9 Tips for Headlines that Grab
by Stuart Reid
9 Tips for Headlines that Grab.
By Stuart Reid
When you sell anything the headline is probably the most
important part of a sales letter and the part that you MUST get
right. Whether it is in an e-mail, in a printed ad, or on a
billboard - the same principles ALWAYS apply.
It takes time to learn how to write a good headline, but these
tips may help, along with some fictional products.
* The goal is to get the prospects attention with your headline.
It must, in a line or two, sum up your offer. You are NOT
trying to sell anything at this point - it is purely to get
someone to read the rest of your copy.
* Appeal to the prospects emotions. State benefits more than
features. Make sure you use the golden rules of advertising at
the start and state a problem and offer a solution. For example
"Fuel bills rising? This fuel-saver can save you 52%!"
* Another way to start is by offering something for free. FREE
is a powerful word, so use it wisely!
* Make the prospect think that this item/service is invaluable to
them. Make them wonder how they could ever have lived without
it. "Have you experienced the power of the Wonder Mop yet?"
* Some headlines pretend to be news reports. E.g
"Revolutionary new discovery wipes floors in half the time!"
* Another staple headline is the simple how-to, "How-to cut your
fuel bills by over 53%"
* Note that the figures in the headlines mentioned are not
"half" but more specific. Specifics work better than
generalities.
* There is a lot of talk of "power-words" in some ad-writing
reports. They don't really exist but words such as
"Astounding!" "Secret" "Confidential" "Succeed" etc. can help.
Basically, any word that conveys a strong emotion is a power
word, along with words that make you think you are in on a
secret.
* As long as you surprise, shock, scare or inspire someone with
good use of language you can't go wrong. Study ads and
headlines wherever you are, from newspapers to billboards to
TV to Radio.
The headline is the most important part of your ad. Spend time
getting it right - and track your ads. Find out how many people
click a link or give their names to each ad you run and re-use
the ones that work best! Always track and test.
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Stuart Reid is the publisher of Netpreneur News and
webmaster of Netpreneur Now! Visit us for weekly
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