How to Write Catchy Headlines That Get People to Click

Learn how to grab attention, build curiosity and call readers to action with attention-grabbing headlines that get results.

What Makes a Headline Attention-Grabbing

Before diving into specific headline-writing techniques, we need to understand on a fundamental level what draws people in. Some key things that make headlines stand out include:

Curiosity: Headlines should leave the reader with a question they feel compelled to find the answer to.
Emotion: Using emotionally charged or provocative language stimulates a reaction. Words like "shocking," "surprising," and "outrageous" tend to grab attention.
Benefit to the reader: Highlighting what's in it for them - whether that's value, entertainment, or resolution to a problem. Self-interest is a huge motivator.
Conciseness: Brevity is key, as people have short attention spans. Too wordy and it loses its punch. Tight, impactful phrasing works best.
Specifics: Vague, generalized headlines don't give enough context. Be direct and tell the reader exactly what they'll learn.

The AIDA formula is one of the most commonly used and effective headline formulas out there. AIDA stands for:

- Attention
- Interest
- Desire
- Action

The goal of any headline is to move the reader through these four stages. First you need to grab their Attention with something intriguing. Then you build their Interest by satisfying their curiosity. Next you create Desire by appealing to their wants or needs. And finally you call them to Action by suggesting what you want them to do next (like clicking through).

Let me give you an example of a headline that follows the AIDA formula:

"The One Thing Holding You Back From Success (And How to Overcome It)"

This headline immediately grabs your Attention with the promise of an unknown trick. It builds Interest by implying top writers are trying to keep it a secret. It creates Desire to uncover this supposed secret. And it calls you to Action by suggesting you click to find out what it is.

Boom, AIDA achieved in under 15 words. Now you have the basic framework to craft compelling headlines every time.

This is another one of the most powerful headline formulas around. It's deceptively simple - make a bold promise and then add a juicy extra detail.

For example:

"Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Weeks Without Diet or Exercise"

This headline makes a big promise to lose a lot of weight fast without trying. But then it adds the extra bit of information "Without Diet or Exercise" to really pique interest. Now readers are left wondering how on earth is this possible? Their curiosity is through the roof and they have to click to find out.

Another example:

"Earn $10,000 Per Month Working Just 3 Hours a Week From Your Couch"

It promises a ridiculously high income for barely any work. But then the addition of "From Your Couch" sweetens the deal and makes it seem almost too good to be true. Readers are dying to uncover the secret behind this promise-plus headline.

The key is to always under-promise and over-deliver. Make bold claims but then include that little extra tidbit to take it to the next level. Works like a charm every time.

People simply can't resist answering questions. So posing intriguing questions in your headlines is a surefire way to get clicks. The question works as a social proof - it implies that others have the same question and are seeking the answer.

For example:

"Is It Really Possible to Lose 20 Pounds in a Month Without Exercise?"

"What's the Secret to Writing Headlines that Always Get Clicks?"

"Do Smartphones Really Reduce Our Attention Span by Half?"

By asking questions, you tap into people's natural curiosity. You present an issue or problem and position yourself as having the solution. Readers now feel compelled to click through to get their question answered.

Questions are also a clever way to introduce controversy or debate. For instance:

"Is Coffee Really Good or Bad for Your Health?"

Now readers on both sides of the debate will click, wanting to see the evidence presented. Questions are truly a headline goldmine.

People adore lists. We're drawn to information presented in a quick, scannable format. Lists satisfy that need for efficiency while also building intrigue item by item.

Try structuring your headline as a numbered or bullet point list. For example:

"The 7 Weird Tricks Billionaires Use to Stay Rich"

"5 Secret Signs She's Not Actually Into You"

"10 Mistakes That Will Tank Your Business (And How to Avoid Them)"

With lists, you promise valuable information but drip-feed it piece by piece. Readers will click just to uncover the whole list. You can also use lists to highlight benefits or offer a step-by-step solution.

The key is keeping each list item brief but compelling on its own. Leave just enough information to intrigue without giving the whole game away. Now readers need the full context that only your article can provide.

People find statistics fascinating, especially shocking or surprising ones. By including an eyebrow-raising statistic in your headline, you tap into our innate interest in facts and figures.

For example:

"You Won't Believe How Much Time the Average Person Wastes Daily on Their Phone"

"The Jaw-Dropping Percentage of Marriages with at Least One Unfaithful Spouse"

"The Scary Number of Germs on Your Smartphone (It's More Than a Public Toilet)"

Statistics add social proof by presenting data about what "most people" or "the average person" does. They also introduce an element of controversy or surprise. Readers are left wondering how such a statistic could possibly be true. Now they need to click to verify it for themselves.

The key is finding genuinely intriguing stats, preferably from credible sources. Exaggerated or made-up numbers will only turn readers off. But real, attention-grabbing data is headline gold.

People constantly search for practical information on how to improve their lives. By framing your headline as a how-to solution, you position yourself as the expert guide.

For example:

"How to Write Irresistible Headlines That Always Get Clicks"

"The Foolproof Way to Lose 10 Pounds in 2 Weeks"

"Finally, an Easy 3-Step Process to Stop Procrastinating For Good"

How-to headlines promise step-by-step guidance. They present you as having cracked the code on a common problem or desire. Readers will click through to learn your proven methods, especially if the solution seems simple or effortless.

Be sure to highlight benefits like "foolproof," "easy," or "finally." Emphasize how your how-to will save time, reduce effort or eliminate stress. Then deliver on the promise with clear, actionable advice in your article.

Conclusion

By following the strategies discussed in this article, you now have the power to craft irresistibly engaging headlines that readers simply cannot resist clicking.

Whether you want to drive massive traffic to your blog, generate thousands of social media shares, or quite simply get more eyes on your content, learning how to write headlines that entrance and intrigue audiences is a game-changer.

Don't believe me? I challenge you to try implementing even one of these tactics for your next piece of content. The results may shock you. One headline tweaked with an engaging question or powerfully curious phrase could mean hundreds or even thousands of additional clicks for your work.

The choice is yours. You can continue writing bland, boring headlines that get glazed over. Or you can seize this opportunity to catapult your readership and social proof through the roof.

You have the power - so what are you waiting for? Get crafting those curious, compelling captions now!

How to Write Catchy Headlines That Get People to Click

What Makes a Headline Attention-Grabbing

Best Headline Formulas

Write catchy headlines that get people to click!

AIDA Formula

Promise-Plus Formula

Question Formula

List Formula

Shocking Statistic Formula

How-to Formula

How to Write a Blog Post

Conclusion