New Age Copy

During my time as a copywriter I have been asked many times ‘what does it take to write eye-catching headlines’. It is not an easy task and will take practice, but if you incorporate any one of the ten tips listed below, you can grab your surfers attention.

So let’s get started:

• Combine curiosity with a benefitYou need to create intrique within your headline which will get your surfer pausing for thought and wondering if they too can receive the same benefit.

  Now this benefits needs to be attainable, so don’t try to exaggerate about the product you are writing about. Instead it needs to be an attainable benefit that surfers want and of which you can provide.

• A bold claim followed by dramatic proofWith this one you will need to separate the two putting your bold claim in the first main header before introducing a smaller header than places this bold claim with dramatic proof that it is attainable.
• ScarcityIntroducing a deadline whereby your exclusive offer will end is a create way to create urgency and getting surfers considering their options.

  If you were told that only 20 apple ipods priced at £60 were still available, wouldn’t you be clicking on the ‘order now’ button?

• Telling a storyThis can’t be any story. Your character needs to be making a transition which could help other individuals. With this possibility on the horizon their curiosity will be heightened.
• A HookThis one is a classic but placing a hook where you connect 2 seemingly unrelated things can grab your surfers attention and make them wonder what the connection is.

  The only thing you need to remember here though is that if you mention a juxtaposition within your headline, you need to resolve it early within your copy.

• NewsNew News is always a good way to stop someone in their tracks. Integrate the words ‘now’, ‘finally’, ‘at last’ and ‘announcing’ into your headline establishes an immediacy that must be heard about.
• Challenge We all do this. If someone sets us a challenge and dares us to give it a go we do. We too want to succeed.

  So trying adding a challenge to your headline and see the difference it makes to your articles success.

• Comparing 2 unequal thingsWrite as though 2 traditionally unequal objects/events can be equal and you’ll have surfers wondering  how it is possible whilst viewing your product/service with no appreciative eyes.
• Unique Selling PointLike a hook, your products unique selling point is the key to making you stand out against your competition and making surfers want to choose you. So use this unique quality to your advantage and incorporate it into your headline.
• ‘How to’Now this one only really works if your product/service is the first of its niche. In terms of weight loss and ecommerce a ‘How to’ headline may not be so effective when your competitors are doing it too.

  Good Luck!

  Rowena xx