Did that headline grab your attention?
Of course it did! We're all interested in winning. In fact,
if I had used the headline, BE A WINNER!, it would have had
just as much power. We like the idea of getting a prize, of
being a champion, of coming out on top.
A headline like this illustrates
the importance of immediately grabbing your reader's attention.
Whether it's the headline for a news article, an advertisement,
a brochure, or a web site, it must literally jump off the
page if you want the person to keep reading.
Here are a few suggestions to
consider as you create your headline:
Speak to your target market. For example,
if you're selling to senior citizens, you could use the
words: For People Over 65. Or how about the attorney
who uses the headline, Divorce--For Men Only.
Use one or more of the "magic words"
of marketing in your headline (e.g., free, fun, money,
announcing, easy, improved, now). Why? Because these
words command attention and have been proven to work time
and again. Try out some headlines that begin with or include
some of these words and see what kind of response you get.
Keep in mind that another important role
of the headline is to compel the person to continue reading.
One of the ways to do this is to arouse curiosity. You can
do this by asking a question, making a provocative statement,
or promising a reward (benefit).
Create ideas in the reader's mind. Put yourself
in the consumer's place and think about a specific reason
why your product or service would be helpful to this person.
Then use that reason in your headline. For example, a matchmaking
service might use a headline that says, Too Busy to Fall
in Love?
Here are a few other examples of eye-catching
headlines:
Rugs for Your Home--30% Off
Introducing an Easy New Weight-Loss Program
Now You Can Earn More and Work Less
How to Stay Fit for Life
Confused About Which Computer to Buy?
You have only about THREE seconds to gain a
reader's attention, so it's vital that you spend time on creating
a headline with impact.
Nan Yielding has nearly 10 years experience as an online business owner. She is the owner of Writing-Etc.com and offers internet marketing services and assistance to help website owners attract more customers and increase sales.
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