Tips For Creating Powerful Headlines That Sell

No matter whether you run offline or online business, you have mere seconds to capture a prospect’s attention. One of the single most powerful tools out there to help you accomplish this task is your headline. There are several keys to a compelling and profitable headline and a few tips to help you get the job done.

#1 Tap into Your Prospects’ Emotions

According to psychologists our buying decisions are based first and foremost on our emotions. Use headlines which offer your readers a strong emotional benefit or reaction. Some possible emotions are: smart, powerful, profitable. Other emotions you can tap into are a desire to feel:

1. Attractive
2. Sexy
3. Assertive
4. Confident
5. Energetic
6. Pampered
7. A sense of belonging
8. In control of their own destiny
9. Wealthy
10. Proud
11. Respected
12. Safe

#2 Make it Active

To compel it’s important to use active language – language that shows movement and commands attention.

For example, “Stop Your Sugar Cravings Today With This Simple Step” is a fine headline however it doesn’t command action nor does it really tap into any emotions. However, “Conquer Your Sugar Cravings With This Simple Step”. Conquer is an active and emotionally powerful word. Readers receive the benefit of feeling powerful and in control and it commands action.

#3 Let Your Readers Know They’re Important

The word YOU is a very powerful word. It let’s your readers feel as if you’re talking to them specifically and interested in solving their problems, issues and helping them achieve their desires. Instead of using I, Me or We in your headlines, use You. Using the headline example above compare the two options
“Conquer Your Sugar Cravings With This Simple Step”
“Conquer Sugar Cravings with Our System”

People want to know what’s in it for them and when they can assess that information in the headline, they’re going to be compelled to continue reading your copy and making a purchase.

Here are three more ideas for powerful headlines:

* Make a promise – Earn $1000 a day
* Make it newsworthy – New program guarantees you’ll earn $1000 a day.
* Ask a question – Do you want to ensure your financial future?

Three Simple Steps to Write Headlines That Sell

So now you have some ideas about what types of headlines sell, how do you begin to write those powerful headlines?

Step One – Get to know your audience intimately. What are their hopes, dreams, desires, and problems? Understanding your audience will help you create an emotional and powerful headline directed specifically at your audience.

Step Two – Determine how your products or services are going to make your prospects’ lives better or solve their problems. For example if you sell fitness equipment and your audience struggles with feeling attractive then you can create a headline that highlights a specific benefit your fitness equipment offers to solve that problem.

Step Three – Write ten to twenty (yes, twenty) possible headlines. Not only will this give you practice writing compelling headlines, it will help you hone in on that perfect headline. And if you think you have a few winners you can always test them for conversion rates to find out which headline is more effective.

Marketing and copywriting experts consider your headline to be the most import element of any effective marketing piece. Take the time to craft a compelling, and selling, headline and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.

Magnetic Look works with small to medium size businesses who are looking to improve their positioning on the market and increase their profits. Our programs and services are designed to strategically deliver the results you need in order to succeed. If you need help creating systems and strategies for your small business brand that are easy to implement and bring you desired results fast, we’d love to hear from you. Learn how we can help you and request your quote here.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Related posts:

  1. Creating a Powerful Brand Name
  2. 5 Keys To Creating Websites That Sell
  3. 5 Powerful Mindset Strategies for Success in 2012 and Beyond
  4. Five Most Powerful Twitter Tools
  5. Four Things To Consider When Creating a Small Business Strategy

About the Author

Silvia Pencak is Business Branding Expert, Brand Strategist, CEO of Magnetic Look and founder of Small Biz Association and nonprofit organization JONA. Since 2002 she’s been working with different types of businesses, solopreneurs and nonprofit organizations helping them develop their brand strategy for success. Her passion, knowledge and strategic thinking provide great input to those who are looking to stand out and thrive in today’s tough business world. Whether you’re just starting your business or you already have a business, but need support, change or complete re-branding for your business and lifestyle, you can find it all with Magnetic Look.

  • Nancy

    Great post! And great examples. These days, so many headlines sound so similar to others we’ve read, because everyone is following the same formula… or using swipe files and fill in the blank headline templates. While these can get you started and give you ideas, the real key is knowing your target audience (as you stated in Step 1) and writing a headline that really speaks to them.

  • teri

    What a great post, Siliva! I really appreciated the pointers about active engagement with the audience you know. It’s the secret! thanks!

  • http://www.mymagneticblog.com/ Silvia

    Absolutely, Nancy! You’re so right! Our audience is looking for someone who addresses their pain, this is exactly what we should have in mind when creating the headlines. It needs to sound like you “get” them!

  • http://www.mymagneticblog.com/ Silvia

    Thanks, Teri! I’m glad that you found the post helpful.

  • Joyce

    Thanks Sylvia! This is probably one area where I have the most difficulty. This and copywriting. I appreciate the ideas!

  • Summer

    Thanks Silvia! As I prepare to launch a new line of products I know it will be vital to capture the attention of my audience by speaking directly to their pain points without being overtly “salesy”.

  • http://micheletremblay.com/ Michele M Tremblay

    Sylvia, Great post and great reminder of exactly how important your headline is (and also why it is so challenging). Simple with lots of impact is hard to do. Thanks for the mini tutorial.

  • Debi

    I agree that you want your customers to know they are important….what is in it for them! 

  • http://www.steppingintobig.com/ Kathleen

    One of the things I most focus on is ensuring that I’m tapping into people’s emotions.  I love your reminder that not all verbs are created equal.  Showing the different feel between using “conquer” and “stop” really made the point.  Thanks!

  • http://www.mymagneticblog.com/ Silvia

    Great point, Summer! Good luck with your upcoming launch!

  • http://www.mymagneticblog.com/ Silvia

    Glad to hear your feedback, Joyce! Copywriting is crucial for business success. If you aren’t sure how to make it work, you should consider hiring a copywriter to help you nail your message down.

Switch to our mobile site

Image Map