Why They're Scrolling Past Your Headline

...because they're bored to tears.

The most effective way to swing necks on your timeline is with your headline.

You know that line of text people read before anything else? Like, the title of your recent blog post. Yea, that.

Get this right...and you got them reading the 1st line...then maybe the 2nd and before they know it...they've read the whole shebang!

Giving you the best opportunity to tease a click on your call-to-action.

Now, this is no easy feat. Foreplay never is.

You're in competition for your audience's attention. And all though I hate to use the word competition...because really, there is none if you're being authentic.

You are up against 25+ opened browser tabs, TV playing in the background, dinner menu options running through the brain and an uncontrollable scrolling enigma for Facebook.

Major publications or any business that takes writing headline's seriously; craft a-shit-ton of headline options before crowning LE ONE.

Do you know how heavy a-shit-ton of headlines are?

Enough to pull an eyebrow muscle from all the serious brainstorming. Don't think, it will get any easier with your email subject lines. They require just as many push-ups, jumping jacks and burpee routine to get opened and read. (Someone is back on her fitness).

"So, get to it Tennile...WTF!? How am I supposed to pin down a headline so that they stand at attention?"

Glad you asked nicely.

Before I share with you, my go-to flirt & flaunt headline eye-snatchers. This can be used with any of your sales letters, landing pages, articles, and social media posts.

I purposely left out email subject lines because it's a totally different beast. On another post, I'll share the subject lines that got me the most open's (and unsubscribe's).

Back to the task at hand...

The headline's job is to get them reading the next line, and the next line's job is to get them reading the next line.

The whole snowball effect. You still with me?

It's kind-of-a big deal.

So I dedicated a whole post on it. And because I follow you on social media, here's my nudge to tweak your own stuff. Remember, I got you!

The flirt & flaunt headline eye-snatcher of captivating your audience and clutching their attention:

1) Get Her To Notice You

Quickly share, what’s in it for her. What's the "big idea" you're communicating and whyyy...should she care??

2) Be Picky

Speak directly to her pressing problem. You want to be picky with who you direct your headline to. What's for her, isn't for Samantha. Zone in on her & on one thing that could help her slay.

3) Be Seductive

It's quite alright to lead her on. Use words & phrases that appeal to her, you want her to know this is strictly for her. So entice her to keep reading on...

My "Why Having a Platform is the Biggest Stage for Your Business (Learn from Bey)" is a great example. I was catering to Beyonce fans who run their own business.

4) Go All In

What's the benefit if she clicks? Tell her. Don't be shy here. Clearly, state why she needs you, she just doesn't know it yet.

5) Show Some Leg

Let her know, you're not new to this. You're an authority in your niche. And will whip out the silky smooth good lotion leg, if need be.

Using the 5 techniques above, swipe my 3 go-to headlines to reel her in (all real examples):

The "How-To" Headline:

These work best when there is a clear benefit involved.

ex. "How To Land The Guest Post On Large Publications In 3 Painless Steps." --

"How to Edit Your Web Copy to Sound Like You Hired a Copywriter."

The Testimonial Headline:

People are usually skeptical. Especially when new online businesses are popping up all over the place. *pop* *pop* *pop* So why not establish your credibility from the get-go. Let her know, "This person already loved my stuff".

ex. "Everything you write is what I’ve been preaching to others and getting the crazy look." -- "You made a huge impact on my thinking (and site)."

FYI: Best for social media & sales letter text. Using article headline's on Twitter, are not as effective as Quotables or words out of someone else's mouth.

The "Reason Why" Headline:

This outlines specific reasons why she should consider what you're offering after the click and creates a little curiosity.

ex. "Why You Should Wear the Same Thing to Work Every Day." -- "27 Skills Every Entrepreneur Needs Now."

*Remember to include, when possible to [tie it to a benefit] + [end desire goal] for your reader.

Here's the big picture about headlines...and this is a mind shift, I promise you this!

The main motive of your headline is to join the conversation your audience is already having in their head.

Unanswered questions, things they've been pondering, and topics they've been chatting about --all up in your social media feed!!

This is the reason 99.9% of these Wednesday newsletters are done the night before. Everything I witness in my social media interactions goes into a post and I stick in my expertise.

This could be the difference in a headline getting clicked and read. Over one scrolled past.

 

Pay attention and listen. Then answer them in your headline.