Headline Tips

[Vanquish]

I'm trying to compose a compelling headline for one of my product websites but can anyone give me some tips or guidelines on what makes an effective headline.

Thanks

[ndcole78]

Stress the benefit to the reader.

[wconsultation]

Try to capture the most about the product in your headline.

[zeurois]

The results after testing it against other headlines.

[Vanquish]

Originally Posted by zeurois

The results after testing it against other headlines.

its my first headline for my first site i would need some tips and guidelines about what makes a headline good before i begin composing it. Don't want something random that is slapped together because I know that the headline is oneo f the most crucial parts of the sales letter.

[procopywriter]

Some general tips...

First, know your prospect. What resonates with him? What are his pain points? How can you solve his problem?

THEN, work on the headline. Here are some general suggestions...

1. Make sure you speak to your target prospect. Make it obvious this is for him. You can flag him explicitly (e.g. "Attention: Home Owners") or implicitly.
2. Be specific. Avoid any hint of vagueness or generality or you'll put your prospect to sleep before he even gets to the first sentence.
3. Make it unique. Don't say what everyone else is saying. Have a different angle.
4. Communicate a benefit. How are you going to solve a problem, meet a need, or fulfill a desire?
5. Build curiosity. "How To" headlines will never go out of style. You can even add intrigue by leaving out one specific fact the reader has to continue reading to discover.
6. Communicate a sense of urgency or newsworthiness. (Use words like new, recent, exciting, discover(y), now, finally, etc.)
7. Make an emotional connection not with hyped up words, but by touching on a genuine pain point. Promise to satisfy a core desire, to alleviate pain, or to solve a problem.

[CopperCopy]

One way (perhaps the best way) to learn what constitutes good headlines is to read some that are already out there.

Think of what they're doing and how they grab or don't grab your attention.

Once you have your headline, post in on the Warrior Forums and ask others what they think... and you are sure to get some helpful suggestions.

[Raydal]

You may find this article helpful:

Copywriting Tips And Tricks 10 Ways To Writing Better Headlines

-Ray Edwards

[vistad]

To Flash Or Not To Flash
Tune Your Website To Fire On All Cylinders
Try making your headline catchy. Insert words relevant to the article, and not just relevant but relating to the main theme.
I pick up four or five words from the main text that can be used in the heading and make four or five headings. Then I leave it to ferment for a day at least and then look at it again. If things have to be done hurriedly which is mostly the case then I lead creativity to the slaughterhouse. Best

[zeurois]

You already got a few good replies here (way better than mine) and I'm pretty sure you know now where to start from.

After that, you'll still have to test.

Also, I'm sending you a PM now with something I hope you'll find valuable.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Vanquish

its my first headline for my first site i would need some tips and guidelines about what makes a headline good before i begin composing it. Don't want something random that is slapped together because I know that the headline is oneo f the most crucial parts of the sales letter.

[copywarrior]

Well, as far as I know, all headlines can be divided into three main categories:

1.Headlines that deliver News
2.Headlines that arouse Curiosity
3. Headlines that Promise Benefits

If you were a freelance copywriter selling your services and were to use the first approach, your headline line may be something like:

"Freelance Copywriter offers Superior Copywriting at Bargain Rates"

Not too interesting is it?

Next, Many greenhorn copywriters often think the second type works best. Why? Well maybe because, people are naturally curious and hence, will be drawn to a line that asks them a question.

However, generally headlines that generate only curiosity are only as exciting as mildly lukewarm milk.

for instance, if your headline were:

"Why are most freelance copywriters like cardboard that's been out in the rain, that the cat sh*t on?"

Most readers will say,

"I don't know, and I don't Care"

But if you have a headline that says:

"How this freelance copywriter can help you double your sales for an insanely low fee..."

You will have your prospects attention.

In other words, Headlines that work the best, deliver news, arouse curiosity and offer benefits! So come up with one that has these three aspects and you'll have a sure winner.

P.S. Take some time to think of a great opening sentence if necessary, the headline is after all the most important part of your sales letter! Good Luck!

[ilyasm]

Grab some sales letters from your competition, focus on key words and phrases that push your prospects hot buttons and also on the biggest benefits your product has to offer and then create your own headline.
Thanks