How to Write Blog Post Titles that Spark Emotion and Get Attention

Standing out in the crowd takes a fair amount of attention-getting drama. Your blog post title should be jumping up and down while shouting “Hey! I’m over here!”

After all, it’s much more than a description of your latest post – your title is a headline with the #1 goal to encourage someone to read the first sentence of your post.

Crafting the right words takes a bit of practice, but it doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, I’m going to share some of my favorite tips right here. To ensure your success even further, I even have a free bonus, so make sure you read to the end.

Borrow Tips from an Unexpected Industry

As bloggers, it’s easier to think of yourself as a teacher rather than a marketer, but when it comes to writing headlines – borrowing strategies used and perfected by the marketing world is crucial.

You’ve probably heard of copywriting — the type of writing designed to convince and sell. Masters of copywriting lead with mystery and intrigue and deliver just enough details to keep the reader engaged all the way to the bottom.

As a blogger, thinking like a copywriter will pay off. Crafting your headlines to play on emotion will draw readers into the article and onto your blog.

I have 8 favorite techniques for creating attention-grabbing headlines. My top 3 are listed below.

1. Make a Promise to Solve a Problem

   If you title your post “How To” you are essentially promising to deliver a solution to your reader’s problem. This is why “How To” articles consistently rank as the most-read posts on the Internet – the value of clicking through is immediately clear.

   You might have noticed the headline for this article fits this category. It hints at the problem – boring, flat titles that fail to drive traffic to your blog – and promises tips for create exciting headlines that solve your traffic issues.

   Promise-based headlines don’t all start “How To.” Any time you hint at solving a problem counts. For example:

   • 9 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting My Blog
   • Simple, Daily Habits for People Who Hate Cleaning
   • Workout Wardrobe Solutions for Full-Bodied Women

2. Create Mystery

   It’s brutally hard to resist a good mystery. That’s why you sit down to watch Lost and finally crawl to bed 4 episodes later.

   Use your headlines to hint at the unexpected, stir up intrigue or disprove long-held beliefs. Your reader won’t be able to resist the temptation to dive deeper into your post to satisfy her curiosity.

   For example:

   • 5 Healthy Ingredients Kids Won’t Notice in their Brownies
   • Fabulous {Quality} Dollar Store Finds
   • Simple Exercises You’ve Been Doing Wrong

3. Add Emotion

   Once you develop the foundation of your headline, dressing it up with descriptive, flowery or colorful words helps create emotion.

   For example, consider the different emotions tied to these headlines for a post on getting organized:

   • Unexpected discoveries I made at the bottom of my closet
   • Horrifying discoveries I made at the bottom of my closet

   Both headlines rely on intrigue, but which one would you click? The more descriptive and powerful your word choice, the stronger the emotional pull to click on your headline becomes.

   More examples with the emotive word italicized:

   • Joyful Crafts Your Toddler Can Create Independently
   • Organizing Carefree Birthday Celebrations
   • Essential Tips for Container Gardening Victory
   • Courageous Fall Fashion Trends

A Few More Practical Tips on Writing Headlines

Even as a seasoned writer, headlines are the most revised words of my blog posts and email newsletters. Creating attention-grabbing headlines takes time, but I promise — it gets easier with practice.

Most importantly inspiration is everywhere — from click-bait sites to Facebook ads and to national brands showing up in my inbox – I’m always on the lookout for catchy, intriguing ways top marketers write their post headlines.

I’ve pulled together a pretty sweet list of techniques and formulas. It includes the other 5 headline styles I rely on to get my emails opened and my blog posts read.

I want to share the whole list with you and make your next headline writing experience a breeze. To grab your copy, enter the bonus section by signing up here.

About Natalie Gowen
Natalie Gowen is the brand and marketing strategist behind Moxie Tonic. She works with creative entrepreneurs to find their true brand message and apply it to a simple, sustainable marketing strategy that will grow their business. She also hangs out on Instagram.