For the past few weeks, I’ve been in an experiment. I’m trying to figure out what headline formula makes my life easier and more productive. I’ve tried new headline formulas and old ones, with no luck. Then, a couple of days ago, it hit me: there is a formula that works! The problem was that I wasn’t creative enough to come up with 10 headlines in one day. That night, after some deep thinking about my life and how technology has ruined it for me, I had a revelation: headlines are the new apps. They’re our way of interacting with people who matter most to us – our loved ones and ourselves. If these are the new apps, then this headline formula is the app store for headlines. Here’s the theory behind why these work so well for me:.
Why Headlines Matter
There are few things as personal as a headline. It’s not just about what you read, but how you read it. When someone reads your headline, they’re either intrigued or bored out of their mind. And then there’s the timing of when you share a headline. When is the best time to post your article? The answer is when you know your audience will be available to see and read it.
This formula is just one example of the dozens I could use on this list of 10 headlines that make my life easier and more productive. But, I think these work because they’re simple and have an element of surprise in them…
What Makes a Good Headline
First, you need to understand why people click on headlines. In the article “What Makes a Good Headline?” by Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose, they state that people click on headlines because of curiosity, to be entertained, because the headline is eye-catching, because it’s found in the right place at the right time (a magazine or blog post), or because it sounds like what they want to read.
The second step is coming up with a few good concepts. Choose one idea that you think will work well for your headline and make sure it can be easily summed up in 10 words or less. The third step is coming up with 10 attention-grabbing headlines for your subject. Remember, these are just ideas! They don’t have to be perfect – just catchy enough to get someone to click on them.
Here’s a list of some of my favorite headlines from this article:
“10 Headlines That Make My Life Easier (and Why They Work).”
“10 Headlines That Make My Life Easier (and Why They Work).”
“10 Bizarre Headlines That Make My Life Easier (and Why They Work).”
The Headline Formula
It’s simple and it works. The Headline Formula is a combination of three words that you can use to headline your blog post or tweet.
1) How
2) To
3) __________ (your keyword).
Put those three words in your head as you write your headline. The result will be a catchy, easy-to-remember, attention-grabbing quote with plenty of room for your content!
Some examples:
How to Survive the Holidays Without Going Crazy
How to Stay Motivated When Your Goals Aren’t Clear
How To Pee In Peace On Public Transportation
10 Examples of Great Headlines.
1. Forget the app store, I want a Headline App Store.
2. Why I’m Done With Apps, Headlines Are the New Apps: 10 Examples of Great Headlines That Make My Life Easier (and Why They Work).
3. 10 Examples of Headline Formulas That Make My Life Easier and More Productive (And Why They Work).
4. What’s Happening to My Life? 10 Scary Predictions for the Next Few Years That Still Don’t Scare Me (And Why They Won’t Happen).
5. Ten Scary Predictions For The Next Few Years That Still Don’t Scare Me (And Why They Won’t Happen).
6. Test Your Friends with These Ten Things You Can Ask Them To See If They’re Real Friends or Not (And Why They’ll Talk To You Anyway).
7. How to Spoil A Friend: 10 Ways to Annoy Them With This Handbook That Makes My Life Easier and More Productive (And Why It Works So Well).
8. 10 Ways to Spoil a Friend – This Handy Dandy Guide Makes My Life Easier and More Productive (And Why It Works So Well).
9. Moms Everywhere: 10 Ways that Working Moms Have Ruined My Life Forever, But I’m Still Okay With It Because It’s Making My Life Easier and More Productive!
10. Moms Everywhere – 10 Ways that Working Moms Have Ru