Blog post titles are powerful. They are the point of contact between content and reader, meaning the level of effectiveness of your title will determine whether the reader clicks or moves on to the next best thing.
To grab attention and persuade the reader to hang around your blog for a while, you need to create a deliciously irresistible blog post title.
As a marketer, especially one taking advantage of social media, you need to understand that as much as the content is important, it is nothing without a title that will attract readers. Below are five simple ways to effectively market your content through clickable titles, but first, let's take a look at why spending time crafting the perfect title matters.
Why Your Title Matters
Think of your title as the front entrance sign to your business. Do you want a flashy sign that drives traffic to your blog or a lackluster sign that encourages those who might have been interested to keep on moving? I can't imagine the jury is out on this one.
To maximize blog traffic, you need to not only write alluring and persuasive blog titles to entice readers to click on your post, but also keyword rich titles that will give search engines the ability to find you.
SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES THAT MEAN?
Your Blog Title Should:
- Pique curiosity and create excitement
- Spell out the purpose of your article
- Give a reason to take immediate action
- Allow readers to find your post via keyword search
IT'S THE WHY, WHAT AND HOW OF YOUR ARTICLE.
Now that you know what your titles purpose is, you're ready to learn how to make it POP!
Create a Deliciously Irresistible Blog Post Title
1. Let the Reader Know What to Expect
For a reader to feel the need to click on your article, there must be something they are set to gain from it. Make sure that your title immediately conveys what they will learn and how they will benefit by reading the full article.
Which article are you more compelled to click through to:
"The Importance of Active Community Participation"
Or would you rather click through to this one?
"10 Dynamic Ways You Can Engage Your Audience"
While the first option might explain the what, it certainly isn't compelling. The bottom line: ensure that your title will stimulate the desire to know more.
2. Engage the Reader
Engaging your reader begins with a blog post title that encourages action by predicting the experience they will receive. Let your title be fun, witty, captivating, engaging and most of all - accurate.
Let it challenge the reader to want to know more about what you have to offer. People have a desire for knowledge. They also have unique needs and unanswered questions. If you can provide the solution, you have a much better chance of gaining readership.
For example, lets say your niche is in SEO. You write an article and title it:
"5 Changes Implemented by Penguin Update"
This title answers the what, but does not answer the why or how. Why should your reader care and how will it help them? Instead, change that title to:
"5 Changes Implemented by Penguin Update and How Your Business Can Recover"
The second title answers questions any business may have regarding the latest Google update and how to overcome the negative impact.
3. Be Straightforward
In as much a it is important to be creative with your words, it is equally as important to keep them accurate and transparent. Have you ever clicked through to an article only to find a landing or sales page? Imagine your frustration when the article was sold as a how-to or solution to a pressing need within your business? That is exactly how your readers feel if you haven't properly "sold" the purpose of your article.
Do away with the sales speak and focus on the message. What are you trying to convey? Allow your reader to quickly understand what they will find on the other side of that click. Otherwise, you take the chance that they leave frustrated never to return.
4. Include a Hook, but Keep it Concise
Surveys show that shorter blog post titles win over long, descriptive and often-times boring titles. Include your hook, but also make sure it's short and to the point. The fastest way to lose readers is by misleading them with catchy titles that lead to a sub-standard article or a totally non-related article.
People like to know what something is about quickly so that they can decide whether or not to read further. It has been found that titles with eight words or less perform best. So strike a balance and find a way to include just enough to whet your readers appetite.
5. Make it Actionable
The title needs to compel your reader to take action. After all, if a potential reader never clicks through to your article, were they ever a potential reader in the first place? Probably not.
I liken it to leaving someone at the alter. You asked and they liked your proposal, problem was you couldn't follow through and so there you stand, ring in hand but nothing to show for it.