You’re probably not a professional copywriter. Most of us aren’t. And that’s okay… as long as we know the secrets behind creating powerful copy.
One of the biggest secrets is a captivating headline.
Why?
Well without an attention-grabbing headline, there’s pretty much no incentive to read the rest of what you’ve got to offer. It’s sort of like getting letters in the mail. The outside of the envelop will go a long way to helping you decide if you’re going to open it up, and see what’s inside… or toss it in the recycling bin.
So how does one make a compelling headline? Glad you asked.
Here are three simple, yet hugely powerful templates just about anyone can use to get the attention of readers:
1) The Consequence Headline
This one is pretty simple. It basically says that something the reader or viewer wants can be accessed, and what will happen if it’s not made available within the boundaries of the offer.
It goes like this:
Highly desirable thing + time limit + consequence if thing not delivered
Ready for an example?
Domino’s Pizza had a great one in a famous ad campaign they used to run: “Hot Fresh Pizza Delivered Straight To Your Door In 30 Minutes Or It’s Free!”
2) The Overcoming Objections Headline
In sales, we are taught that you need to be prepared to overcome objections. Well, what if your headline could help you open the door by addressing an objection head on?
Here’s how it works:
“Now” + highly desirable thing you can do + “even if” objection
Ready for an example?
“Now You Can Write Compelling Headlines In Just 3 Minutes Even If You Failed High School English”
3) The Smart Statistic Headline
People are impressed by exact numbers. They tend to believe very specific numbers much more than numbers that look like they are approximated or rounded. And when you use statistics or exact numbers in headlines, readers will want to dive deeper to understand what’s behind those number.
Here’s how it works:
Very specific numeral + noun(s) + verb + object
Ready for an example?
“693,578 People Have Used Our System to Lose Weight And Keep It Off”
Clearly, headlines work. Their main job is to get readers to take one simple action… and that is to keep reading. Try using these formulas on some of your next blog posts, articles, video titles, and even sales pages and printed materials.
