Introduction:
Have you ever scrolled through social media and stopped to read an article a friend shared? What made you stop and read it? Most likely, it was the title that caught your attention. As bloggers, we strive for our articles to be read and shared, but that starts with the title. In this post, we will explore the art of creating irresistible blog post titles that will improve the chances of your content being noticed and read.
1. Start with Your Topic:
Before you can create an irresistible title, you need to have a topic. Start by brainstorming ideas for your next post and then narrow down the focus. Remember to consider your audience and what they would like to read. Once you have your topic, start playing with different variations of the title.
2. Be Specific:
Your title should be specific and clear on what the article is about. Avoid vague and general titles that could pertain to any topic. You want to captivate your reader’s attention and provide them with a reason to read further. A specific title will provide them with that reason.
3. Use Eye-Catching Words:
Incorporate eye-catching words that will attract attention. Words like “Ultimate,” “Complete,” “Secrets,” and “Mistakes” are examples that spark curiosity and create an urge to read more. Always aim to use positive words and avoid negative or sensationalized terms in your title.
4. Keep it Short and Sweet:
Short titles are concise, to-the-point, and easy to remember. Aim for a title length of around 60 characters or less to make it shareable on social media platforms. Remember that short titles are sometimes more effective, but only if they are specific and describe the content of the post accurately.
5. Be Descriptive:
Avoid vague titles, but also avoid making false promises. The best titles accurately describe the content within the article. Make sure your article’s title keeps its promise and reflects the content inside.
6. Use Questions:
Using a question in your blog post title is a great way to draw the reader’s curiosity. Think about the common questions your readers may have about your topic, and use those as a starting point for the title. Utilize questions like “what,” “why,” and “how,” to inspire your readers to click and read more.
7. Add Numbers:
Numbers are a way to show your readers that they can expect a specific and concise read. Go beyond the standard numbered listicle titles (10 things to do) and consider other numerical references that apply to your post – “The 7 Benefits,” or “A 3-Part Guide,” etc.
8. Adjust and Test:
Creating an irresistible blog post title is not a one-and-done task. Create several variations and test them on social media with an A/B testing method to see which performs better. Use the performance data to adjust and refine your title until it’s the most fitting representation of the content you’ve produced.
FAQs:
1. What is a long-tail keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a longer, more specific keyword phrase that usually has lower search volume, but higher intent.
2. How do I use long-tail keywords in my title?
Use natural language and incorporate long-tail keywords in your title when it effortlessly fits and adds context. Using a long-tail keyword also allows your article to appear as a niche-specific search result.
3. Can my title be too specific?
No. Being specific is the key to gaining readers’ trust. Make your title as targeted as possible, so readers know what to expect from your content.
4. What type of words should I avoid using in my title?
Avoid using negative words or excessive capitalization in your title. Do not use bait-and-switch or sensationalized words that may disappoint your readers.
5. How often should I test my titles?
Test your titles multiple times before publishing your post. Be aware of how your title is performing on social media and organic traffic before making any changes.
6. Can I update or change my title after I publish it?
Yes. You can update your title later if you see a better benchmark for your post or if you want to see how different titles impact post performance.
7. Do I need to write my title before or after I write my blog post?
We recommend that you wait to write your title until after writing your post. This way, you can accurately sell the product (your post) in the most precise and concise way possible.
Conclusion:
Creating irresistible blog post titles involves a combination of creativity and strategy. Keep your audience in mind and use descriptive, eye-catching words to make your title stand out and reflect the content you’re sharing. Remember to keep your title specific and concise, and test different variations to find the best fit for your audience. Safe to say, the more aligned the title is with your content, the higher the chances of receiving the desired CTA – clicks, shares, and reads. Keep redefining, refining, and testing your blog post titles until you achieve your desired outcome.