More than 60% Some queries lead to no clicks. The reason? Users are not satisfied with the results shown. Before blaming search engine algorithms, have you considered the headlines of your blog posts?
Besides improving your ranking in the SERP, the title of your article should make the user want to click to learn more. It's the key to attracting traffic to convert…
Out of inspiration for your next headlines? Here are 20 ideas to jump-start your creativity!
1. An odd number at the start
According to a study by Conductor, titles that include numbers perform better. Why? They present a blog post as a list and are therefore more likely to occupy top positions.
Users like to skim the key points of a blog post. They can quickly find information relevant to their needs. When they see a number, like the 20 at the start of this article's title, they know they'll quickly get 20 tips. That gives them added value.
This psychological preference therefore generates more clicks.
But that's not all! Users also seem to be more receptive to titles with odd numbers. A study from Content Marketing Institute revealed they are clicked 20% more often than even numbers. (I should have titled this article “21 ideas for blog post titles,” actually!)
2. Punchy words to evoke emotion
Powerful words are effective for two main reasons:
- They evoke emotion : positive or negative, emotion generates clicks.
- They trigger curiosity: these terms create a "need to know more" in readers. They are therefore more likely to click, read an article, and share it.
What do we mean by “punchy terms”? Expressions like:
- Free (example: "discover my free resources to…")
- Professional (like "X professional tips to…")
- Real (example: "the real method to…")
- Best ("my list of the best tools for…")
- Surprising ("X surprising tips to…")
3. A negative superlative in addition to the number
The Conductor study reveals that 51% of internet users prefer headlines with at least one superlative. Another studyOutbrain shows that negative superlatives generate 30% more results.
The reason is simple: positive superlatives are common in article headlines. Being accustomed to them, users are less responsive. In contrast, negative ones are rare and send a warning that’s hard to ignore.
For example: “the 13 worst strategies that will make your new business fail” will provoke more emotion than “13 effective strategies to grow your new business.” That will result in more clicks, views, and shares.
4. Headlines with statistics
Another way to create catchy blog headlines is to use statistics or data from a case study.
As mentioned, internet users like numbers and the same goes for percentages. So, if you can, write hooks like:
- 95% of our users are satisfied with product A
- Generate 50% more sales thanks to this method
- Reduce your acquisition costs by 15% thanks to these best practices
5. A headline with "You" or "Your"
Buffer analyzed the most shared headlines on its platform and found that those addressing the reader directly ranked second.
Personalizing your blog headlines lets you connect with your readers. They feel involved in your article, which encourages them to click. Whenever possible, include words like “YOU,” “YOUR,” or “YOURS” in your hooks.
6. Headlines meant to spark controversy
“Why you should dump your marketing agency in favor of a freelancer?”, “It’s time to delete your Facebook account!”
Do these examples shock you? Then that means they work!
These headlines express a strong opinion and will inevitably spark controversy. Internet users will want to click to know your take or to understand your point of view.
This type of hook often sparks a lot of engagement, notably comments and shares on social media.
7. Headlines that list mistakes
Headlines about mistakes take advantage of an innate human desire: the desire to be perfect. Whether in personal or professional life, we like to succeed.
Even though people can learn from their own mistakes, they want to learn from others' mistakes to improve. For example, when launching a new project, users like to look for mistakes to avoid. So help them by writing articles that list the errors to avoid in order to succeed!
8. Headlines that highlight lessons
Not only are users interested in the mistakes you made, but also in the lessons you learned on your journey to success.
Headlines like "X lessons learned after testing this strategy" therefore prove very effective.
9. Headlines that start with "why"
In general, question-style headlines work well. By starting with "why," you focus on a topic and the reason behind certain actions.
You provide an explanation, an analysis, which can be useful to users. That's why they'll want to click!
10. Headlines that promise a guide
Writing comparison articles that help users choose products or services is always useful for capturing quality traffic. However, the "guide" aspect must be clearly reflected in the title. Be specific about the offerings you will discuss.
For example: "In-ground pools made of fiberglass, concrete, or vinyl: which is the best?"
This idea lets you replace customer reviews with your own observations. It's also an indirect way to steal traffic from your competitors by targeting queries related to your brand.
In highly competitive markets, these formats perform very well.
11. Comparisons
Users like battles and comparisons between two products or services—especially users who are about to convert. With a title like: "Tool 1 vs Tool 2: which is better?", you're sure to prompt action!
12. Top lists
Lists generate action, but top lists perform even better! They also target users who have already considered a purchase and want to choose the product or service that truly fits their needs.
13. Headlines containing parentheses
Parentheses in the title increase the click-through rate of 38%.
Some readers prefer specific formats. By mentioning it in the headline, you'll encourage them to click.
For example,
- (Report) Studies on the latest market trends
- (Infographic) 13 statistics on content marketing
- (Interview) How Richard Branson is changing the world
14. Asking closed questions
When reading your blog post, the user wants to get an answer. To do that, ask questions (the same ones they're asking themselves, of course). Favor closed questions that essentially lead your readers to answer yes or no.
For example: "Do you use product X to get 277% more sales?" This suggests that the person sharing it knows the answer and achieves the success promised by the headline.
Plus, it's a way to take advantage of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), which motivates users to click.
15. Headlines "Everything you need to know about..."
Reading "Everything you need to know about…" grabs attention, because the article promises a detailed overview of a problem the reader faces.
If the user can rely on a single source that provides all the information, they don't need to look elsewhere or on another blog. That makes it tempting to click!
16. Asking provocative questions
Instead of writing a headline like "15 blogging mistakes to avoid," why not ask a provocative question?
Here are some good examples:
- Are you making these embarrassing mistakes on your blog?
- Are you making these 7 mistakes with your homepage?
- Why are you afraid to write an article about your experience?
17. Playing on mistrust
Debunking fake news or explain how some people deceive or manipulate you — it's very effective for generating clicks!
Here are sample headlines to adapt to your business:
- 6 lies your car dealer will try to tell you
- Is your insurer telling you the truth about your insurance premium?
- Sun damage is bad, but is sunscreen even worse?
18. Addressing beginners
"How-to" headlines abound at the top of search results. To stand out, find a creative way to present your educational articles. Show beginner users that you're specifically addressing them, with headlines like:
- The 3 best methods to start generating leads
- 6 strategies to get started with SEO
- Building your own chicken coop: our beginner's guide
19. Making a promise
Internet users like to read articles that promise something. What will your readers gain or achieve after reading your article? You must make that clear from the title, with hooks like:
- Get a flat stomach in 15 days
- 10 tips that will revolutionize how you clean
- 5 tips to halve your grocery budget
- My method for turning your website into a lead-generating machine
20. Including change-related terms
Internet users are constantly seeking change! Use this to attract them to your blog with headlines such as:
- 10 tips to rekindle the spark in your relationship
- Forget salaried work and try freelancing instead
- 5 signs it's time to change your life to travel more
And there you have inspiration for your next blog posts! And don’t forget, when you make a promise in a headline, keep it to avoid disappointing readers.
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