What is the Headline of an Article and Why It Matters to Readers

Imagine you type your query into Google to search for a specific topic. Now you have multiple articles in front of you to scroll through and select from. Your eyes quickly scan and send signals to your brain to find which best matches your query. In a fraction of a second, you(r brain) decide which article to click on, based on the promise of its headline.

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As we saw, what makes a reader choose one article over another? Is it the thumbnail image, the keywords, or something else entirely? The answer is simply a headline that compels the reader to explore the article further. Yes, writing good headlines increases the chances of your article’s success. 

Keep reading our article to explore what is the headline of an article and why it’s important. We’ll also dive into how to write a headline that converts. 

Understanding What Is the Headline of an Article

Before diving into a headline’s importance, let’s understand first what is the headline of an article. It’s a short, eye-catching title that introduces the article’s key focus. Simply put, the headline of an article summarizes an article’s core message and value proposition. It aims to spark readers’ interest and entice them to read further by balancing clarity and curiosity. 

Why Are Headlines Important 

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Now that you know what is a headline in an article, let’s explore what is the purpose of a headline. The following reasons will help you understand the importance of headlines.

1. Capture Attention: When it comes to online content, the first impression is everything. An article headline is the first thing that readers see. It makes or breaks their decision to explore further or turn away.
2. Set Expectations: An engaging headline piques the reader’s curiosity and sets their expectations. It provides a snapshot of what to expect, helping readers decide if the content is relevant to them.
3. Improves SEO: Well-written headlines containing relevant keywords help search engines understand the topic of your content, making it more likely to appear in relevant search results.
4. Differentiate Content: A unique and eye-popping headline holds the power to differentiate your content from others. As a result, it increases engagement winning more likes and shares. 
5. Enhance Shareability: By crafting catchy headlines, you give people a chance to share them on social media. This boosts the reach and impact of your content across different social media platforms.

Examples of Great Headlines

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Here we’ll discuss attention-grabbing headline examples, including real-life cases and headline ideas toget inspired from.

Headline Case Studies

1. Here’s What Happens When You Only Get 4 Hours Of Sleep

This headline immediately attracts the readers by highlighting a relatable pain point — lack of sleep. Moreover, it promises to reveal the negative consequences of insufficient sleep. This overall makes it a compelling title that invites the reader to explore the article further.

2. Business Ideas That Are Not Yet in Existence

The phrase ‘Not Yet in Existence’ in this headline is the real hero that sparks curiosity. It encourages readers to explore uncharted business opportunities. The best part is it speaks directly to its targeted audience (entrepreneurs) looking for the next big idea.

3. Stop Spending Money on Space Exploration

It’s a controversial and provocative headline with an action verb i.e. stop. It stirs curiosity by challenging conventional space exploration expeditions. This makes readers eager to explore the article further and understand the rationale behind such a bold statement.

4. 12 Ways to Make Money as a Kid

This headline is too good to pass up. That’s because it is concise, straightforward, and easy to understand. It taps into a universal desire – the wish to be financially independent, even at a young age. Moreover, it uses a specific number (12) and is promptly actionable. 

5. 11 Worst Mistakes You Should Never Make

This headline grabs attention by leveraging the fear of failure and the desire for self-improvement. ‘Worst Mistakes’ arouses curiosity to avoid them. ‘Never Make’ urges discovering them. The number 11 adds specificity, compelling readers to learn more.

50+ Headline Examples To Take Inspiration From

Here are a bunch of headlines you can take inspiration from for your next blog post.

Intrigue & Curiosity

• The Strange Connection Between Dreams and Reality
• Why Everything You Know About Dieting Is Wrong
• The #1 Thing You’re Missing Out On in Your Relationship
• Scientists Discover: Laughter May Be the Key to Immortality
• 5 Everyday Habits That Are Secretly Stealing Your Time
• What Oprah Wants You to Know About Success
• Shocking Truth About Your Favorite Childhood Cereal
• The Surprising Benefits of Taking a Cold Shower
• Strange Encounters with Unexplained Creatures
• The Truth Behind the Bermuda Triangle Phenomenon
• Secret Ingredient That Will Transform Your Cooking Forever

News & Current Events

• Why the Recent Natural Disaster is a Wake-Up Call
• Pandemic Pioneers: Inside the Race for the Next Breakthrough Treatment
• Global Summit Addresses Climate Change Crisis: Key Takeaways
• The Inside Scoop on the Latest Political Scandal
• Landmark Legislation Aims to Address Climate Change Crisis
• Controversial Supreme Court Rulings Divide the Nation
• The Industry Responds to the Recent Data Breach
• What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Election
• Groundbreaking Technological Innovations Reshape Daily Life
• The Impact of Brexit on the Global Economy

Listicles & Top Picks

• The Top 10 Tech Gadgets of 2024 That Will Revolutionize Your Life
• 10 Breathtaking Natural Wonders You Need to Visit
• Beauty Essentials: 20 Must-Have Products for Flawless Skin
• 15 Surprisingly Delicious Healthy Snack Ideas
• The 7 Best Productivity Hacks You Haven’t Heard Of
• 10 Life-Changing Quotes from Famous Leaders
• Essential Tools for the Modern Entrepreneur: Our Top Picks of the Year
• Top 14 Inspiring TED Talks That Will Change Your Perspective
• Learn a New Language in Just 3 Months (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
• 50 Life-Changing Books That Every Person Should Read at Least Once
• The Ultimate Guide to Dyeing Hair At Home in 10 Easy Steps
• 9 Most Innovative Startups Disrupting Their Industries

Problem-Solution & Benefit-Driven

• The Secret to Achieving Work-Life Balance: 10 Proven Strategies
• Why Diets Don’t Work and What to Do Instead
• From Chaos to Clarity: How to Organize Your Life and Feel in Control Again
• The Ultimate Solution for Back Pain
• Is Your Hair Damaged? This Natural Hair Mask Will Transform It!
• Sleep Better Tonight: 10 Bedtime Rituals Guaranteed to Improve Your Sleep Quality
• How to Achieve Your Goals Without Sacrificing Your Social Life
• Save Money on Groceries: Top Tips for Savvy Shoppers
• Get Fit Without Going to the Gym
• Discover the Secret to Radiant Skin: The Skincare Routine Dermatologists Swear By
• Revamp Your Morning Routine: Boost Productivity and Energy
• Say Goodbye to Stress: 5 Surprising Techniques That Bring Instant Calm

Emotional & Humorous

• The Uplifting Story of a Successful Comeback
• 7 Wholesome Memes That Will Instantly Brighten Your Day
• This Dog Just Saved His Owner’s Life in the Most Incredible Way
• 5 Things Only Introverts Will Understand (We Feel You!)
• The Heartwarming Story of a Heroic Act
• Struggles of Adulting: A Hilarious Look at Everyday Problems
• The Funniest Memes About Adulting
• 9 Hilarious Parenting Moments That’ll Make You Laugh Out Loud
• Tear-Jerking Stories of Everyday Heroes Changing Lives
• Most Relatable Quotes About Relationships
• Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
• The Most Ridiculous Myths About History

Check out our guide covering the best headlines ever written. They’ll inspire you to craft yours exceptionally!

How to Write a Killer Headline for an Article

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Now, we’ll continue our attempt to answer questions like “what are headlines?” by providing you with valuable tips to write a killer headline!

• Highlight the key benefit or takeaway for the reader. 
• Understand and match reader intent with your headline to grab attention.
• Use as few words as possible to write a headline that’s easy to scan and understand.
• Incorporate relevant and emotionally charged words to attract readers.
• Tease readers with a hint of what’s inside without giving away too much.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, it’s more challenging than ever to compel readers to click on and explore an article further. But if no one reads it, what’s the point? After all, you pour your heart and soul into crafting the perfect article. Don’t worry! In this article, we covered everything from what is a headline to how to cut through the clutter and write headlines that grab attention. 

Use these strategies to craft a convincing headline of an article that users click on and continue exploring. To generate unlimited catchy headlines for SEO, try using our Free Blog Post Idea Generator. Once you enter your requirements in this AI headline generator, wait for a few seconds to let it come up with valuable ideas! Then, select the best one that aligns with your article to get more traffic, clicks, and shares!