7 SEO Headline Hacks That’ll Make You Better Than 95% of Writers
Most writers will spend hours writing a piece, and then write their headline in seconds as an afterthought.
But this is a HUGE problem.
Why?
Because your headline is your article’s first impression, your digital shop window that attracts potential readers in.
Now the good news is that crafting headlines that truly attract and convert can be very easy, you just need to understand what makes people click. These 7 SEO hacks will help you do just that and boost your click-through rates (CTR).
Let’s jump in!
1. Place Your best Keyword at the beginning of the Headline
Placing your target keyword at the beginning of your headline is a strategic move. This prime position signals to search engines the content’s relevance and increases the likelihood of users clicking on your link.
For example instead of “SEO Hacks for Beginners,” try “Beginner SEO Hacks: Boost Your Website Traffic.”
2. 5, 10, 15 Titles
A lot of readers, as well as writers, fall in love with list articles at first sight and there is a good reason for it.
Listicles are very easy to read and write, and they also get clicked and read more often than other articles.
By adding numbers, you add credibility and create a sense of structure to your piece. Whether it’s a list, a statistic, or a ranking, incorporating any type of number into your headline can significantly increase clicks.
For example, “7 Proven Ways to Increase Your Website Traffic” is more compelling than “Improve Your Website Traffic.”
Here are more examples of interesting headlines you can use for listicles:
“X Secrets Of…”
“X Ways You Can… While…”
“X Myths About…”
“X Reasons Why…”
“X Mind-blowing Facts About…”
3. Promise a Clear Benefit
This point is very important because people are drawn to headlines that spell out exactly what they’ll gain by reading. So, make sure your headline clearly communicates the value your article offers.
Instead of a vague title like “Content Marketing Tips,” aim for something that highlights a specific, tangible benefit, for example, “Boost Your Reach: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Viral Content.”
This approach instantly tells readers what they can expect to achieve, making the article more enticing.
4. Offer Something Extra
Who doesn’t love a little something extra? Including a bonus or incentive in your headline can make it even more compelling. Whether it’s a free checklist, a downloadable template, or exclusive insights, adding this value encourages readers to click.
For example, “The Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing (Includes Free Checklist)” or “How to Write Your First Blog Post: 100+ Content Ideas to Get You Started.” Trust me, this tactic can significantly boost the appeal of your content and draw more readers in.
5. Simplify the Complex
If your topic is generally difficult to understand, try to use that to your advantage and position your article as the easy solution. Words like “simple,” “easy,” or “beginner-friendly” can attract readers who are overwhelmed by the subject matter.
For example, cloud computing can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with it. A simple headline like “Cloud Computing Made Simple” would potentially make your topic more approachable and attract a wider audience.
6. Establish Authority
Establishing credibility can significantly impact click-through rates. If you or your brand is recognized as an expert, highlight it in the headline. For instance, “SEO Best Practices by Top Industry Experts.”
If you can’t position yourself as an expert in a certain topic, you can still leverage the authority of others. You can cite well-respected sources or industry leaders in your headline.
7. Tap into Current Trends
And lastly, if you want your headline to stand out, hop on the latest trend! This is something I always advise my clients to do, people love to be in-the-know, so make sure to use that in your content. By incorporating current events or popular buzzwords, you can create headlines that not only stand out in search results but also attract curious readers.
For example: “AI and SEO: How to Stay Ahead in 2024.”
8. Bonus: Use Powerful Words
My final tip is to incorporate powerful words that evoke emotions or create a sense of urgency. These words can help your headline stand out and capture attention. Here are some examples:
