Numbers and Lists

Starting your headline with a number helps the headline stand out. The human eye is naturally drawn to the juxtaposition of numbers near text. Explicit lists also make it clearer to the reader about what to expect in your post.

 Some great list words to get you started:

  • Reasons
  • Ways
  • Tips
  • Tricks
  • Secrets
  • Ideas
  • Techniques
  • Strategies
  • Facts
  • Methods
  • Statistics

Prove Your Value

You want to justify to readers, in so many words, why your article is worth reading.

Ex. Create an Eye-Catching Reddit Post in Minutes

The title above promises a fast and easy way to create high-quality infographics. Sounds like it’s worth reading more about! Promising a desired result within a set time period (minutes) is a classic winning title writing strategy.

They key is to prove that you bring value and that you are providing essential knowledge!

MORE: 21 Tips for Writing Great Reddit Ad Posts

Tap into Your Readers Skeptical Side

Humans can be cynical and we’ll often jump at the chance to read about how we are being manipulated.
Title examples:

  • 6 Lies Your Child’s Teacher Will Try to Tell You
  • Is Your Doctor Telling the Truth About Prescribing Your Kids Ritalin?
  • Sun Damage is Bad, But is Sunscreen Even Worse?

Educate Your Reader

People often search to educate themselves. Often successful headlines use a how to like format to get their point across. Extend it even further than “How to” for example:

  • 3 Best Methods for Starting a Blog
  • 6 Strategies for Fireproofing your Home
  • Build Your Own Outdoor Fire Pit: A Comprehensive Guide
  • Convincing your Kids to do Chores: Parenting 101

Keywords like “101” and “comprehensive guide” are great indicators of an educational post. These words indicate that it’s an easy post that anyone can understand.

User Powerful Language

Dark and violent wording can be especially eye-catching and draw a reader into your post. Some examples include:

  • Cutting
  • Bleeding
  • Fear
  • Abysmal
  • Scared

In addition, exciting words go a long way to excite your reader:

  • Monumental
  • Shocking
  • Lifehack
  • Smart