How To Write A Clickbait Blog Headline

sejal vasan
5 min readJun 7, 2021

I am assuming you searched something like “How To Write A Blog Headline” before landing on this article.

As you can see, you are spoiled with choices. So how are you going to choose your fit? You are obviously going to open the one with which you resonate the most at a glance.

The headline of your blog is what usually drags people to your blog. It is the first thing that a person sees while scrolling, and hence it is a deciding factor. In this blog, I will share some amazing tips that will capture your reader’s attention right off the bat.\

1. Incorporate Numbers

Our brain is receptive to numbers because it automatically organizes information logically. Being someone who refers to blogs for pretty much everything, sometimes I stumble upon some which do not answer what I am looking for. This is exactly why clicking on a headline that inculcates numbers looks favorable. It gives assurance that out of the number of possible solutions provided by the author, at least one will feed my curiosity.

Examples -

7 Hacks to Help You Succeed As A Developer

21 Apps To Help Gen Z Outlive 2021

Tips -

Odd numbers are more engrossing

Smaller numbers can sometimes look more promising

Statistically, 7 is the most comforting number

2. Resourceful

If your blog provides detailed steps and acts as a mentor for your readers, you fall under this category. Blogs involving resource-related topics are super detailed and informative. It clearly articulates what you will be learning in the article. In addition, these headlines could include the keyword “ultimate guide” making the readers feel that this is the one-stop destination for whatever they are seeking — definitely bait for those who wish to know everything about a topic from scratch.

Examples -

The Ultimate Guide To Technical Blogging

The Ultimate Guide To Digital Marketing

3. Add Specifics

Including specifics like You, I, and we in your title makes your content engaging and provides viewer recognition. Also, when you address your reader, it adds a personal touch, making them feel relatable as if you are talking to them.

Examples -

You Can Make Money From Blogs

Our Fight Against Hackers

4. Insert “How To”

My search history is flooded with how-to’s, and I am pretty sure yours is too. Since most people tend to start by typing “How” into Google when looking for an explanation, starting your title with How-to is a great way to appear well in Google’s search and attract traffic.

Examples -

How To Write Blog Post Headlines

How To Build Your Resume

Tips -

Try to mix these how-to headlines with numbers for more traffic

How To Clone Repositories In 6 Steps

How To Lose Weight In 3 Weeks

5. Promise A Payoff

In this fast-paced world, one would choose an approach that looks promising rather than working helter-skelter and finding your fit. It is human nature to get attracted to things that look straightforward and convincing. At a glance, your headline should highlight why someone should spend their valuable time reading your article. You must explain to them within this line what exactly they will get out of it. You should assure your readers that you will save their money, relieve some of their pain, or help them with time management. Either way, strive to put that benefit front-and-center in your headline.

Examples -

Reclaim Your Time With These 12 Time Management Tips

Launch Your Brand In No Time

6. Question Based

With the advancement of technology, most students tend to solve their doubts via the internet over their professors. Every time you are eager to know about something, I am sure you pop that question on the internet. You can also include answers within your headline to make it more interesting, “Want to Know All about Hip Hop? Follow Bam Martin’s tutorials.” On the other hand, avoid putting simple questions in your headline like “Are green vegetables good for you?” Since the answers to such questions are pretty obvious, there is less incentive for the reader to click on them.

Examples -

How Can I Become A Successful Blogger?

How Often Should I Update My LinkedIn?

When Does The Google Summer Of Code Start?

Where Does The Computer Store Data?

Why Do We Depend On Technology For Everything?

Don’t rely on the same type of headline every time, and creativity counts when it comes to headlines. In other words, you shouldn’t simply rely on listicles or how-to headlines exclusively. Doing so makes your blog dull and doesn’t do much to excite your readers. Instead, having a diverse content calendar with various headlines can help in keeping your readers on their toes and give them something fresh to look forward to.

Bonus Tip -

Co-Schedule: Headline Analyzer Tool

It gives a score to your overall headline quality and rates its ability to result in social shares, increased traffic, and SEO value.

P.S. — After writing a couple of blogs, you will get an idea of what type of headline works for you, but if you are a beginner, I would highly recommend this tool to you.

A powerful blog headline can do wonders for you. Try focusing on your target audience and structure your headline accordingly. This way, your headlines will drive traffic to your website, and the results will follow.

Please feel free to reach out to me (Linkedin) if you have any doubts, I would be happy to help.

You can also check out my course, “The Ultimate Guide To Technical Blogging” for better understanding.

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sejal vasan
sejal vasan

Written by sejal vasan

>SDE > love breaking into random dance movements at inappropriate times

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