EXACTLY how to write more captivating titles that get your content read

There are all kinds of facts and formulas to this, but that can be a little overwhelming, so I want to start off with the basics first. There are two kinds of articles that most people here write: Articles based around keywords, and articles for their subscribers (either auto responders or blog posts). We'll go with keyword based first.

So, the first thing that you need to do is write your keyword, because it is going to be in your title, no exceptions. If it's a short keyword, getting in twice (without sounding awkward!) would be great. Next, you need to shift perspectives. Think of the person typing that in, and what they are looking for. Now just write a title that is EXACTLY what they would be looking for. Here's a few examples:

'fast weight loss' - 3 Proven Keys to Fast Weight Loss that are Totally Free
'dog is biting' - What do to if your dog is biting (and how to stop it now)

These titles deliver what the person typing in that keyword is looking for, but notice that both have an additional benefit at the end. This 'added benefit' (which is huge in PPC ad writing by the way) is what will set you above most of your competitors. Sure, they all now how to get your dog to stop biting, but you know how to do it NOW. Everyone knows weight loss tips, but yours are free too! See what I mean?

Now, we can look at some of the 'formulas' associated with title writing. Numbers will get your article read (3 tips, 5 ways, 96 things, etc.), but your CTR won't be as high.

However, too many people get hung on on having a high CTR. Remember, people buy your products, and the # of clicks is much more important that your CTR. For example, I write an article that gets 100 views a day, with an abysmal 15% CTR. You write a much more targeted article that gets 10 views a day, with a fantastic 50% CTR. All else equal, which is better? So while CTR is important, if your title is getting read more with a lower CTR, you could still be getting more leads. Make sense?

Now, on to the non-keyword articles. These are completely different, because you don't have a keyword to build your title around. The solution? ASK YOUR SUBSCRIBERS! You don't have to know everything, and it amazes me that with all of the lists I'm subscribed to, no one else has every asked their list what they want.

If you simply have one post saying 'What don't know you, what are you interested in?' You will get enough article ideas for a year, AND your list will know that you are VERY responsive to them (much more so than most). Plus, you think your email open rate will go up if the emails are answers to their questions?

So, ask, do a poll, whatever. Take the top 3 responses, and get the main keywords for them. Now, just take the same psychological steps, but with your subscribers questions in mind. For example, if people are asking me how to write better titles, I might write... well, you know. Hope that helps!