One mistake many bloggers make is starting their post without a title or headline.
But wait, you say – that’s the way we were taught to do it in school! Write your essay first, then come up with a catchy title that describes what you’ve just written.
In the world of blogging, however, it’s a little different. Picking something that will “hook” the average web-surfer will help you keep to the topic and craft the perfect post.
Your title should be something that, if you fit it into the subject line of an email, would make the recipient actually open the email and read it. The more specific you can make it, the more likely you’ll get a nibble. Rather than “How to Lose Weight” try “10 Tips to Lose 10 Pounds.”
Use tools like BuzzSumo to find out what’s popular in your niche. This will give you great ideas for your titles (and posts). Also use the sorts of titles that work for others – “How to ___” or “5 Tips to ___” or “Top 10 _____.”
Engage your senses when writing your titles. Vague titles like “How to Fix a Sink” leave readers yawning. Tangible titles like “Stop That Dripping Faucet in 10 Minutes or Less” will have them clicking your link. Write about what the reader will see, hear, or feel.
Another mistake new bloggers make is to give away too much information in their titles. “Save Money By Giving Up Starbucks” tells the reader everything they really need to know without reading your article. “How to Save $200 a Month” will get them to visit your blog.
Cut the fat from your headline. Find the shortest, most hard-hitting way to craft your title and run with it. Find your own style and start making great titles.
Try this next time you blog: create five or ten different titles for the same blog, then pick the one that’s perfect.