Writing headlines that grab attention instantly, stop scrolling, and make readers curious enough to click is an art and a science. That’s why we put together this ultimate list of top headlines — the ones that get read and shared over and over. These headline examples are based on real, high-performing ads, blog posts, landing pages, and email campaigns that generated measurable results.
The key to writing a good headline is to put yourself in the reader’s shoes and ask yourself, “What’s in it for me?” Great headlines promise a benefit, a solution to a problem, or an opportunity to learn something new. They also evoke an emotional response in the reader, tapping into fear of missing out (FOMO), curiosity about what’s next, or a desire to make a change.
A clear and concise headline is essential in this age of shortened attention spans. Headlines appear on story pages, social media, and even in Apple News — the more distilled they are, the better. This approach also helps search engines quickly understand what a piece is about, potentially boosting its SEO rankings. The siren song of colons, journalese, and partial quotes beckons from countless online dictionaries and acronym generators. But these shortcuts often confuse or detract from the message. Instead, try to use these headline formulas sparingly.
About the Author
