How to Write Newsletter Headlines
A newsletter can be jam-packed with interesting stories, fascinating profiles and critical information, but no one is going to read it if the headlines are boring. A headline needs to tell what the article is about, but it also should be sharp or sassy--or at least inviting enough to keep people reading.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
-
-
1
Attract readers with active language. For instance, if an article covers volunteer opportunities, stay away from "How to Volunteer," and use something like "How You Can Make a Difference" or "How You Can Change People's Lives."
-
2
Don't use verbs all the time. Sometimes it's more effective to use a three- or four-word hammer headline without a verb. For example, "A Race to the Finish" instead of "Fundraising Drive Nears Goal."
-
3
Be creative, but make sure your headline describes the main idea of the story. For instance, if the article deals with leftover food in the company lunchroom attracting sugar ants, you might be tempted to write something like "Ants in Your Pants." That wouldn't tell the story, though; instead, try "Inviting Ants to Lunch."
-
4
Be specific. Write "Meals on Wheels Running Out of Gas," not "Senior Meal Program Faces Crisis." Only include one idea per headline--write "New Life for Old Clothes" instead of "Donate Your Clothes, or Throw a Clothes-Exchange Party."
-
5
Use an active voice and the present tense. People want to know what's happening now. Don't write "Jones Named CEO." Instead, say something like "CEO Jones Hits the Ground Running," "CEO Jones Starts With a Bang" or, on a different note, "Uphill Battle for CEO Jones."
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ask a question in a headline, and make it one readers want to answer. For instance, "What Bad Foods Have You Eaten Today?"
People love lists, so use them in your headlines ("Top 10 Ways to Stay in Shape").
Make sure your grammar is correct. A mistake in a headline turns people off.
