Everything hinges on your headline.

That’s no exaggeration.

Every blog post title, carousel cover slide, and email subject line is an opportunity to grab attention—or let it slip by.

And with only 20% of people reading past the headline, it has to be jaw-droppingly good.

Fortunately, you don’t need many characters to make a big impact—just these five headline hacks from the Rumpus Writing and Editing team.

 

#1: Use numbers 

Readers and search algorithms love numbers. Numbered headlines imply straightforward information or actionable steps. This is often provided in a list format, which is easy for readers to scan and consume. By communicating this upfront, readers are more likely to click through your content.

Examples:

  • 7 Ways to Engage New Kitten Owners
  • 3-Step Pet Health Check

 

#2: Power up with power words

In a headline, every word must have a purpose. Power words let you do more with less by triggering action, infusing energy, or building intrigue. The best power words tap into human emotions, including psychological triggers like fear of missing out (FOMO), pain, exclusivity, scarcity, and urgency. 

 Use power words sparingly, but strategically, to drive views and clicks. Most of all, ensure your content matches the promise, or you’ll be nothing more than clickbait.

Examples:

  • Power words:  Essential, critical, proven, secret, must-know, exclusive, limited, easy, effortless, quick, gain, boost, unbeatable, unstoppable, irresistible, etc.
  • In a headline:  
    • 3 Don’t-Miss Signs of Parvo in Puppies
    • Secret Ways Your Cat Says “I Love You”  

#3: Keep it succinct

Recommendations for headline length vary by use and platform, but conciseness is key, and attention spans are short. 

In a world of visual clutter, simple headlines communicate exactly what your blog, email, or post is about. This helps readers recognize whether your content matches what they’re looking for, which can increase the chances that they’ll click your link and not someone else’s.

Examples:

  • Better Vet Visits Today
  • Expert Dog Training Explained

#4: Pose a question

Woman looking curious against a yellow background.

Questions create an open loop in the reader’s mind, which can only be resolved by opening the content to find the answer. Creating a gap between what the reader knows and wants to know is an effective way to drive engagement and encourage action. The most compelling content usually involves a series of interrelated loops that draw the reader forward.

In the headline, you’ll want to focus on a question that teases your content and promises an answer to a question your audience is likely to have.

Example:

  • Can You Recognize a Pet Emergency?
  • Is Your Cat At Risk for Heartworm Disease?

#5: Ignite curiosity

Curiosity is another way to open a loop by hinting at something unexpected, surprising, or valuable. Use curiosity thoughtfully and ensure it aligns with your content so readers feel satisfied, not deceived.

Curiosity can be combined with other strategies, including numbers and power words, for maximum impact.

Examples:

  • 5 Hidden Ways Your Dog Is Aging
  • This Litter Box Behavior is a Red Flag
  • New Kitten? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Attention, please: Headline writing prompts

In a world where attention is our most valuable commodity, a commanding headline gives your content an undeniable advantage. Unfortunately, the length of a headline and the complexity of writing it are inversely related. If you’re feeling stuck, here are a few ideas to help you find a heavy-hitting headline:

  • What benefit are readers receiving (i.e., can you promise time-savings, a solution, or a how-to)? 
  • What question does your content answer?
  • What’s a surprising angle you can tease?
  • What does your audience want to know?

For non-list-based content, try drafting your title last to ensure it accurately reflects your copy. 

 

Need headline help?

Headline writing may only require a few words, but getting it right can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the Rumpus Writing and Editing team knows how to capture your audience’s attention—and hold it—with thoughtfully crafted content. Our writers take the time to understand you and your brand, creating unique messaging that speaks for your business and to your audience’s needs. Skip the headline headache—request a quote and enjoy action-worthy content that engages, educates, and energizes your client base.