Headlines

Avoid writing label headlines (Examples!)

Don’t just slap the topic on top of the story

Note to self: “Label headline” is not a headline.

Label headlines like Label headlines carry a double problem.… Read the full article

Stop it with the ing-ing headlines (Examples!)

Present participle heads may be worse than labels

Barney Kilgore, the legendary editor of The Wall Street Journal, once wrote: “If I see ‘upcoming’ slip in[to] the paper again, I’ll be downcoming and someone will be outgoing.”… Read the full article

Avoid these common headline mistakes

8 approaches to avoid

What’s in a name?

A great headline can mean the difference between a story that gets read — or one that gets passed over.… Read the full article

Tips for writing email subject lines

Make them clear, easy to understand

What makes one email campaign generate an amazing 93% open rate, while another languishes at a dismal 0.5%?

Ask the researchers at MailChimp, an email service provider.… Read the full article

Steal tricks from the world’s best online headlines

BBC’s heads are short, clear, front-loaded and context-free

Who writes the world’s best web heads?

The folks at BBC News, according to usability expert Jakob Nielsen.… Read the full article

8 types of sales headlines to try

Try 3 reasons, testimonial, how-to and more

Stuck for a benefits headline? Browse these eight approaches for inspiration:

1. Direct headline

The simplest approach, this headline just states the benefit clearly:

Save $100 on conference registration when you sign up by Feb.

… Read the full article

6 ways to write numbers-based headlines

Numerals quantify value, draw readers

Next time you hit the Safeway, take a look at the magazines displayed at the checkout counter. Chances are, you’ll find that they’re packed with numerals.… Read the full article

How to write benefits headlines

4 steps for telegraphing the biggest benefit

To write a good benefits headline, list:

Your readers’ biggest needs in the topic you’re writing about. “Write about your greatest benefit for your reader’s greatest need,” counsels marketing guru Dan Kennedy.

… Read the full article