Headlines aren’t just titles — they’re the doorway into your writing. If your headline doesn’t stop the scroll, no one reads your words.
When I first began studying copywriting, I quickly realized something: strong headlines are everything.
As a new writer, I wanted my words to land, but I learned fast that even the best ideas go unnoticed if the headline doesn’t do its job.
Mastering this one skill has given me the confidence and momentum to grow as a digital writer. Now I want to share the same building blocks that changed the way I write with you.
The Three Headline Building Blocks Every Digital Writer Needs
1. Have a Clear Message: Your ideal reader should know exactly what the content is about from the headline.
A clear headline will beat a clever one every time. Trying to be witty or mysterious usually confuses and pushes people away. Ask yourself: Will the reader know what this article is about just from the headline? If not, rewrite it until it’s crystal clear.
Example:
Instead of: “The Secret Ingredient You’re Missing”
Try: “The 5 Words That Instantly Strengthen Any Headline”
2. Use Emotion + Benefit: People don’t read headlines just for information. They click because the headline causes them to feel something, and it promises a benefit. This emotion could be curiosity, relief, excitement, or even fear of missing out.
Here's a formula to try:
[Emotion Word] + [Clear Benefit]
Examples:
“Struggling to Get Clients? 3 Copy Tweaks That Make You Magnetic”
“Finally Ready for Consistent Sales? Here’s the Headline Formula That Works”
When in doubt, focus on the outcome your reader deeply desires, whether that be clarity, confidence, or financial freedom, and then build your headline around that.
3. Create Authority with Numbers & Specifics: Vague headlines feel flimsy, while specifics give weight and authority.
This is why numbered “listicle” headlines are often used in headlines. Including numbers in your headlines makes your content feel digestible and doable.
Example:
Instead of: “How to Write Headlines”
Try: “3 Headline Building Blocks Every Digital Writer Needs”
By combining these three elements: clarity, emotion/benefit, and specifics, you’ll write headlines that pull readers in and position you as a writer worth following.
Your headline is your first impression, so don’t rush it. Strive to make your headlines specific, scannable, and easy to commit to.
My Advice
Write 5–10 headline options for every piece of content, then choose the one that best balances clarity, emotion, and authority.
When you focus on these three building blocks, you’ll start writing headlines that don’t just sit on the page — they grab attention and get read.
I’m still learning. But here’s what I know for sure: writing better headlines is practice, not magic. The more you write, the more confident you’ll become.
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Pick a topic, write a few headline variations, and hit publish. Done is better than perfect and started is better than stalled.
A Gift for You
✍️ 5 Swipeable Headline Templates:
1. [Number] Ways to [Desired Result] Without [Frustrating Obstacle]
Example: “5 Ways to Write Headlines That Convert Without Sounding Salesy”
2. How to [Achieve Goal] in [Timeframe] (Even If You [Common Struggle])
Example: “How to Create a Month of Social Content in 2 Hours (Even If You Hate Writing)”
3. The [Emotion Word] Guide to [Topic/Result]
Example: “The Simple Guide to Writing Headlines That Actually Get Clicks”
4. [Number] [Type of Thing] That Will Instantly [Desired Outcome]
Example: “3 Headline Tweaks That Will Instantly Boost Your Click-Through Rate”
5. Struggling With [Pain Point]? Here’s How to [Desired Result]
Example: “Struggling With Writer’s Block? Here’s How to Write Magnetic Headlines Fast”
Hope this helps you!
Until next time,
Ana
PS. I know you didn’t ask but . . . I’m currently obsessed with custom GPTs! It’s such a time saver and makes using ChatGPT so much easier!
I’ll also let you in on a little secret. I’m using a proprietary app that combines ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity - yes you heard that correctly! Message me if you want to learn more about this AMAZING APP!