.

Do they know what everyone else needs to know?

Examples:

• What Everyone Needs to Know About Copywriting
• What Everyone Needs to Know About Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• What Everyone Needs to Know About Digital Marketing

Be Careful When Using These

Remember that understanding why these formulas work is key to using them. Also, these are formulas you can alter to fit your content best. 

A great headline makes for great content.

I hope this information was helpful to you. If you are interested in learning more ways to craft better content that sells, be sure to check out our blog. We post regular content regarding copywriting, content marketing, SEO, and more!

Mrkt360 is a marketing and SEO agency located in Toronto, Canada. We specialize in SEO services and digital marketing solutions. If you are looking to grow your company’s online presence, be sure to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts today!