5 Headline Writing Blueprints
If you’re wondering why one article gets ten thousand views on Better Networker while others get completely ignored then here’s what it boils down to:
Writing Attractive Headlines…
“On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.” — David Ogilvy
But writing headlines isn’t easy. So today I’m giving you five proven headline writing templates. They’ll almost always boost your comments, Facebook shares, and Retweets. Here they are…
#1 – “How To” Headlines
If you’re ever really stuck when you’re writing headlines then simply slap the words “How To” in front of whatever you’re showing people how to do. It works like a charm.
Examples…
How To Use Twitter Like A Ninja
How To Use Wordpress Tags Properly
How To Write Popular Blog Posts
#2 – “Controversy” Headlines
Whenever you make a stand against something a lot of people are doing, you’re going to get loads of attention. Just make sure you can support your point of view or people will chase you with torches and pitchforks.
Examples…
Article Marketing Is Officially Dead
Did Internet Marketers “Screw Up” Network Marketing?
Attraction Marketing Is B.S. And Doesn’t Freaking Work
#3 – “List” Headlines
For some weird reason people are addicted to lists! There’s entire sites like Cracked.com devoted to hilarious lists. Reader’s digest is another great place to see these headlines in action.
Examples….
5 “Must Read” Articles On Better Networker
4 Ways To Motivate Yourself In 2010
3 Ways To Stand Out On Better Networker
#4 – “Theme” Headlines
If you really want to stand out from the crowd then you have to breathe some life into your articles. One easy way to do this is to pick a popular subject and relate it to your tips, tricks, and secrets.
For instance…
How To Use Twitter Like A Ninja
The Spartan Secret Of Network Marketing Success
How to Market with MySpace Like a “Teenage” Girl
That last headline is from Better Networker instructor Jim Yaghi. He artfully combined “How To”, “Theme”, and “Lists” into a powerful headline and article. It’s even a little controversial, because almost nobody is marketing in Myspace these days…
#5 – “News” Headlines
People are wired to respond to news. They’ll sit in front of the “boob tube” for days waiting to hear the latest. They’ll watch the weather channel for hours before they’ll look out the window. It’s crazy.
Here’s a few examples…
The Association Of Better Networkers Is Now Open
Now Accepting New Critique Applicants
Free Publicity For Better Networkers
But be careful with news headlines. Your company might be launching a new line of products, that might be fascinating to you, but not to prospects who don’t even know your company exists.
Quick Headline Writing Checklist…
There’s more than one way to write a headline. You could literally spend weeks (and some people do) writing a single headline. But sometimes you need a decent headline fast… that’s when you pull out your handy checklist and spice things up…
- #1 – “How To” Headlines
- #2 – “Controversy” Headlines
- #3 – “List” Headlines
- #4 – “Theme” Headlines
- #5 – “News” Headlines
You’re only limited by your imagination…
Jason Better Brownie Points…
Here’s a challenge, find a weird headline and post it in a comment below.
Maybe you picked up the local paper today and read a doozy like “Boy Eats Own Head”, “Frog From Hell That Ate Baby Dinosaurs”, or “Man Kills Wife With Chainsaw”.
Believe it or not, I have a collection of those.
Have a little fun…
To headline writing success,
-Jason The “Better Networker”
-The Jason Better Blog
P.S. Please Retweet: Hey, if you enjoyed this article then why not share it with your friends? It’s kinda like voting. Thank you. 
50 Comments
Dwayne Huggins on March 5th, 2010
Hey J
Good topic, here are a few headlines I like
The Lost Chapter Of Magnetic Sponsoring – Derek Alvarex, drivetheline.com
Who Is Your A Team? MLM Team Building Like The Amazing Four! – waynevassell.com
The Internet Can Be A Very Unforgiving Place – Ilka Flood, enlightenednetworker.com
All these headlines sucked me in to the great content they had.
Heres my attempt
Who Stole All The Network Marketing Money?
What do you think?
Its nice to share!
Dwayne
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Dwayne,
And that’s all that matters in the end too.
Joe Sugarman wrote that the sole purpose of
a headline is to stop the reader and get them to
read the first line. 
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Holy smokes! As I was reading down the lines of Jason’s fantastic post I was thinking … “gosh, I really need to be doing something about my headlines.”
And then, as I read on in the comments, you stopped me right in my tracks mentioning one of my latest headlines. Thank you, very much! Guess what my mom always said rings true … “Even a blind chicken finds a crumb now and then.”
By the way, “Who Stole All The Network Marketing Money” pulled me away from here before I could post this comment. Great article! And so very true.
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
It totally is,
I read it the other day too.
March 5th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Hey, thanks Dwayne!
I also liked your “Who Stole All The Network Marketing Money?” headline.
You definitely found the pain, there.
Good choice, man.
[Reply]
Kurt Henninger on March 5th, 2010
Some other classic ones incorporate specific benefits plus guarantees as well, just lay out their USP very well….
“Corns Gone In Five Days Or Money Back” or an ad from the Enquirer
“Fresh Hot Pizza In 30 Minutes Or Less” – Dominoes Pizza (not exactly a headline, but an awesome USP)
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Kurt,
Sounds like we read some of the same marketing
books. Those ones are classics.
A USP makes a great headline too.
Most people can’t even imagine the power of a good
headline or USP at the right time.
I mean, think about how many millions that USP brought
in? Blows me away.
[Reply]
Rose Mis on March 5th, 2010
I enjoy “word play” Jason…
LOVE cognitive dissonance…
GREAT article…
Some of my faves…
You can tell I read trashy NYC rags…LOL
“Headless Body Found In Topless Bar”
“The Lady Is A Trump”
“Sin In The Clones”
Make it a GREAT one !!
Rose
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Hey Rose,
That one’s in my collection of headlines too.
“Headless Body Found In Topless Bar”
I actually have a stack of tabloids… Cosmo is also
a great place for headline inspiration.
[Reply]
Richard Walsh on March 5th, 2010
Awesome pointers. Had to copy and paste this to the permanent file. ‘How to lose the game of mediocrity” with sub head… “Losers are winners” Wrote it the other day I did enjoy my own article:)
[Reply]
Tracy Matthewman on March 5th, 2010
Hey Jason…I love your blogs…keep em coming. They are short, sweet and easy to ready..and valuable. Headlines can be daunting but you’ve make it easy ..thx
Tracy
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Hey Tracy,
Thank you.
I hope to see you back again soon.
Have a great weekend.
[Reply]
Wayne Vassell on March 5th, 2010
Hey J,
Yeah, you are right, the correct headline will draw a lot of people in.
The headline that really got my attention, think I mentioned this before was: “Article Marketing Is Officially Dead”.
Good old controversy always works!
Have a great weekend.
Wayne Vassell, signing out…
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
That was a big one.
Still the top blog post here, surprisingly.
But I hope it made a valid point too.
[Reply]
Amy on March 5th, 2010
Here’s a great headline I came across today when I was running out to an appointment, but it stopped me dead in my tracks and I had to go read the article:
5 Quick And Dirty Ways To Write Attractive Headlines…
I think maybe it was the ‘quick and dirty’. Love it!
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Hah,
Too flattering.
I actually changed the headline a while ago for
SEO optimization… but it had a nice wring to it.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on March 5th, 2010
Jason, you outdid yourself again. I’m going to start a folder and print out all your stuff. I am learning so much. Thank you!
As far as ‘weird’ headlines…
Here are some titles that MADE me buy the book …
“Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive”
“Who Moved My Cheese?”
“The Go-Giver”
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Love that book:
“Swim with the sharks…
Solid advice. Wonderful insights. Loads
of common sense… practical tips.
[Reply]
Michael Cole on March 5th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Attention grabbing headline? My mind’s a blank.
How about
“How To Skin A Cat in Five Easy Steps”
Michael
Sorry cat people. I actually like cats, deep fried on toast.
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
!!!
Michael, your comment was so funny that
I shared it with a friend.
Now, all you need is a youtube video with that headline.
Gosh.
[Reply]
Susanna on March 5th, 2010
Jason, I think you read my mind. I woke up this morning thinking… I need to get better at coming up with ‘click worthy’ headlines.
Open my inbox and find this! Thank you. Are you wearing tights and a cape today? 
“Stay healthy. Eat more bacteria.”
Thanks Jason!
Susanna
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I try to stay out of tights… everybody
would mistake me for Peter Pan… or Robin Hood.
[Reply]
Jeff Faldalen on March 5th, 2010
Jason,
Thank you for the powerful tips. To many people miss what a headline is suppose to do.
Another great tip I picked up from Eugene Schwartz, is “if, then”
ex… If you want to learn how to generate leads, then I have the perfect solution.
Also, just got a copy of “Advertising Headlines that Make You Rich” By your man, David Garfinkel
Great book.
Looking forward to your next post
Best wishes, Jeff Faldalen
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Jeff,
You’re going to make brains explode over
here by mentioning Gene Schwartz.
Classic book, with everything anybody would
ever need to know about copywriting, but way
advanced. I remember the first time I read that book…
I think I got a migraine.
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Jason,
I know what you mean.. I was only able to
read a little bit at a time.
I figure after I read like 10 times I might
start to understand how powerful it is
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I still go back to it when I’m wondering
why a piece of copy isn’t working. I was happy
to see that book reprinted. It was almost impossible
to get a copy for quite some time.
Derek Alvarez on March 5th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I usually like Ben Settle’s headlines. Here’s a couple:
- “3 Reasons Not To Sell eBooks”
- “When Using Proof In Your Marketing Can Cripple Your Sales”
- “Selling Suicidal Thoughts”
They all create interest — like, “Wait, I’m thinking about selling an ebook — why is he saying not to?”
Have an amazing weekend!
- Derek
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Great guy,
There’s no writer better at writing subject lines
that get you to read his every word.
He had one about a year ago where he talked about
his dog pooping. Terribly funny.
[Reply]
Eric McMillan on March 5th, 2010
You asked for it Jason,
“Student excited dad got head job”
“Tiger Woods plays with his own balls, Nike Says”
“County To Pay $250,000 to advertise lack of funds”
“Meeting on open meetings is closed”
“Condom truck tips, spills load”
More: http://weirdnewsfiles.com/weirdnews/25-weirdest-newspaper-headlines/
Okay, I’ll quit already. The article is full of some awesome advice. Headlines are muy importante (ask Ferny for a translation). As important as the content. If you can’t intrigue people to read from the headline, the best content in the world doesn’t matter.
I have index cards that I write intriguing headlines down on when I run across them. Great way to index them for future ideas.
I guess you are the MAN for a reason. Great stuff!!
Eric McMillan
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:40 am
Don’t forget your hilarious headline Eric.
“Supportive Spouses: The Best Jock Strap For MLM Success”.
I still laugh when I think about that one.
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Those are fantastic Eric!
I’m going to write those down and put them
in my pile of headline cards. Love it.
And thanks for sharing the link, although I’m surprised
that my spam filter let your comment through with a link.
[Reply]
Barry White on March 6th, 2010
For people like me that aren’t very creative here is a link to a software program that I bought a few years ago from Big Al (Tom Schreiter).
http://www.headline-creator-pro.com/
There are few sites that offer it for free but this one is just one I picked out. No affiliations to it. The software isn’t too bad for what it is.
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Cool,
I’m not a huge fan of software like that, but I can
see how it could spur some creative thoughts… or give
you ideas when you’re really stuck.
[Reply]
Chris Owen on March 6th, 2010
Here’s a few I liked lately,
Undercover Boss, Servicing the Customer – Jerome Ratliff
The Jenny Craig Business Model – Sell More Food to Fat People – Derek Alvarez
The Tetris Way of Building an Empire – Wayne Vassel
I Ain’t No Mike Dillard – Dwayne Huggins
6 Tips To Create Your Flow Of FREE Leads From Article Marketing… – Josh Garcia
Supportive Spouses: The Best Jock Strap for MLM Success – Eric McMillan
RSS and the “Aggregator” Alligator – Jason Better
And a few of mine:
Lex Luthor on Playing to Win
Rise of the Machines, Fall Of the Produce
Determination, Motivation and an Unstoppable Mindset For Success
Sometimes Motivation Sucks
Get Your Tail Behind You
I love to see the headlines people come up with. Some of them make or break the article.
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Awesome Chris,
That’s a huge list of winners.
“The Tetris Way of Building an Empire” hit me where
it counts. That game has stolen many a serious business
owner away from productivity. lol.
Nice one.
Some of the headlines shared in the last few days are
hilarious… others are incredible. I love them all.
[Reply]
Tommy DiPietro on March 8th, 2010
Hi Jason,
If you are still taking requests for ideas, how a post on video marketing your articles?
A great thing about headlines is they help develop your own ideas even further. I was writing an article and once I get up with a headed, I was able to pump out two additional paragraphs on the subject.
Another advantage is you can use an article and spin it into five different articles using your blueprint.
I got a kick out of “Supportive Spouses: The Best Jock Strap For MLM Success”.
This was one I posted on BetterNetworker on Friday:
“How About Them Apples?”
Have a great day!
-Tommy
[Reply]
March 8th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Hey Tommy,
Video marketing your articles? As in marketing
your articles… or video marketing in general?
I guess you could use these five templates to write
up five different articles too. Or even slightly change the
ones you do write. I never really thought about that.
But I do know some people have success with article spinning.
Although it’s never been my thing.
“Supportive Spouses: The Best Jock Strap For MLM Success”.
Made me chuckle too.
[Reply]
Tommy DiPietro on March 8th, 2010
Video marketing in general.
There is a great deal of value in video marketing and feel so many people I communicate with do not see it.
[Reply]
mike baglio on March 8th, 2010
Jason, this article has really helped me to find out what other areas there are to find headlines, thanks everybody. Here’s a radio headline that I still remember as a kid growing up in L.A.for a Barbecue Restaurant ” You need no Teeth to eat my Beef”. catchy right but you get the picture. that has always cracked me up for some reason.
[Reply]
March 8th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Hey Mike,
I like that one.
It pushes a big benefit… but one that you can
actually believe. Dang, making me hungry now.
[Reply]
March 28th, 2010 at 11:18 am
I heard and enjoyed that same radio headline, I believe it was from Mr. Jim’s in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, aired frequently by Chuck Niles on the jazz station. Not to knock dental hygiene, but I’m ready to gum some of that beef righ now!
[Reply]
March 29th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Hey Carl ! So you’ve heard it too and your right, I don’t live in the L.A. area anymore but that was one of my favorite radio stations when I was growing up, My dad was a professional Jazz Pianist so I grew up with jazz and still love it, and I love that unique voice of Chuck Niles, I wonder if he’s still around ? Are you still listening to jazz and who are some of your favorites.What are you into in network marketing ? Hope to here from you again. Chow, Mike B.
[Reply]
February 25th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
I used to hear that same BBQ commercial during the middle of the night listening to KKGO the jazz station. I believe their slogan was “You needs no teeth to eat my beef”. I also remember a commercial for Monique’s Gospel Records. Do you remember that one?
[Reply]
Wes Hazlitt on March 14th, 2010
This is Great Stuff Jason
Also Great Ideas to Think about when creating video Content and Title for your Videos
Going into my SWIPE File
Thanks
Wes
[Reply]
March 15th, 2010 at 8:13 am
Totally,
A lot of people ignore the titles of their videos.
That’s actually the headline right there. I would even argue that headlines are more important for videos than any other type of content… because they’re invisible until somebody hits the play button.
[Reply]
Richard Kaulfers on September 9th, 2010
My goat markets better then I do! Learn is secrets today.
I noticed as well when people use nature in the headlines it works pretty good to.
[Reply]
Hey Jason,
This is great that you are covering this. Sometimes it takes me a while to come up with a headline, because I know that it is the first thing people read and judge to continue or not.
BTW – It is awesome to be featured on the ‘Today’s Issue of BetterNetworker’…Thanks!
Have a great weekend…
Josh
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
No worries, the article rocks and you
were getting a lot of votes in a very short
period of time… so figured more people would
love it too.
[Reply]