Titles that get noticed


They say not to judge a book by it�s cover but for many people walking through a bookstore, that�s exactly what they do. A similiar thing happens with titles and taglines online. You only have a few seconds to convince the reader to choose your article. How do you get their attention?

I had the chance to do some research today on how titles and taglines are used in popular magazines. The main thing we noticed is the difference between LABELING an article and INVITING someone to read it. Labeling tells you what the article is, the other tells you why you need it. The same elements that work in taglines can help make your article title that one that stands out.

Great Titles:

  • Use active language
  • Suggest effortless solutions � we noticed words like easy, lazy, cheat, trick, miracle, stressfree
  • Offer to let you join the club � Best secrets for flawless skin
  • Use questions that include the answer � Cheat on your diet and still lose weight?
  • Suggest an element of discovery � Our best beauty finds, Surprising ways to ______
  • Use inspirational or transformational language � You can do it! Organize your home for the holidays
  • Use words that exude a feeling � Cozy, comfortable
  • Use superlative language � best, better, great, ultimate, greatest ever
  • Often use exclamation points (but rarely more than one per cover)
  • Suggest abundance � 20+ ideas for, 700+ Ways to get fit now
  • Include a sense of immediacy � Get organized today, Delicious meals to cook tonight

Frequently used words:

  • Easy
  • Best
  • Great
  • New
  • Most
  • Need
  • Ultimate
  • Perfect
  • How to
  • Fast

Some of these words are more appropriate to specific topics than others but they�re all good things to keep in mind. Your reader wants to know what the article will do for them right now. Your title is a great place to tell them.

Claire Colvin

Sr. Ed., TruthMedia

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 14th, 2006 at 4:13 pm and is filed under Cutting Edge, Write Click. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One Response to “Titles that get noticed”

  1. Tammy Jenkins Says:
    July 27th, 2008 at 5:34 am

    I tithe on everything. If I buy something and I earn $5.00 or more I pay 20% of it. Instead of $.50 I pay $1.00. Does it make a difference? Yes, I am blessed. If we give away some clothes, which is about once a year, I give a 20% of what I have and my drwers are budging in a while. My magazines I give them away and I have plenty. It does work.

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