A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Engaging Story Headlines

Mastering the Art of Clickable Titles

Photo by Clayton Robbins on Unsplash

Introduction

Do you have a killer story that you think should get more exposure? Is your article the one that should have a Medium boost? Why are you not getting the reads you truly deserve?

I wanted to let you know that part of my writing success boils down to the titles I write “most of the time.” 

Let me take you on a journey that I have found successful when writing that killer title. You would be surprised how effective this can be. What are you waiting for? Read on!

Be Specific

Your title should be specific and convey the central theme of your story. Avoid using generic titles that do not provide enough information about the content.

Use Strong Keywords 

Use strong keywords relevant to your story that people are likely to search for. This will help your article rank higher, such as:

1. Shocking

2. Mind-blowing

3. Revealed

4. Secret

5. Proven

6. Powerful

7. Incredible

8. Surprising

9. Amazing

10. Unbelievable

11. Epic

12. Life-changing

13. Ultimate

14. Unforgettable

Keep It Short

Keep your title short and concise, ideally no more than 10–12 words. This will make it easier to read and share on social media. A title that is too long or unclear will prevent the potential reader from clicking on your article.

Make It Engaging 

Use words that create intrigue, emotion or curiosity to encourage people to click on your article. This could be achieved through questions, interesting statistics, or strong adjectives.

I don’t mind throwing in something controversial, almost as a title that may shock people or make them inquisitive about clicking on your article.

Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash

Avoid Clickbait

While it is important to make your title clickable, avoid using clickbait tactics that mislead readers or overhype your story. This could result in readers losing trust in your content.

I say that with a cheeky grin on my face because I do not think I believe this 100 per cent. As per the last section, your title must be engaging, so I understand that you have to entice your reader. 

I have sometimes used a title that could be considered clickbait but then justified it in my subtitle. This is difficult to do but can pay off if you get it right.

Help

There are plenty of Headline Analyzers on the internet. Have you tried them? If not, it may be worth giving them a go and deciding if they are right for you.

If you want to try one, click here, I have used it in the past, and it has given me decent results.

Call To Action

Writing a clickable title for your story is crucial in attracting readers and encouraging them to read your content. 

By being specific, using strong keywords, keeping it short, making it engaging, and avoiding clickbait, you can create a title that accurately represents your story while capturing potential readers' attention. 

Additionally, incorporating power words can add an extra layer of appeal to your title, but it’s important to use them appropriately and not mislead your audience. 

With these tips in mind, you can create a title that stands out and encourages readers to click through to your content.

Conclusion

I hope you have found this article useful. If so, drop me a comment. You may have suggestions for our community, and I would love for you to share them with me.