10 Time-Tested Headline Formulas That Work

So, you are seeing far too many of those „how to” and „list” headlines and want to try something a little different?

Let us move beyond those all too common headline formulas you see over and over again and add some new weapons to your attention-grabbing arsenal.

1. The Secret(s) of [blank]

This one is used rather often, but that is because it works. Share insider knowledge and translate it into a benefit for the reader.

The Secret of Successful Podcasting
The Secrets of Recording Drums
The Secret of Getting Your Home Loan Approved

2. Little Known Ways to [blank]

A more intriguing (and less common) way of accomplishing the same thing as „The Secret(s) of…” headline.

Little Known Ways to Save on Your Heating Bill
Little Known Ways to Hack Google’s Gmail
Little Known Ways to Lose Weight Quickly and Safely

3. Who Else Wants [blank]?

Starting a headline with „Who Else Wants…” is a classic social proof strategy that implies an already existing consensus desire. While overused in the Internet marketing arena, it still works like gangbusters for other subject matter.

Who Else Wants Cheaper Car Insurance?
Who Else Wants a Higher Paying Job?
Who Else Wants More Fun When on Vacation?

4. Here is a Method That is Helping [blank] to [blank]

Simply identify your target audience and the benefit you can provide them, then fill in the blanks.

Here is a Method That is Helping Car Owners Save Hundreds on Insurance
Here is a Method That is Helping People Work Out More Efficiently
Here is a Method That is Helping Bloggers Write Better Post Titles

5. Here’s a Quick Way to [solve a problem]

People love quick and easy soutions when faced with a nagging problem.

Here’s a Quick Way to Get Over a Break-up
Here’s a Quick Way to Potty Train Junior
Here’s a Quick Way to Write Interesting Ebooks

6. Get Rid of [problem] Once and For All

A classic formula that identifies either a painful problem or an unfulfilled desire that the reader wants to remedy.

Get Rid of Your Unproductive Work Habits Once and For All
Get Rid of That Carpet Stain Once and For All
Get Rid of That Wasps´ Nest Once and For All

7. Now You Can Have [something desirable] [great circumstance]

The is the classic „have your cake and eat it too” headline — and who does not like that?

Now You Can Quit Your Job and Make Even More Money
Now You Can Meet Sexy Singles Online Without Spending a Dime
Now You Can Own a Cool iMac and Still Run Windows

8. [Do something] like [world-class example]

Gatorade made the most of this with the „Be Like Mike” campaign featuring Michael Jordan in the early 1990s.

Speak French Like a Diplomat
Party Like Paris Hilton
Write Songs Like Lady Gaga

9. Have a [or] Build a [blank] You Can Be Proud Of

Appeal to vanity, dissatisfaction, or shame. Enough said.

Build a Body You Can Be Proud Of
Have a Garden You Can Be Proud Of
Build a Blog Network You Can Be Proud Of

10. What Everybody Ought to Know About [blank]

There is big curiosity draw with this type of headline, and it acts almost as a challenge to the reader to go ahead and see if they are missing something.