There are countless ways you can choose to create powerful essay headlines. A good place to start is to write your headline first. Don’t worry if it is not your best effort. You will probably need to try several before selecting the best match. WriteMyPaper4Me recommends just starting with a working headline to get your ideas flowing and sum up the theme of your message.

I have listed 5 ‘trigger’ types that are extremely powerful to create skillful headlines:

1. Create Curiosity

  • Revealed!
  • Announcing!
  • New!

These words create excitement and curiosity in your reader. Everyone loves something new and always likes to be one of the first to find out the news. (Special Note: Legally to use the word ‘new’ your research needs to be developed or updated in the last six months).

2. The Call to Attention

  • Doctors!
  • Investors!
  • Sore Back?

This is an easy headline to write. You are calling out to your specific target audience. This is very effective particularly if your researched item is in a small niche.

3. Sell the Benefit

  • Free from Dandruff in 24 hours!
  • Buy One Pair – Get the Second pair free!
  • Learn Guitar in 2 Days with New Method!

People always want to know what is in it for them. When you state the benefits or results people will receive from your essay you will capture their attention instantly.

4. The Captivating Question

  • What are the Seven Secrets to Unlimited Wealth?
  • Do You Make These Mistakes When Writing?
  • Which Natural Herb Boosts Your Body’s Immune System?

The trick here is to ask an intriguing open ended question. In other words a question that cannot be answered with either “yes” or “no”. If your reader can answer your question with a yes or no, you risk losing them. They have no need to read further.

5. The ‘How To’ Headline

  • How to Train Your Dog to Sit
  • How to Tell When Your Teenager is Lying
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People

This one is extremely popular on the internet. People go online to search for information. By placing a ‘how to’ in your headline you are meeting them exactly where their heads are at (hint hint).

Here is a little secret I’ll let you in on.

Professional writers steal headlines from other successful ads. Yes, that’s right.

Although you wouldn’t technically call it ‘stealing.’  What they do is copy the framework of successful ads and then adapt them to suit their own needs.

They also use what is called their “swipe file.” This is a collection of ads, headlines and copy that they like. When it is time for them to write a headline, they instantly have a treasure trove of great ideas to help them write their powerful headline.

Once you start looking at copy from a writer’s perspective you will notice how many headlines get used over and over again. These are the ones that work. Take note and write them down!  Add them to your own Swipe File.

Continue to study and model successful essay writers. But don’t mimic their style exactly. Always be sure to use your own voice and let your personality shine through the text.

Remember a punchy headline that grabs attention and sparks curiosity will always have a better chance of competing and attract far more readers.

Positive Words Research – 5 Powerful Triggers You Can Use When Writing Essay Headlines

Writing Essay Headlines