And I understand why. The legitimacy of spending hours crafting titles comes down to a simple rule of “hook and skinker”.
Let me explain.
The internet is full of information, correct? Let’s say you’re a blogger. Pick a topic, any topic, and chances are, someone somewhere has blogged about it. If you happen to pick a popular blogging niche, chances are that a simple Google search for a popular keyword will result in tens if not hundreds of blog posts on the same topic. Which one do you think gets more clicks?
The ones on the first page 🙂 Yeah, SEO plays a huge role. But let’s forget SEO for a minute and focus on which title on the very first page of Google’s search results gets the most clicks.
In other words, it all comes down to the copy.
You see, most of you worry about setting up a blog, choosing a domain, or setting up social media platforms. All of these are very important. However, as a blogger, what’s even more important is your skill with your words.
No, you do not need to be the next Kafka or Nabokov, or even Rowling for that matter. But you do need to understand how to write in a way that gets people to actually read what you write. And that takes practice.
Here’s a piece of unsolicited advice: if you plan on making money blogging, spend some time learning about copywriting, proofreading, and editing. These are invaluable skills that will help you out in the long run. Because no matter what you think, blogging and content marketing has to do with getting people to read your stuff, and people won’t read unless your writing is compelling.
Writing a well put-together blog post is different from writing stories or essays. A good blog post is about selling. Whether your post is geared towards selling a product or a service or an idea, it’s really all about marketing. And marketing has to do with copywriting. And so, if you ask me, I’d say as a blogger you should invest in learning copywriting.
It doesn’t have to be a financial investment, per se. It can be if you have the budget for it. But it has to, at the very least, be a time investment. There are a lot of free resources out there, and you should do the best you can to learn from them.
And guess what? A good sales pitch starts with the headline. In our case, a good blog post title.
Related Posts:
– 30+ Blogging Tools to Make You More Efficient and Productive
– 10 Powerful Topics That Are Guaranteed to Grow Your Blog
– 8 Surprisingly Easy Formatting Techniques That Make Your Blog Posts Extra Readable
Content
The Two Blog Post Title Types You Need to Master Right Away
These are known as the “How-to” type and the “List” type.
Remember how I said that you need to pinpoint a pain point and then offer a solution for getting the attention of your ideal readers?
These two post types [list and how-to] are the first indicators that grab your readers’ attention because they tell your readers that you’re about to solve a problem inside your post.
The “How-to” Type Post Titles
Perhaps the most popular type of blog post is a how-to post.
A typical how-to post is a long-form post that takes a problem your ideal reader may have, and then proposes an in-depth solution to that problem that takes the reader through the entire process of solving said problem, leaving no room for doubt or confusion.
It should be a thorough post, and the title should be clear enough for your ideal reader to understand exactly what problem you’re tackling in your blog post.
But wait, is that enough?
Of course not!
Like I said, a whole bunch of people who blog in the same niche as you are also tackling the same problem. So, how do you make sure that your readers click on your post and not others’?
By crafting a title that’s irresistibly clickable.
The best way to demonstrate that is with examples.
Let’s assume we’re tackling the topic of scoring jobs as a freelance writer.
Here are some real-world examples of possible titles:
Example 1: How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs
Note: This is a decent title. It’s straightforward, and folks who’re trying to find ways to get freelance writing gigs will likely click on this title.
Example 2: How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs and Make $500 – $2000 Per Article
Note: Killer title right there; this one comes with an added incentive — not only will you learn how to score jobs, but also jobs that pay good money. If the previous example and this one are presented together, most readers will likely click on this one over the more generic title.
Example 3: How to Be A Freelancer Writer Who Makes $500 – $2000 Per Article
Note: Similar to example 2, but the biggest difference is the emotion that’s invoked in the reader. Example 2 focuses on the task (find high-paying writing jobs), while this one focuses on the self (become a highly paid writer). I don’t know about you, but personally, I like content that promises self-improvement rather than content that seems to want us to do a lot of work. It could be the lazy side in me, but I have a feeling that a lot of readers feel the same way.
For me, example 3 is a clear winner, with example 2 being a close second.
For convenience, here are some “formulas” that you can use (with examples) to craft epic how-to type post titles that’ll explode your clicks and shares.
- How to [do/not do/avoid/be] _____
- How to Cultivate a Daily Writing Habit
- How to Make Money While You Sleep
- How to Not Write Boring Cold Pitches That Nobody Reads
- How to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed as a Newbie Blogger
- How to Be a Conversation Starter as an Introvert
- If a simple “How to [do/be] _____” seems a bit too simple or boring, try these two tricks that I’ve learned from Jon Morrow of Smart Blogger — try adding “in X minutes” or “Like a Boss” at the end of the sentence. For example:
- How to Set Up a WordPress Blog in 15 Minutes
- How to Read 50+ Books a Year Like a Boss
- How to _____ and _____
Double the benefit is always better than a single benefit, right?- How to Create a Passive Income Stream and Make Money While You Sleep
- How to Eat Healthy and Lose Weight At the Same Time
- How to be a Virtual Assistant and Quit Your Soul-Sucking Day-Job
- How to _____ without _____
This is an interesting structure because it promises something, without another thing. In other words, you’re promising something desirable, while expelling an associated fear at the same time.- How to Get the Latest Fashion Trends in Your Wardrobe without Spending a Fortune
- How to Lose 20lbs without Starving Yourself
- How to Write Faster without Sacrificing Quality
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The “List” Type Post Titles
A “list” type post can be similar to “how-to” types in that this type of titles also promise to solve a problem. However, while a “how-to” type focuses on an elaborate solution to a certain problem, a “list” type focuses on bite-size, multiple solutions. Brevity is of the essence here.
There are three common structures for a “list” type blog post title.
– “X Ways to _____”
– “X Steps to _____”
– “X Tips for _____”
You can add interest in this structure by following up the above with “when _____”.
Example 1: 7 Ingenious Ways to Increase Traffic When You’re a New Blogger
Example 2: 10 Steps to Promoting Your Blog Post After Hitting Publish
Example 3: 5 Ways to Add More Protein In Your Diet When You’re a Vegan
Example 4: Six Tips for Staying in Shape When You Spend Most of Your Day Sitting In Front of Your Computer
A “list” type post can also be an informational post, wherein you list a number of things your readers may not have known regarding a certain topic.
The titles for such posts may start with:
- 7 Facts About _____
- 5 _____ That’ll Change Your Life
- 10 Things You Didn’t Know About _____
- 15 Things to Remember When _____
And more.
Bonus: Post Titles for Some Form of a Guide
This can be seen as a variation of a “how-to” post title. Instead of saying “How to Solve Such and Such Problems”, we can say “A Step-by-Step Guide to Solving Such and Such Problems” or “An Ultimate Guide to Solving Such and Such Problems”. You can also use a famous person’s name or a group’s name for added intensity.
Examples:
- A Step by Step Guide to Writing The Perfect Blog Post
- The Ultimate Guide to Losing 20lbs without Starving Yourself
- A Slacker’s Guide to Maximum Productivity
A blog post title depends on the topic and may not be categorized as one of the three types I mentioned above. And that’s fine. However, the three types are some of the most effective, hence their rise to popularity.
Three Tips to Enhance Your Blog Post Titles
In this section, I’ll walk you through three different ways you can enhance your blog post titles to increase clickability.
Use Adjectives That Empower A Sentiment
Strong adjectives, also known as power words, are super useful to create a stronger impression through your post titles. This, in turn, makes your titles more alluring and increases clicks and shares. For example, compare the two titles below:
5 Tips to Adding More Protein in Your Diet When You’re a Vegan
VS.
5 Surprising Tips to Adding More Protein […]
In the above example, the word “surprising” adds curiosity which makes readers want to click and learn what surprising tips you’re talking about.
Here’s another example:
Fifteen Mind-Blowing Facts About Composting That You Didn’t Know Before
In the title above, the term “mind-blowing” catches a reader’s attention which prompts them to click on it, as opposed to a title without it.
Writing a good blog post title has a lot to do with manipulating the human psyche. Now, some people may feel put off by the idea of manipulation. But, think about it. Manipulation isn’t by default a bad thing. If you’re manipulating your ideal readers into reading a blog post knowing that what you have to share will benefit them, then I see nothing wrong with using manipulation to increase your chances of getting more clicks and reads.
Here’s an article from OptinMonster that has 700+ power words to boost your clickability.
Use Extreme Emotions
The point of writing an epic blog post title is to grab a hold of your readers’ attention and making sure they can’t see anything else but your title.
You can do this by evoking strong emotion. One way to do so is by using power words as described above. But you can take it to the next level and write a title that either makes your ideal readers take a breath of relief or scare the living daylight out of them.
What do I mean?
Let’s take a look at some examples of post titles that put your readers’ minds to ease.
- How to Get Booked Out with Web-Design Clients Even If You Suck at Pitching Your Services
- 5 Incredibly Easy Ways to Stay in Shape Even if You Sit Inside a Cubicle All Day
- 10 Badass Tips to Making Money from Home Even if You’re a Full-time Mommy
In the examples above, the titles do two things. They address a “problem” and offer something desirable despite the problems. In the first title, the reader’s problem is that they aren’t good at pitching. However, the title promises being completely booked out with web-design clients, despite the handicap of not being good at pitching. The second the third example titles work the same way.
Now, let’s take a look at some examples where you scare the crap out of your readers.
- 15 Horrible Email Subjects That’ll Never Get Opened by Potential Clients
- 10 Dumb Marketing Mistakes That’ll Kill Your Business
- 7 Social Media Myths That Will Have Adverse Effect on Your Blog’s Growth
In the examples above, the titles address a desirable outcome that is hindered by taking the wrong actions. Readers would be instantly hooked to these titles because they’d be anxious to find out if they’re making the same mistakes you’re referring to.
Pitch Something Controversial
Another way to get your readers’ attention is by saying something controversial, or by challenging their conventional wisdom.
For example,
- 5 Reasons You Should Stop Editing Your Articles Before Publishing
- 10 Tips for Losing Weight While You Continue to Binge on Sugar
- 7 Reasons Why Anger is Good for You
There you go. This should give you enough material and ideas to start practicing writing killer blog post titles and headlines. And yes, this is something you need to practice if you want to be a blogger whose posts people actually want to read!
I just want to add one more thing before I finish this post. These are some great strategies for crafting sensational post titles that’ll get you tons of clicks and shares. However, you need to be just as vigilant when writing the blog post. Do not clickbait your readers and then feed them crap. The post title is just the beginning. As I said, it’s where the magic starts. But the magic definitely doesn’t end with the title.
If you want to be a blogger that people look up to and if you wish to be considered a teacher or a mentor to your readers, then you need to continue providing value and fulfill the promise(s) you make in that post title.
With that said, have I missed a stellar strategy for coming up with irresistible post titles? If you know something that I’ve missed, please share with me and all the other readers in the comments below.
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72 thoughts on “How to Write Epic Blog Post Titles That Are Irresistibly Clickable”
This was so incredibly useful, thank you for sharing. I am implementing your techniques into my own blog and they are working. So helpful. Thank you!
Thanks, Elle 🙂
Everything is sales haha!
The one problem I can see with these great tips is this: character count. I feel like I want the entire title to show up in google search, and short titles read easier too.
Really good tips! Thank you!
Thanks, you help me with this topic
This is very helpful. I have been looking for a post exactly like this forever. Thank you so much for the help. ? Have an amazing day.
These are very helpful tips. So glad I stumbled across your tip page, thanks for all the valuable information!
Thank you for the comments 🙂
Oh wow, this is so useful! I suck at clickbaity titles! So I bookmarked some of the examples to inspire me for my next writing session 😉 thanks again, have a great day!
Great post. Very helpful.
Awesome post! I really enjoyed reading through. You really caught and sustained my attention.
Thank you for the insight!
Thank you for all the great info! I used your article as part of my maters program research. This weeks topic was Blog writing and editing- your info was so helpful!
Thanks Sara 🙂
Hello,
If you created a PDF with all the titles ideas… I would be very interested 🙂
Thank you for this great article.
Laura
Thanks, Laura. That’s a great idea and I’ll keep it in mind for the future 🙂
Great lists. These tips are super useful for getting clicks. It would be great to have a pin of 20 different title examples to edit for your own use.
This has helped me so much that i revamped all my titles in blog. Thank you so much. I am more excited and equipped to continue in my blogging journey.
Haha, good going Nicole 😀
And good luck!
Superb post! I knew there were reasons why I read specific articles online. As I read your post, I thought about my college papers & realized that the ones with “sexy” titles were usually well received by my professors.
Haha thanks! Gotta get their attention first, eh?
Love this, I pinned it. It is a very helpful and informative post, I will start applying what I just learned. Thanks for sharing (:
Thank you, Angie.
This is probably the best breakdown of writing headlines I’ve ever read. Thank you!
Thanks Jennifer 🙂
Very nice post, Thanks for sharing, appreciate your efforts
Thank you Ghani.
Thank you , thank you! Your blog posts are so PRACTICAL! Especially like this one since blog post titles are key to getting readers to click on your post!
Thank you, Nerissa 🙂
Maliha,
Your post was exactly what I was looking for. It was full of very informative material that was pleasing to read and easy to understand. Thank you so much!
Lisa
Thanks, Lisa.
Great article! Love how you give templates that bloggers can follow. A good article with a bad title won’t get any clicks – despite how awesome it is.
What do you think about the blog titles I have on my site,
I look forward to hearing from you!
Nice post. I use Sharethrough Headline Analyzer a lot too. Helps with title structure greatly.
This is very helpful. Thank you. Keep them coming.
Thanks, Lera.
This post was super helpful! Thank you!
Thanks, Stormy.
Thanks Maliha, this is just what I was looking for. I use stories on my blog to get my message out there, but it was starting to look like only list type articles get traction. Great ideas here, can’t wait to use them.
Cheers,
Joe
Thanks for the kind words, Joe. Glad you found it helpful 🙂
Thanks Mahila, Yours tips are very helpful and I will give it a bash with my next blog title. I am really new at this and so put aside one day a week to learn as much as possible about blogging, as I am really DIY but love it.
Thanks, Leslie, and good luck!
Maliha,
Thank you for the clear ideas.
I appreciate your sharing.
I am new to blogging and want to make sure, like you, that I engage my readers and provide value so they will continue to look at and share what I post.
Your tips on getting the most mileage out of a post title will help with that.
To your continued success,
Joel
Thanks Joel, and good luck 🙂 Here’s to your success too!
Very well explained. I like your specific examples which are very helpful. As a DIY/home decor blogger, I use a ton of “how-to” titles. The hard part is finding those power words to use. Thanks for the reference.
Thanks, Carol!
Wow, such great valuable advice ?. So glad I found you in the early stages of your blog, don’t think I’ll be able to afford this advice when everyone else finds you! ?.
Thank you ?
Hey Adele, nah-uh! The day I stop providing value would be the day I’d stop blogging altogether!
Perfect. Just what I need. Thanks for this very ‘useful’ post. I have bookmarked this and be referring to it until I can do this consistently. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment, appreciate the kind words, James.
Excellent content, it’s very helpful!!
Thank you for sharing such a nice and easy to read & understandable article . Your blog is thoroughly amazing and illuminating.
Looking forward to your next insights!!!
Thank you.
Great article Maliha!
I was looking for something similar on how I can structure my blog posts and make them more click-worthy. Thanks for sharing your tips
Thanks for the comment, Marco. Glad it was helpful.
Very informative and educative blog..use one has to understand his own forte and Target the right audience… Thank you
Thank you, Smith.
Thanks for the kind words, Anna. Appreciate it 🙂
This what I was looking for a long time, now I got this over here. Thank you!!
This is really a convincing article and it inspires me a lot to enter the blogging world. Thank You!!
Nice article. Thanks
Great post!! Lots of great info. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Teya.
Great article, amazing value!
Thank you.
Awesome blog post…. I found this article and suddenly really wanted to try it. Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you for this very useful post! Your examples really made it clear what you were saying (I would have clicked them all because I was so intrigued! Haha).
I can’t wait to use your tips on my own blog and see what happens :).
Thanks Anni; I’m glad you found it helpful 🙂
Great tips and I love how you not only tell people what works but give good examples they can apply. The added benefit in these types of titles is that they can automatically double in the SEO range if you choose part if your title as your key focus word. Adding key focus words inside your title will help you to rank up onto Google’s front page faster.
Thanks for this very well thought out post. I’ll be checking back in for more great advice.
Hi there, Thank you so much for your kind words, appreciate it. I’m glad that my posts are useful to you. And you’re right, using strategically placed keywords can definitely improve your chances of getting found on Google.
Hello Maliha,
thank you so much for this useful blog post & very helpful content! I was so glad to find your tips! Thank you for taking the time to write it out!
Greetings,
Rici.
Thank you, Rici. I’m glad you found this post helpful.
Great post! Thank you!
Thanks Kari 🙂
Good read and useful tips, many thanks.