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You are here: Home / Branding & Marketing / 27 Irresistible Formulas for Developing Headlines That Make People Click

27 Irresistible Formulas for Developing Headlines That Make People Click

August 26, 2024 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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When it comes to developing great content, your headlines are key. Headlines are your first—and often only—chance to capture the attention of potential readers. A compelling headline can mean the difference between a click and a pass. Whether you’re crafting headlines for blog posts, social media, or email marketing, mastering the art of headline writing is essential. Here are 27 irresistible formulas to help you create headlines that make people click.

 

  1. The “How-To” Headline

Formula: How to [Achieve Desired Outcome] in [Timeframe]

 

Example 1: How to Launch Your Online Boutique in 30 Days

Example 2: How to Build a Strong Personal Brand Without Spending a Fortune

Example 3: How to Attract Your First 100 Clients in 3 Months

Example 4: How to Double Your Productivity in Just One Week

 

  1. The List Headline

Formula: [Number] Ways to [Achieve Desired Outcome]

 

Example 1: 7 Ways to Create a Winning Business Plan

Example 2:10 Strategies for Balancing Business and Family Life

Example 3: 5 Essential Tools for Running a Successful Home-Based Business

Example 4: 10 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills

 

  1. The Question Headline

Formula: Are You [Experiencing Problem]?

 

Example 1: Are You Struggling to Find Your Niche Market?

Example 2: Are You Unsure How to Market Your New Business?

Example 3: Are You Ready to Turn Your Passion into a Profitable Business?

Example 4: Are You Struggling to Keep Up with Your Workload?

 

  1. The Command Headline

Formula: Get [Benefit] Now!

 

Example 1: Get Your Business Off the Ground Today!

Example 2: Start Your Dream Business Now!

Example 3: Get Expert Tips for Growing Your Startup!

Example 4: Get Your Free E-Book Now!

 

  1. The Curiosity Headline

Formula: The Secret to [Achieving Desired Outcome]

 

Example 1: The Secret to Doubling Your Sales in 6 Months

Example 2: The Secret to Building a Loyal Customer Base

Example 3: The Secret to Successful Online Marketing

Example 4: The Secret to Effortless Weight Loss

 

  1. The Negative Headline

Formula: Don’t [Common Mistake]

 

Example 1: Don’t Waste Time on Ineffective Marketing Strategies

Example 2: Don’t Let Fear of Failure Stop You from Starting Your Business

Example 3: Don’t Make These Common Financial Mistakes When Launching Your Business

Example 4: 10 Reasons Why Small Businesses Fail

 

  1. The Gain Headline

Formula: Discover How to [Achieve Benefit]

 

Example 1: Discover How to Triple Your Online Sales in Just 6 Months

Example 2: Discover How to Build a Strong Social Media Presence Without Hiring a Team

Example 3: Discover How to Create an Irresistible Brand That Attracts Loyal Customers

Example 4: Discover How to Keep Your Customers for Life

 

  1. The Pain Point Headline

Formula: Struggling with [Problem]? Here’s Your Solution

 

Example 1: Struggling with Time Management? Here’s Your Solution

Example 2: Struggling to Attract Customers? Here’s How to Stand Out

Example 3: Struggling to Balance Work and Family? Here’s How to Achieve Harmony

Example 4: Struggling with High Customer Churn Rate? Here’s How to Create a Customer Loyalty Program

 

  1. The Testimonial Headline

Formula: How [Name] Achieved [Benefit]

 

Example 1: How Sarah Built a Six-Figure Business from Her Kitchen Table

Example 2: How Lisa Gained 1,000 Loyal Clients in Her First Year

Example 3: How Emma Turned Her Hobby into a Thriving Online Store

Example 4: How Nikki Landed Her First 7-Figure Corporate Contract

 

  1. The Social Proof Headline

Formula: Join [Number] [People/Professionals] Who [Achieved Benefit]

 

Example 1: Join 500 Successful Women Entrepreneurs Who Transformed Their Lives

Example 2: Join Thousands of Business Owners Who Boosted Their Sales Using This Strategy

Example 3: Join Our Community of 1,000+ Women Who Launched Profitable Startups

Example 4: Join the Top 1% of Women Businesses Who Run 7-figure businesses.

 

  1. The Scarcity Headline

Formula: Only [Number] Spots Left for [Event/Offer]  

 

Example1: Only 5 Spots Left for Our Exclusive Webinar

Example 2: Only 3 Spots Left for Our VIP Coaching Program

Example 3: Only 7 Days Left to Claim Your Free Trial

Example 4: Only 10 Copies Left of Our Best-Selling Book

 

  1. The Urgency Headline

Formula: Limited Time Offer: [Benefit]  

 

Example1: Limited Time Offer: Get 2 Months Free with Annual Subscription

Example 2: Limited Time Offer: Unlock Exclusive Offer Today

Example 3: Limited Time Offer: Receive a Free Gift with Every Purchase

Example 4: Limited Time Offer: Save 50% on All Products

 

  1. The FOMO Headline

Formula: Don’t Miss Out on [Benefit]  

 

Example1: Don’t Miss Out on the Ultimate Business Growth Workshop

Example 2: Don’t Miss Out on Our Exclusive Holiday Discounts

Example 3: Don’t Miss Out on the Chance to Network with Industry Leaders

Example 4: Don’t Miss Out on the Ultimate Marketing Guide

 

  1. The Authority Headline

Formula: [Expert/Influencer] Recommends [Benefit]  

 

Example1: Leading Health Experts Recommend This Daily Supplement

Example 2: Renowned Marketing Gurus Endorse This Strategy

Example 3: Financial Advisors Trust This Investment Tool

Example 4: Top Nutritionists Recommend These 5 Superfoods

 

  1. The News Headline

Formula: New [Product/Service] That [Benefit] 

Example1: New Software That Boosts Productivity by 50%

Example 2: New Diet Plan That Revolutionizes Weight Loss

Example 3: New Training Program That Guarantees Career Growth

Example 4: New App That Helps You Sleep Better

 

  1. The Controversy Headline

Formula: Why [Common Belief] is Wrong About [Topic]  

 

Example 1: Why Conventional Exercise Routines Are Ineffective

Example 2:  Why Traditional Marketing Tactics Fail in 2024

Example 3: Why Work-Life Balance Is a Myth

Example 4: Why Everything You Know About Dieting is Wrong

 

  1. The Specificity Headline

Formula: [Number/Statistic] [Result] in [Timeframe]  

 

Example 1: 10 Proven Ways to Double Your Sales in 3 Months

Example 2: 7 Strategies to Reduce Your Expenses by 20% This Quarter

Example 3: 15 Tips to Increase Your Online Presence in Just 30 Days

Example 4: 5 Steps to Increase Your Revenue by 30% in 6 Months

 

  1. The Benefit-Oriented Headline

Formula: [Benefit]: How to [Achieve It]  

 

Example 1: Enhanced Focus: How to Stay Sharp All Day Long

Example 2: Financial Freedom: How to Save and Invest Wisely

Example 3: Better Health: How to Build Sustainable Habits

Example 4: Better Sleep: How to Get a Full Night’s Rest Every Night

 

  1. The Curiosity-Driven Headline

Formula: What [Something Interesting/Unexpected] Means for [Audience]  

 

Example 1:  What AI Advancements Mean for Small Business Owners

Example 2:  What the Latest Market Trends Mean for Investors

Example 3:  What Remote Work Policies Mean for Employee Satisfaction

Example 4: What the New Tax Laws Mean for Small Business Owners

 

  1. The Problem-Solution Headline

Formula: [Problem]? Here’s the Solution  

 

Example1:  Struggling with Low Engagement? Here’s the Solution

Example 2: Facing Budget Cuts? Here’s the Solution

Example 3: Unhappy with Your Current Job? Here’s the Solution

Example 4: Tired of Back Pain? Here’s the Solution

 

  1. The Challenge Headline

Formula: Can You [Achieve Result]?  

 

Example 1:  Can You Increase Your Client Base by 50%?

Example 2: Can You Master These Advanced Marketing Techniques?

Example 3: Can You Complete Our 30-Day Fitness Challenge?

Example 4: Can You Finish This 30-Day Marketing Challenge?

 

  1. The Humor Headline

Formula: [Humorous Question or Statement]  

 

Example 1: Why Did the Business Cross the Road? To Beat the Competition!

Example 2: Tired of Boring Meetings? Spice Them Up with These Tips

Example 3:  Is Your Workday a Circus? Time to Tame the Chaos!

Example 4: Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

 

  1. The Promise Headline

Formula: [Benefit] Without [Negative Outcome]  

 

Example 1: Increase Your Sales Without Spending a Fortune

Example 2: Boost Your Productivity Without Burning Out

Example 3: Lose Weight Without Giving Up Your Favorite Foods

Example 4: Get Fit Without Spending Hours at the Gym

 

  1. The Comparison Headline

Formula: [X] vs. [Y]: Which is Better for [Audience]?  

 

Example 1:  Traditional Marketing vs. Digital Marketing: Which is Better for Small Businesses?

Example 2: Freelance Work vs. Full-Time Job: Which is Better for Your Career?

Example 3: Renting vs. Buying: Which is Better for First-Time Homeowners?

Example 4: Electric Cars vs. Hybrids: Which is Better for the Environment?

 

  1. The “What If” Headline

Formula: What If You Could [Achieve Desired Outcome]?  

 

Example 1: What If You Could Retire Early?

Example 2: What If You Could Learn a New Skill in Just 30 Days?

Example 3: What If You Could Triple Your Revenue This Year?

Example 4: What If You Could Work from Anywhere in the World?

 

  1. The Mistake Headline

Formula: Avoid These [Number] Mistakes When [Action]  

 

Example 1: Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Starting a New Business

Example 2: Avoid These 7 Pitfalls When Investing in Real Estate

Example 3: Avoid These 10 Errors When Creating Your Marketing Plan

Example 4: Avoid These 7 Mistakes When Hiring Salespeople

 

  1. The Guarantee Headline

Formula: [Benefit] Guaranteed or Your Money Back  

 

Example 1: Double Your Leads in 30 Days Guaranteed or Your Money Back

Example 2: Improve Your Health Guaranteed or Your Money Back

Example 3: Achieve Career Success Guaranteed or Your Money Back

Example 4: Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back

 

Writing irresistible headlines is both an art and a science. By using these formulas, you can craft headlines that not only attract attention but also compel readers to click and engage with your content. Remember, the key is to test different approaches and see what resonates most with your audience. Happy headline writing!

 

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Filed Under: Branding & Marketing, Grow Your Business, Social Media, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: blog title formulas, business growth, click-worthy headlines, compelling headlines, content creation, content marketing, copywriting, digital marketing, email marketing, headline tips, headline writing, marketing strategies, online marketing, reader engagement, social media marketing

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About Melinda Emerson

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing consulting firm serves Fortune 500 brands that target the small business market. Clients include Amazon, Adobe, Verizon, VISA, Google, FedEx, Chase, American Express, The Hartford, and Pitney Bowes. She also has an online school, www.smallbizladyuniversity.com, that teaches people online marketing and how to start and grow a successful small business and publishes a blog SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com. Her advice is widely read, reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She hosts The Smallbizchat Podcast and is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded, and Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.

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