How To Write Headlines That Don't Suck!

Every author worth their salt will tell you that good writing is rewriting.

This is very true of writing headlines and subject lines.

You know, I don’t think I’ve ever written a good headline or subject line first go. Writing a great headline first attempt is like hitting a hole-in-one in golf. It’s lightning in a bottle stuff.

Well anyway, let me share with you my meat and potatoes way of writing headlines.

Usually, I will write several headlines (subject lines) before deciding on the best one.

Then, I take the chosen headline and I play with it like a cat plays with a ball of string.

I take words away.

I add words.

I rearrange words.

I change words.

Until…I’m somewhat satisfied (I’m never completely satisfied.)

That’s it.

Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

Well, it ain’t, Bubba.

Writing headlines is like most other things – it’s a lot easier in theory. But, I suspect I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.

Now, would you like to see a few examples of improving a headline by using the above modus operandi?

You would?

Righteo.

Try these out for size:

CHANGING A SINGLE WORD:

Original headline: How To Repair Cars – Quickly

Improvement: How To Fix Cars – Quickly

SHORTENING A HEADLINE:

Original headline: Hot Tips on Heating Your Home

Improvement: How To Cut Fuel Bills

LENGTHENING A HEADLINE:

Original headline: How To Have a Cool, Quiet Bedroom

Improvement: How To Have a Cool, Quiet Bedroom – Even On Hot Nights

Here’s another:

Original headline: Just Do This On Date #1

Improvement: Just Do This On Date #1 (And he’s Yours)

CHANGING WORDS:

Original headline: Overcome Your Weight Issue

Improvement: Fight Fat And Win!

So there ya go, Holmes.

I hope those examples helped.

Next time you sit down to write a subject line or headline, don’t be so quick to settle on your first draft. Play around with it some. See if you can improve it by adding words or taking away words or changing words.

That's all I got today.

Peace.

Kelvin
www.kelvindorsey.com