Have you ever written a great article, packed with facts and fresh information, only to find that no one reads it? As copywriters, it’s frustrating to create compelling content that doesn’t attract readers. Without website traffic, it’s impossible to build authority or generate revenue. If you’re using inbound marketing, it’s even harder to get leads without visitors. One way to solve this issue is by writing engaging headlines. In fact, the headline alone can increase traffic by as much as 500%, making it the most important part of your content.
In this article, we’ll share data-backed tips to create killer headlines that increase your website traffic. Here are 7 effective headline tips you can start using today to improve your titles and attract more readers.
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7 Headline Tips to Increase Website Traffic
These tips will help you write headlines that grab attention and turn readers into consistent traffic for your website:
1. Use Numbers:
Did you know that 36% of readers prefer to click on a headline that includes a number? Numbers provide clarity and help the reader know what to expect from the article. They also make the content easier to skim, which is perfect for busy readers. Adding a number at the start of your headline can significantly improve click-through rates. Although odd numbers tend to perform better than even numbers, you can experiment with both to see what works best for your audience.
2. Draft the Headline Before Writing the Article
Since 80% of readers don’t make it past the headline, it’s crucial to invest time in crafting it well. Many writers create their articles first and come up with a headline later, but this approach can lead to less focused content. Writing your headline before the article helps you stay on topic and produce more cohesive and engaging content. Try brainstorming 5-6 headline variations for a single topic and choose the best one.
3. Make a Promise
A great way to draw readers in is by making a promise in your headline. Promises tell the reader why they should care about your article and what they’ll gain from reading it. For example, this article’s headline promises tips that will help increase website traffic by 500%. You can also create headlines that ignite curiosity, like “Steal Like an Artist: How to Copy Inspiring Ideas From Your Competitors.” Just make sure your headline delivers on its promise to avoid frustrating readers and harming your website’s bounce rate. Read More: How to make a content plan for inbound marketing in 5 steps?
4. Use Superlatives:
Research shows that 51% of people prefer headlines that contain superlatives like “best,” “ultimate,” or “perfect.” These words stand out because they suggest that the content offers something better than average. In today’s world of content overload, people are more likely to click on articles that promise the “best” advice. Using superlatives can also improve your SEO, as many users search for terms like “top” or “best” when looking for information online.
5. Make Your Headlines Unique:
In a sea of similar headlines, being unique is key to standing out. By creating original headlines, you’ll attract more clicks and traffic. To check if your headline is unique, use double quotes in a Google search (e.g., "Your Headline Idea") to see if it has been used elsewhere. While crafting unique headlines, avoid complicated language. Keep it simple and creative, so potential readers can easily understand the topic. Read more: Copywriting is more than just attracting visitors. Know the job role of a copywriter.
6. Avoid Clickbait
Clickbait headlines might bring short-term traffic, but they’ll hurt your reputation in the long run. Clickbait refers to headlines that over-promise or mislead readers. When readers click on your headline expecting one thing and get something completely different, they’ll lose trust in your content. Always aim for honest, value-driven headlines that clearly represent your content to build authority and keep visitors coming back.
7. Make Your Headlines SEO-Friendly
Including keywords in your headline helps optimize it for search engines. For instance, I used the keyword “What Do Copywriters Do?” in a headline for an article discussing the job of a copywriter. Using SEO-friendly headlines ensures long-term, organic traffic from search engines like Google. It’s also a good practice to keep your headline and URL slightly different if needed, removing unnecessary words to improve your SEO rankings.
Read more: 5 Steps: How to Develop Your Storytelling Skills?
Conclusion: Write Headlines That Attract and Convert
By following these tips, you can create a lot more effective titles in less time. If you are looking for someone to enable you to leverage content marketing, then feel free to connect. I provide consultation on a pro-bono basis for startups and would love to associate with high-impact companies.
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