You're reading this article because
headline captured your attention. It sparked your desire to know more about creating headlines. That's mission of an effective headline. It captures reader's attention and provides a compelling reason to read whatever follows.The headline is most important part of any ad or sales letter. It determines whether or not people will read your message. You may have best written copy in world but you've wasted your time if your headline doesn't excite readers enough to read your message.
Here are some examples of effective headlines I found in classified ad section of a popular website:
1. Lose 15 Pounds In 30 Days... And Keep It Off 2. Submit Your Ad To 200 Websites With 1 Mouse Click 3. Instantly Increase Your Orders By 29% 4. How To Make $2,000/Month At Home With Your Computer 5. Discover How To Reduce Your Fuel Bills By 43%
Each of these headlines clearly states benefit I can expect to get from product, service or business opportunity promoted in ad under headline. If I am interested in gaining benefit, I cannot resist reading entire ad to find out more.
A SIMPLE FIVE STEP PROCEDURE
I've used following 5 step procedure many times to create powerful headlines. It's simple and easy to follow. Even someone without special talent, skill or previous experience can use it to create a captivating headline.
STEP #1. Define in writing ideal prospect you want to capture with your headline. Be sure to include characteristics that make your product or service valuable to this prospect.
STEP #2. Personalize this ideal prospect by visualizing them as one person you want to attract with your headline. Keep this vision of one person in your mind whenever you're writing a headline. Your ad or sales letter will be read by one person at a time. Therefore, you'll find it easier to produce an effective headline by visualizing just one person and writing to that person.
