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Every time you search for something on Google, scroll through your news feed, browse Facebook, or pass by a library, it’s always the headline that grabs your attention.
We choose what to read or consume based on the headline.
That’s what we see first—not the introduction, not the author, not the reviews,
but the headline.
In this post, I’ll show you how to create clickable headlines
and which major mistakes to avoid.
Clickbait.
You’ve probably heard this word before, and you’ve likely fallen for it yourself.
Ever seen a headline like: “You’ll Never Believe This...” only to find out it’s something ridiculous like, “Belgian High Schoolers Sent to Ukraine to Fight Russians”?
That’s misleading and incorrect.
Clickbait headlines have been around forever.
While they still trick people, readers quickly drop off once they realize they’ve been deceived.
In the end, it’s not worth it.
Let’s avoid misleading or tricking people.
Too Long.
A lengthy headline can cost you readers.
Take this example:
"Avoid These Headline Mistakes That Won’t Attract Customers and Will Decrease Your CTR by 50%, Which Is Critical for Successful Marketing."
Halfway through, you’ve already lost track and are wondering what I’m trying to say.
It’s too long and too complicated.
You need to keep it short and snappy.
Headlines should cut through the noise, not add to it.
Readers already have enough on their minds.
Your headline should be simple and easy to digest.
Stuffing Too Many Keywords.
Google’s algorithms have evolved.
Stuffing your headline with keywords doesn’t work anymore.
The search engine now looks at click-through rates, which drop when your
headline is a mess.
Who would click on something like this?
"How to Generate Leads with Facebook, Run Facebook Ad Campaigns, and Get More Customers on Facebook."
What are you even trying to say?
Remember: headlines are for readers.
They need to sound like something a real person would say.
Using Too Much Jargon.
You never know who your readers are—or who might want to buy from you.
Using too much jargon drives potential customers away
because the article feels too complicated.
A good rule of thumb?
Use the BAR test: say your headline out loud.
Does it sound like something you’d say to someone at a bar,
or like a robot wrote it?
If it’s the latter, rewrite it.
Boring and Uninspired.
Your headline should stand out and grab attention.
The world doesn’t need another generic post like:
"7 People to Follow on Social Media."
What we do need:
"7 Experts Who’ll Reveal Marketing Secrets You Never Knew."
Be bold.
Tap into your audience’s pain points to make them curious and excited to read your content.
Good Luck,
Lenny
P.S. Want me to write them for you? Fill out the form HERE, and I’ll gladly help you out.
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