Don't spend hours writing a fabulous article and then fall at the last hurdle with a poorly worded title. Remember what your Grandma used to tell you: First impressions count.
1. Be Fun
As a marketer, I want to get the job done and get it done well. But as a 23 year-old, I don't to spend my day bored stiff! And I'm sure this isn't age specific either. I think I've gained a pretty good understanding of what makes a reader push their nose closer to their screen and what makes them feel as if they're back in year 8 Geography.
Now to the point:
Marketing is a serious thing; your company depends on it! But as I stress in each and every one of my articles, nobody wants to read a eulogy. If a reader see's a title that screams 'booooorrinnngggg' they're not going to go any further with it. But if they see a title that lets them know that this piece isn't only going to inform but might even be a little bit enjoyable to read too, they're more likely to dive right in.
2. Pick 'Immortal' Topics
Just like that LBD you've had in the back of your wardrobe since you were 19, certain topics never go out of style. Generating titles that aren't limiting to one specific time or event means that the post will be relevant for months and even years. For example, a post about 'The best dressed of the 2015 Brit awards' will be relevant for a week, maybe two at a push. This post may get loads of shares and engagement for that period but once it's done, it's done, never to grace the screens of Brit buffs again! But if you create a post about 'Brit awards do's and dont's' (or something equally open-ended), it's going to be relevant to the annual awards every single year. Tada!
3. Be Crafty
When creating great blog titles, you're competing against hundreds of other similar posts. Posting an article that leaves the reader hanging, urging to know more, find the answer to a burning question, or simply a bit puzzled, means they'll be more likely to want to read more. For example, a title like 'Marketing is a lot like sex...' is going to get people thinking 'what on earth could this possibly be referring to' and click that 'read more' link. In this instance, it's good to be wiley!
4. Do Your Research
Have a look at previous blog posts in your field. Is there a gap? Well then park yourself right in there! Have a look at which posts have had the most shares, comments and so-on, and learn from them. When I'm 'umming' and 'aahing' over what my next post should be, I have a skim over what's around and what people are really getting involved in and discussing, and gravitate towards that area. Sometimes I even see a post with a great topic that's just written really poorly, so I go off that area and write something much better. Waste not want not, eh?
5. SEO
When you're crafting a really great article with a brilliant title that ticks all the boxes, don't forget to refer back to the marketing bible and remember to boost that SEO! Include as many of those keywords as possible without making your title seem like one long hashtag.
Those are the 5 things I focus on when creating a blog post. What are yours?
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