Writing Headlines and Hooks

Getting Clicks and Keeping Readers

Headline Formulas That Work

• Numbers: "7 Ways to Improve Your Writing Today"


• How-to: "How to Write a Resume That Gets Interviews"


• Question: "Are You Making These Grammar Mistakes?"


• Comparison: "APA vs. MLA: Which Citation Style Should You Use?"


• Ultimate/Complete: "The Complete Guide to Academic Writing"

Writing Effective Hooks

Your first 1-2 sentences determine whether readers stay or leave. Effective hooks:

• State a problem your reader faces


• Share a surprising statistic or fact


• Ask a question they want answered


• Make a bold, attention-grabbing claim

The Promise-Deliver Pattern

Your headline makes a promise. Your content must deliver on it. Clickbait (promising more than you deliver) may get clicks but destroys trust and increases bounce rates.