30 Social Media Headline Formulas That Grab Attention
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Writing a good social media headline can be as important as writing the body of content itself. You want to entice the reader to click the link leading to your blog, and you want your content to meet the reader’s expectations once they get there.
If the headline is boring, it won’t matter how exciting and informative your content is. The reader will never get there. You must remember that your content is always in competition with every other piece of content and social update. You have to compete with Cousin Sally’s puppy photos and new baby pictures from your audience’s friends. Your content title has to be more appealing than these things!
Once upon a time, many years ago, I was scrolling through my Twitter feed when I read a title something like this, “Apples are Healthy”. Well, duh! Of course apples are healthy! Why would I click on that? I obviously already know everything there is to know about that subject (even if I really don’t, that’s my reasoning) so I’m moving on.
On another occasion I read a title that looked something like this, “10 Reasons Eating an Apple a Day Will Keep the Dr. Away”. Now this article looks a little more intriguing. I knew apples were healthy but this sounds like it’s going to give me some very specific information I might not already have. In yet another instance I saw an article that promised to tell me, “The Hidden Risks Behind America’s Apple Obsession”. Risks? I didn’t know there were risks to something so healthy! Now, I know I’m talking a lot about apples here but that’s just to keep my comparisons together. The same thought processes could hold true for content on any topic.
Are you ready to start creating great titles for your own content? Below are 30 examples of catchy social media headlines that are sure to get you clicks:
The FAQ
These headlines take the form of a question that consumers already want answered. Then, you offer readers your solution. Draw inspiration from the questions your own customers often ask.
1. Do you have [this problem]? Check out these simple solutions.
2. Why does [problem] happen? Mistakes you don’t realize you’re making…
3. How to [complete this task]? We give you a step-by-step guide.
Insider Info
Consumers respond well to knowledgeable authorities, and so another smart strategy is to cite media experts.
4. How leading industry experts [accomplish important goal] Find out what they have to say…
5. 10 things [industry experts – be specific about the industry] don’t want you to know that will boost [outcomes i.e. profits, web traffic, email opt ins, etc.].
6. Edge out competitors with these 5 tips from [industry experts].
7. The 5 things [industry experts] won’t tell you.
The Myth-Buster
Many articles clarify common misconceptions within an industry, and the myth-busting headline indicates that you have the right information.
8. Are you [making this common mistake i.e. reading emails as soon as they arrive, making phone calls a priority, sharing your prices online, etc. ]? 10 ways to do it better and get better results.
9. Common misconceptions about [industry] that are holding back your [outcomes i.e. sales, conversions, opt ins, etc.].
10. 5 common strategies that actually hurt [outcomes i.e. customer relations, profitability, bottom line, etc.].
Top of the Charts
Users appreciate lists, because lists present information in an easily digestible way.
11. Top 5 reasons [this problem happens i.e. customers are leaving you, your sales are dropping, your web traffic is declining, etc. ] and what to do about it.
12. 5 best [products i.e. mailing list providers, analytics tools, other business tools, etc.] for [addressing this problem i.e. connecting with your clients, developing brand advocates, building a website, etc.].
13. 10 ways to boost your [outcomes i.e. sales, leads, client conversions, etc.].
14. Top 5 [products i.e. tools, books, classes, etc. ] you’ve never heard of that [improve outcomes i.e. increase sales, increase client conversions, improve productivity, etc.].
The Fear-Monger
Tapping into people’s fears are an effective way to garner interest in your topic. Often, these headlines will offer the reader a glimmer of hope.
15. Is [industry i.e. the real estate industry, social media, coaching, etc. ] dying? How you can prepare.
16. Spot common [industry] scams with these 5 tips.
17. Are you paying too much for [service]? Be a smarter consumer with these 5 tips.
Predictions
These look toward future industry trends, sometimes within the context of current events.
18. 5 [industry trends] watch out for in [year].
19. What the experts tell us about the future of [industry].
20. The impact of [social phenomenon i.e. messaging, video, blog posts, etc. ] on [industry].
Emotional Appeal
Quite often, people feel compelled to click a link because it appeals to their sense of human connection. If you create content that engages people on an emotional level, make sure your headline matches.
21. Your relationship with [social phenomenon i.e. messaging, video, blog posts, etc.] is important. 5 ways you can [help reach goals i.e. engage potential clients, reach more customers, become more productive, etc.].
22. [Customer] shares his story of [how product improved his life]. For example: A Life Coaching Client Shares His Story of How One 60 Minute Coaching Session Changed Everything.
23. Why people are talking about [current event] and what that means for [your industry]. For example: Why People Are Talking About the Presidential Election and What That Means for the Real Estate Industry.
Make an Offer
These headlines tease discounts or freebies offered by your company.
24. Always wanted [specific outcome]? Try [relevant product] for [discount]!
25. Purchase [product] at [discounted price] until [time limit]!
26. [Company] helps you [complete task]. Click here for a free trial!
27. How to [improve outcomes] with [limited-time discount]
Punny Hook
People love to be entertained, and so incorporating humor is a great way to hook readers when you have a non-serious topic. Here are 3 formulas for writing funny headlines.
28. Create a pun from part of another word i.e. “I wanted to be an Astronaut when I grew up. So far I’ve achieved the first syllable.” (see source)
29. Take advantage of double entendres to imply an amusing second meaning i.e. “Ask your pizza guy for a joke and he’ll deliver”.
30. Change a couple of words in a common phrase, film title, or song i.e. “How the Grinch Stole Your Website Traffic”.
Of course, no matter which social media headline you use, it’s important deliver quality content once consumers land on your page. Click-bait headlines may be effective, but without a compelling article to keep people reading, those clicks will fail to translate into customers and certainly won’t translate into repeat readers.
Do you have questions? We’re always happy to help! Contact us today and let us help you create more compelling content!
