Make the most of the first element readers see
Types of headline writing | |
 | Best benefits headline writing techniques Focus on ‘What’s in it for me?’ Benefit headlines appeal to readers by explaining how your information will help them. These headlines are so effective, if a benefit headline is an option, use it. |
 | How to write a headline for a news article Tell the story, don’t tell about the story Make traditional news headlines short, active and free from hype. |
 | How to write a feature headline Try a little cleverness Feature heads draw readers in and make your message easier to understand and remember. Plus, they’re more fun to write. |
 | How to write good web headlines Draw people into your web pages, blog posts, emails and social media Heads up: How do you write great headlines that grab reader attention and show up in search results? |
Avoid common headline writing mistakes | |
 | Avoid these common headline mistakes 8 approaches to avoid Just say no: Write great headlines when you steer clear of these 8 common headline writing mistakes. |
 | Avoid writing label headlines (Examples!) Don’t just slap the topic on top of the story Warning label: Label headlines communicate the topic — but nothing else — about the story. |
 | Stop it with the ing-ing headlines (Examples!) Present participle heads may be worse than labels ‘If I see upcoming in the paper again, I will be downcoming, and someone will be outgoing,’ counseled Wall Street Journal editor Barney Kilgore. Heed his advice. |
More on how to write a good headline | |
 | Ann’s favorite headline quotes for writers What writers and others say Headline writing “combines the mastery of Scrabble with the composition of haiku.” — John Early McIntyre, ACES president and assistant managing editor for the copydesk at the Baltimore Sun |