Write Eye-Catching Headlines That People Cannot Resist

If they don't like the headline, they won't read your sales pitch. It's that simple. In fact, an attention grabbing headline is so important that some writers have made a career of it. You should devote the time and effort to find the perfect headline to complement your sales message. Be careful not to create a spectacular headline that has nothing whatsoever to do with the sales message. The reader will feel cheated and the effectiveness of your writing will be severely diminished.

The classic headlines that you often see begin with words like...10 Ways to...

1. Don’t Buy Unless You’ve Read...
2. How to...
3. Discover Why...
4. Announcing the Latest...
5. Learn the Quickest Way to...

...and the list goes on.  To drive the point home, I remember when the space shuttle Columbia crashed.  It was a tragic accident that took the lives of 7 crew members aboard the flight.  After reporters gathered details, a major newspaper published the breaking news with a 2-word headline printed in huge block letters, SHUTTLE CRASHES. Those two chilling words were responsible for selling every single newspaper printed that day.

Suppose the newspaper had used the headline, Today There Was a Problem in Space.  Do you think for one moment that those newspapers would have flown off the newsstands?  I doubt it. The power of a well considered headline can make or break the effective delivery of your message.

The importance of a top-notch headline can be seen in most magazines, junk mail and even billboards (which require the ultimate headlines to grab attention). The ones that attract most people promise to educate, inform or help them solve a problem. They are usually short and sharp instead of wordy and boring. Remember the Wart Off headline used for many years? It worked because it was short, easily understood and solved an annoying problem.

The next time you sit down to write your eye-catching headline, think about ones that would peak your own interest. Chances are that if it appeals to you, it will likewise grab the attention of others. Tell me about some headlines that worked for you in the past.