How to Write a Headline

Headlines vary in type.

If you write an article, you might need to think of a title or headline. This can be tricky, especially when you need this title or headline to catch people's attention.

Instructions

1. Think about what you are writing about. You'll want your headline to be catchy, but also appropriate for the subject. For example, "Spring into action!" may be a great headline, but only for an article about springs, or something about the spring season.

2. Think about your audience, especially when using slang. For example, an air conditioner ad may use the phrase "Have the coolest home on the block." The intent may be to say that the home will be cold in the summer, and also to use the meaning of the slang word cool -- meaning that the home will be fun, exciting. This will work on the right audience, but will fall flat on those who are not familiar with the slang use of "cool."

3. Be creative, but not cheesy. "Do you spoil your diet with oil?" would be a good catch phrase for a low-fat oil substitute. However, "Don't let your mind uncoil, when you spoil your diet with oil, because it will make your blood boil" is way too much. Plus, if people don't know the phrase about blood boiling when you are angry, it will make no sense.

4. Keep your headline short and catchy. Too many words will get confusing and the audience will lose interest.

5. Avoid misspellings. They are not cute. "Kidz Kuts Kan Kut Kids Hair" looks silly, and is practically unreadable.

6. Pay attention to grammar. An out of place apostrophe can be a major turnoff. Also avoid overuse of exclamation points. "Free your mind" is just as effective and less overdone than "Free your mind!!!!!!"

7. Come up with a few ideas and let others read them before you proceed. Just because something makes sense to you does not mean that everyone can understand it.

References

• KU Information Technology: Headlines: Making an impact — accurately