We will not get a second chance to make a great first impression, if nobody clicks on our post.
The headline of a blog is the first interaction with the reader that will either see the post among dozens of other posts or check the user's profile in steemit and can instantly tell what the blog is about.
Everything starts from the topic selected to write about (but this is something we will cover in a future post)
Our blog title is the first interaction and perhaps the only chance to grab the reader’s attention. After we write our content and post it, the control leaves our hands and the reader is the final judge. They will either click the post or not.
You could spent a great amount of hours in the research of your topic, it might be interesting, useful and important but if the title is not appealing – it might not have the attention you expect.
So, what should we do? How can we optimize the headline for better click rates? Let's read some tips on improving the quality of our titles!
1. Pick a topic and a primary headline
Prior to figuring out what kind of title you will craft, make sure to have a valid, interesting story to write about. Take a few moments to understand what your will be writing about, why is it worth to be written and why should someone read it?
For instance when I am writing a post regarding a tutorial, the primary headline can be ‘create an interesting steemit profile’
This might not be a proper headline yet (remember I am also still learning), but it gives information about the topic and it immediately is directed to anyone in steem that needs instructions & tips on creating a profile.
2. Write a headline that delivers on its promise
One of the most important rules to consider is to respect your reader. When he/she clicks on your link, your post should deliver the information expected. Create and maintain trust to your name.
3. State clearly the topic and make it simple
The readers either will or will not be interested in the topic. Make the title easy for them to understand what the article is about. If they are interested they will click, if they are not interested or if they will not understand in a few seconds what the post is about, they will move forward.
4. Keep the title short
Even if there is no specific length in steemit, I noticed yesterday that in dmania there is a 100 character limitation in title. Ideally, in order to be able to convey a clear message and do well in search results, a good title length can be from 50-70 characters.
5. DO NOT forget the subtitle
The subtitle is the approximately 100 characters (I counted 94) that appear right under your title.
Avoid starting the post with an image and its source, or you will get the words (view source) or (image by ....) in the beginning of your subtitle. It is best if the subtitle is a short synopsis of your article or an attractive beginning of your post.
6. So, is there a proven method to follow?
I have found a formula that when applied is meant to create compelling headlines
Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise
Let’s use this post as an example and see what comes out of it.
- 6 easy ways to attract more clicks from your post headline
A few more headlines I can think about (but do not necessarily derive from the formula) are:
- How to generate more clicks for your posts
- Creating the perfect headline for your blog post!
- Increase your blog’s readers by applying 6 simple practices
- 6 easy-to-apply tips for increasing the clicks to your blog
- Gain more readers for your steemit blog with these 6 simple tips
- 6 easy tips for improving your headline and attract more post clicks
After this ‘self-brainstorming’, I have chosen this last post tile, and the reasons are:
- It clearly explains what is included in the article (tips for improving the blog headlines) + why the reader should read it (to improve their click rate to their posts)
- I have checked the characters and they are 64 and I have also optimized the sub title for steem.
So, as this is my first (headline optimized) post, I am really looking forward to seeing its clicks and most of all your comments.
I have not written about the post photo here, even if I believe it is one of the most important aspects of a post, because in this case it will just be a visualization of the title (which I struggled to finally pick)
Thank you for reading and for your valuable input in the comments’ section below.
How we can help steemit grow
How to create the perfect steemit profile
Check out some valuable tips for headlines
Check out this infographic for specific formulas on writing better headlines! (updated August 2017)