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 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 ex: Best secrets for flawless skin
• Use questions that include the answer ex: Cheat on your diet and still lose weight?
• Suggest an element of discovery  ex:  Our best beauty finds
• Use inspirational or transformational language ex: You can do it! Organize your home for the holidays
• Use words that exude a feeling ex: Cozy, comfortable
• Use superlative language ex:  best, better, great, ultimate, greatest ever
• Often use exclamation points (but rarely more than one per cover)
• Suggest abundance ex: 20+ ideas for, 700+ Ways to get fit now
• Include a sense of immediacy ex:  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