Chapter 2: Crafting compelling headlines and intros

G’day! Let’s dive into one of the most crucial aspects of writing blog posts: headline and intro crafting. It’s like the old saying goes, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” Your headline and introduction are your blog post’s first impression, and you want them to be as sharp as a tack. They’re what catch the reader’s eye and entice them to dive into your content. So, let’s get cracking on how to make your headlines pop and your intros sizzle.

Headlines that grab attention

Alright, mates, a good headline is like a bowerbird—it collects all the shiny bits and arranges them just so. The goal is to attract attention, spark curiosity, and promise value. A well-crafted headline sets the stage for your entire post.

Use numbers

Numbers in headlines are magic. They give readers a sense of what to expect and make your content seem more manageable. Think about it—”10 Tips for Writing Killer Blog Posts” is more appealing than “Tips for Writing Killer Blog Posts.” Numbers promise specific, actionable content and that’s what readers crave.

For example:

• “7 Secrets to Writing Irresistible Blog Headlines”
• “5 Proven Strategies to Boost Your Content’s Readability”

Incorporate power words

Power words are those that trigger an emotional response. They make your headline more compelling and persuasive. Words like “proven,” “essential,” “ultimate,” “secret,” and “boost” can turn a bland headline into a must-read. Here’s a comparison:

• Ordinary: “How to Improve Your Writing”
• With Power Words: “10 Proven Ways to Instantly Improve Your Writing”

Use emotional triggers

Emotional triggers tap into the reader’s feelings and can make your headlines even more compelling. Words that imply urgency, curiosity, or excitement can draw readers in. For example:

• “The Ultimate Guide to Writing Engaging Blog Posts”
• “Are You Making These Common Blogging Mistakes?”

Make a promise

Your headline should promise something valuable to your reader. Whether it’s a solution to a problem, a new perspective, or something to make their life easier, make sure your headline clearly conveys this. Examples include:

• “How to Write Compelling Headlines That Drive Traffic”
• “10 Tips to Write Blog Posts That Keep Readers Hooked”

Test before you commit

You wouldn’t buy a new car without checking under the bonnet, would you? The same goes for headlines. Put them to the test before you hit that publish button.

Headline testing tools

There are some nifty tools out there that can help you craft the perfect headline. CoSchedule’s Headline Studio is one of my favourites. It scores your headline based on factors like word balance, length, sentiment, and clarity. Fiddle around with different versions until you find the one that scores high and feels right.

A/B testing

A/B testing is another great way to see what works best. If you’ve got the capability, try running two different headlines for the same post and see which one performs better. This method is particularly useful for email subject lines and social media posts.

Crafting an engaging intro

Your headline might be the hook, but it’s your intro that reels the reader in. A dull or uninspiring intro can lose your audience faster than you can say “copywriting.” So, let’s make sure your intros are as engaging as possible.

Start with a relatable story

People love stories. Starting your blog post with a relatable story can humanise your content and make readers feel a connection with you. Share a personal anecdote or a customer’s success story that ties into your main topic.

For example: “Last year, I struggled with getting my blog noticed. After trying everything under the sun, I stumbled upon a strategy that changed the game for me. Here’s how…”

Ask a thought-provoking question

Questions are a great way to engage your readers right from the start. They provoke curiosity and make readers want to find out the answer. Ask a question that addresses a common pain point or sparks interest in your topic.

For example: “Ever wondered why some blog posts go viral while others barely get a glance? What’s the secret sauce?”

State a shocking fact

Starting with a surprising or shocking fact can grab your readers’ attention and make them sit up and take notice. It sets the stage for why your post is important and worth reading.

For example: “Did you know that 80% of readers never make it past the headline? Here’s how to ensure yours doesn’t fall into that statistic.”

Use a powerful quote

Quotes from influential people or experts in your field can add credibility and authority to your post. Choose a quote that’s relevant and thought-provoking.

For example: “As Stephen King says, ‘The scariest moment is always just before you start.’ Here’s how to conquer that fear and write killer blog posts.”

Create a personal connection

Your intro should make readers feel like you’re talking directly to them. Use a conversational tone, ask for their opinions, and address them directly. This makes your readers feel valued and engaged from the get-go.

For example: “You’re here because you want to write better headlines and intros, right? Well, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into some tried-and-true strategies.”

Examples of engaging intros

To really nail this down, let’s look at a few examples of engaging intros and break down why they work.

Example 1: Relatable story

“Last year, I was stuck. My blog traffic was stagnant, and I felt like I was writing into the void. Then, I discovered the power of compelling headlines and intros. It was like flipping a switch—suddenly, my posts were getting attention and engagement. Here’s what I learned.”

Why it works: This intro starts with a personal story that many bloggers can relate to. It sets up the problem and hints at a solution, enticing readers to keep reading.

Example 2: Thought-provoking question

“Ever wondered why your blog posts aren’t getting the attention they deserve? Could it be your headlines and intros? Let’s explore how a few tweaks can make a world of difference.”

Why it works: This intro asks a question that speaks directly to the reader’s pain points. It engages their curiosity and makes them want to find out more.

Example 3: Shocking fact

“Did you know that 70% of readers never scroll past the headline? Scary, right? But don’t worry—I’m here to share some tips on crafting headlines and intros that keep readers hooked.”

Why it works: This intro starts with a surprising statistic that immediately grabs attention. It sets up the importance of the topic and promises valuable solutions.

Example 4: Powerful quote

“As Mark Twain once said, ‘The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter – it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.’ Crafting the right headline is like finding that lightning. Let’s discover how.”

Why it works: This intro uses a quote from a well-known figure to add authority and spark interest. It ties the quote to the topic of the post, making it relevant and engaging.

Example 5: Creating a personal connection

“Hey there, fellow writer! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking to up your headline game. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into some strategies to make your headlines and intros truly shine.”

Why it works: This intro uses a friendly, conversational tone that makes readers feel welcome and valued. It directly addresses the reader’s needs and sets up the promise of valuable content.

Continual improvement

Crafting compelling headlines and intros isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s a skill that requires continuous improvement and refinement. Here are some tips to keep your headline and intro game strong.

Study successful examples

Look at headlines and intros from popular blogs, magazines, and newspapers. Analyse what makes them work. Is it the choice of words, the structure, or the emotional appeal? Take inspiration from these examples and apply similar techniques to your own writing.

Practice regularly

The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Challenge yourself to write multiple headlines and intros for each blog post. Play around with different styles and see what resonates best. Over time, you’ll develop a knack for what works.

Seek feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or your audience. They can provide valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not. Use this feedback to refine your headlines and intros.

Stay updated

Trends and preferences change over time. Stay updated with the latest best practices in headline and intro writing. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in writing communities to keep your skills sharp.

Experiment

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. Try out new techniques, test different formats, and analyse the results. Not every experiment will be a winner, but the insights you gain will be invaluable.

Conclusion

Crafting compelling headlines and intros is an essential skill for any writer looking to grab and hold their audience’s attention. By using numbers, power words, and emotional triggers, you can create headlines that pop. Engaging intros, whether through stories, questions, shocking facts, quotes, or direct connection, reel readers in and keep them hooked.

Remember, the goal is to make a strong first impression—one that’s like a firm but friendly handshake. Keep practising, testing, and refining your approach, and soon you’ll find yourself writing headlines and intros that truly shine. So grab a cuppa, sharpen your pencils (or warm up your keyboard), and start crafting those compelling headlines and engaging intros.

Cheers!