FAQs
Headlines should be clear and specific, telling the reader what the story is about, and be interesting enough to draw them into reading the article. Avoid repetition - Headlines summarize; they don't repeat the lede. They Win Pennant!
How do you write a good headline for a news article? ›
Now, it's time to dive into some tips for creating headlines that people will want to click on.
- Keep It Short & Sweet. ...
- Consider The Nuances Of Your Audience. ...
- Address A Pain Point Or Need. ...
- Remember The 5Ws. ...
- Use The 4 U's Framework. ...
- Try Numbered Lists. ...
- Tap Into Your Reader's Emotions. ...
- Leverage Power Words.
Headlines should be short and preferably snappy. They should come out of information in the body of the text and not present new information. Headlines are usually not in past tense; a headline about a past event is generally in present tense; one about a future event generally includes to (to meet, to decide, etc.)
How do you structure a newspaper headline? ›
The headline generally should tell "who" and "what," and perhaps others of the 5 W's. If more than one deck is used, succeed- ing decks give additional facts. (An exception is the headline for a suspended interest feature story. It should suggest what the story is about, but should not reveal the surprise ending.)
What's the golden rule of writing headlines? ›
A good headline should tell the reader why they should read the piece that follows. It should make explicitly and uniquely clear what value will be gained from the work.
What is the rule of headline writing? ›
The best way to write a good headline is to keep it simple and direct. Be clever only when being clever is called for. Puns are good, but only on “punny” stories. (For examples of the good, the bad and the ugly, go to Good headlines and Problem headlines after you read these tips on “Writing Effective Headlines.”)
What are the three important rules of headline writing? ›
Writing quality headlines that are unique, specific, and action-oriented is sure to get your audience reading more. Even very good advertising or other copy will be ineffective without an attention-grabbing headline.
What should you avoid when writing a headline? ›
Headline Writing Guidelines
- Eliminate unnecessary words (i.e., a, an, the)
- Omit forms of the verb 'to be' (is, are, was, were)
- Use numerals.
- Abbreviate days of the week and months.
- Use present tense verbs, aka 'historical present tense'
- Use strong verbs but avoid commanding verbs.
- Follow a subject/verb-object structure.
Avoid vague heads.
If your headline could apply to any story, you shouldn't use it for any story. The best headlines are ultra-specific. Write a unique headline for your unique story.
How do you write a clever headline to attract more attention? ›
Keep it short and sweet: Headlines should be brief and to the point, ideally no longer than 10-12 words. This makes them easy to read and remember. Use strong action words: Use powerful action words that capture the reader's attention, such as "discover," "reveal," "uncover," "learn," "explore," "master," etc.
A powerful headline includes: Active verbs. Concise language. Blend of familiar and unexpected words. Clear benefit for intended audience.
What is an attention grabbing headline? ›
A great headline is like a first impression—it sets the tone for what's to come and can make all the difference in capturing your audience's attention. Keep it short, simple, clear and concise, and use active verbs and powerful language. And don't forget to inject personality and humor! -
What is an example of a profile headline? ›
Resume Headline Examples
- Enthusiastic Marketing Graduate with a Strong Academic Background in Digital Advertising. ...
- Detail-Oriented Finance Major with Internship Experience at Top Investment Firm. ...
- Driven Sales Associate with Proven Track Record in Customer Satisfaction and Retention.
Example: Headline: Football player's wife arrested for headbutting officer. Lead: A FOOTBALL PLAYER'S WIFE IS UNDER ARREST FOR HEAD-BUTTING AN OFFICER.
