Writing headlines people actually want to read

A headline has one job: earn the click from the right reader. Here is a framework that holds up.

Be specific, not clever

"Clever" ages poorly and searches badly. Specifics travel:

• Weak: Tips for better posts
• Strong: A five-minute pre-publish checklist for blog posts

Promise a transformation

Readers buy the after-state. Name it:

Turn chaotic meeting notes into a publish-ready draft in 20 minutes.

Keep the length honest

Fifty-five to sixty characters shows fully in search results. Cut filler words before cutting meaning.

Test the subtraction

Remove words until removing one more breaks the meaning. That is your headline.

Avoid these traps

1. All caps and exclamation marks
2. Questions the article never answers
3. Numbers with no payoff
4. Jargon the audience does not use