8) Headlining and Sub-Headlining Effective Content Pieces
Article titles (headlines), as well as subheadlines, are one of the first things a reader reads.
In this discussion, we will understand effective strategies to write headline titles as well as subheadlines to these titles.
Some general tips include:
Avoid long article titles: try to fit the title within 62 characters or limit it to 5-7 words.
Consider using “What”, “Why”, “How”, or “When” as these are catchy and add to curiosity.
Use Numbers - numbers ensure the availability of organized information and are generally liked: using Odd Numbers in the title has helped in terms of SEO. Remember to write the number itself (5 instead of five).
To add specificity, consider using “the” before the number.
Provide an answer to why people should click and read your content: words like “tips”, “strategies”, “facts”, “reasons” all help provide a rationale.
Include the word “Guide” where applicable.
Consider using emotional adjectives that describe the topic. For example, “essential”, “free” etc.
Consider outlining Negative aspects - spin this to meet mental health content goals. For example, The 5 Essential Things You Did Not Know About Depression.
Use common words to ensure people understand and grasp the topic while finding the title simple
Consider using a “Things I Wish I Had Known” approach to content if applicable.
How to test your headline as being unique:
Copy and paste your headline with quotation marks into the Google search bar. (e.g. “The 5 Essential Things You Did Not Know About Depression”) - if the results come back as “no results found”, your headline is unique!
Helpful Resource: Useful Title Capitalization Tool
Note: The bottom line to success in terms of marketing and content is to ensure that your content body reflects the great headline/title. It might be worth considering writing final titles after the content body.
Subheadlines: Effective subheadlines summarize the content body while also linking it to the title.
Activity
Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.
Reply to at least one other trainee’s response and share your feedback with them
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title: Tips on spotting a narcissist as an Autistic Individuals
Subheadings
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder
2. Narcissistic personality disorder
3. Friendships
4. Dating
6. Marriage
7. Red flags
8. Mental Health
9. Abuse
10. Strategies
11. Mitigation
@Summershy
Subheadings
1. What is autism spectrum disorder
2. What is narcissistic personality disorder
3. How autistic individuals end up at a greater risk for being a target
4. When to recognize red flags
5. Where to get professional health if you have been abused
@Summershy
Excellent!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Headline Ideas:
How To Improve Your Body Image
Things I Wish I Knew About Improving My Body Image
The Essential Guide to Improving Your Body Image
4 Essential Tips to Improving Your Body Image
Sub-headline Ideas:
Overcoming negative body image thoughts
Tips for overcoming a negative body image
Managing appearance dissatisfaction
Dealing with body image negativity
Nurturing a healthy body image mindset
Nurturing a healthy mindset towards body image
Accepting your body
The journey to healing your self-perception
@ShannonStrawberry
Well done!
@ShannonStrawberry, good work! One tip from my end: The phrase "Nurturing a healthy.." repeats within the subheadings, which breaks attention. It could be improved by changing just a couple of words, though. Kudos!
@SoulfullyAButterfly, here is my answer to the activity:
Title: 5 Steps To Overcome A Negative Body Image
Subtitle: A picture paints a thousand words. Not all of them are true.
Sub-headers:
1. First of all: It's Natural to Look Out
2. Ask the right questions
3. Think before you compare
4. Sit on a park bench
5. Eat with satisfaction
6. Remember: Body image is more than just a reflection in your mirror.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title: How to Improve Self-Confidence at Work and in School
Subheadings:
1. Define and explain Self-Confidence.
2. Briefly point out causes of low self-confidence.
3. Set important, clear goals.
4. Develop a positive growth mindset.
5. Enhance knowledge and skills.
6. Be surrounded by positive people.
7. Actualize good speech and body language.
8. Engage in stress-free activities.
9. Be consistent.
10. Celebrate your achievements.
@McElysium
this is good but i think u can improve it by posing as a question like: What Causes Low Self-Confidence?
and u can also include numbers like: 6 Ways To Improve your Knowledge and Skills
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title: How to Improve Self-Confidence at Work and in School
Subheadings:
1. What is Self-Confidence?
2. Causes of low self-confidence.
3. Set important, clear goals.
4. Develop a positive growth mindset.
5. Enhance knowledge and skills.
6. Be surrounded by positive people.
7. Actualize good speech and body language.
8. Engage in stress-free activities.
9. Be consistent.
10. Celebrate your achievements.
@McElysium
This provides a clear, practical guide to building self-confidence in both academic and professional settings through goal-setting, positivity, skill development, and consistent self-affirmation.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title: Understanding Panic Attacks: What They Are and How to Cope
Subheadings:
1. 5 Common Symptoms of a Panic Attack
2. What Is a Panic Attack?
3. Why Panic Attacks Happen
4. How Panic Attacks Affect the Mind and Body
5. 7 Grounding Strategies to Cope With Panic Attacks
6. Finding Support and Knowing When to Seek Help
