How to write revealing headlines

A headline tells the reader what to expect in the content of your writing.

Readers often prefer non-fiction titles to give a clearer idea of ​​the content, while a fiction title may only give a clue that is resolved as the story is read.

I am sure that every time you read a newspaper or magazine, you scan the titles to know which articles you want to read and which ones you will ignore. This is common, and is why publishers consider titles very carefully.

In order to attract the attention of the reader, it has become fashionable these days to make titles as clever as possible. Some may be puns; others may be designed to make you question what the article or story is about so you’ll at least take a look. The results can be hilarious or ridiculous. Funny or cute titles occasionally backfire, and I’m sure you’ve laughed at titles that clearly convey a different message than the writer intended.

So what is a good title?
• Draws the reader’s attention. This is best done by using active verbs, specific nouns, and well-chosen descriptive adjectives.
• Is appropriate to the content, giving an honest hint of what it contains.
• Is appropriate to the style of the content. (For example, you wouldn’t write a cute title for a eulogy.)
• Is as concise as can be, while saying all that is needed. Long titles went out of style decades ago.

Your headline will either draw readers in or tell them they won’t be interested in your article. By the way, it’s okay for a reader not to be interested. Not writing appeals to everyone.

Since you are now aware of what you are trying to achieve, how do you write fantastic and ‘saying’ titles?

Here are some tips:
• Try to condense the meaning or theme of your writing as clearly as possible. However, this does not mean that you have to summarize the whole story so well, including the conclusion, that there is no incentive for people to read it.
• Can you use a quote or key phrase within your article or story?
• An appropriate play on words can work. This could be done by rephrasing a cliché or familiar phrase.
• Alliteration, in which each of the main words in the title begins with the same sound, is often effective.
• If you’re writing an instructional article, including ‘DIY tips’ or ‘how to’ in your title may seem boring, but it’s still useful because people search for information using these types of phrases.

Sometimes a title will form clearly in your head before you start, but other times it won’t, so it doesn’t matter if you decide on the title before or after you’ve finished the element.
Take the time to compose the best title you can, and your efforts will be rewarded with interest.