A clever headline may appeal to you, but it could confuse your reader. Vague headlines speak to no one in particular. And gimmicky headlines make your content look unprofessional. These are just a few of the critical mistakes that could be costing you conversions.
Let's dive into the 7 most common headline mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Being Overly Clever
A clever headline may appeal to you, but it could confuse your reader.
How to fix this:
Make your headline:
- Simple
- Descriptive
- Straightforward
Prioritize clarity over cleverness.
2. Being Too Vague
A vague headline speaks to no one in particular.
How to fix this:
Make your headline:
- Address your target
- Use numbers/data
- Include relevant details
Specificity makes your headline appealing to the right audience.
3. Sounding Gimmicky
Gimmicks make your headline look unprofessional.
How to fix this:
Avoid using:
- Clickbait
- Buzzwords
- Exaggeration
- Capitalizing The Entire Headline (LIKE THIS)
- Too Many Exclamation Marks (!!)
Make your headline sell, not yell.
4. Zero Emotion
An emotionless headline won't connect with your prospects.
How to fix this:
Inject emotion by using:
- Power words
- Pain points
- Vivid imagery
No headline is complete without the emotional factor.
5. Incorrect Formatting
Poor formatting makes your headline hard to read.
How to fix this:
Use:
- Readable font
- Proper spacing
- Bold/underline/italics
- Consistent alignment
How you present your headline is just as important as what it says.
6. No "Next Step"
A headline without a "next step" is a dead end.
How to fix this:
At the end of your headline, instruct people to:
- Keep reading
- Scroll down
- Click somewhere
Your headline's goal is not just to grab attention but to incentivize action.
7. No Curiosity
A headline lacking curiosity is easily overlooked.
How to fix this:
Spark curiosity in your prospect with:
- An interesting fact
- An outrageous claim
- A thought-provoking question
Curiosity is the best attention-grabber there is.
Final Thoughts
Your headline is the first thing your audience sees, and it can make or break your conversion rate. By avoiding these 7 common mistakes and implementing the fixes outlined above, you'll create headlines that capture attention, build trust, and drive action.
Remember: a great headline is clear, specific, emotionally engaging, and always leaves your reader wanting more.