How to Write Good Blog Titles
Blog titles are the first thing readers see, and studies show that 80% of people read headlines but only 20% continue reading the full article. This makes your title the most important part of your content. The difference between a great and average headline can boost click-through rates by up to 500%, making title writing a skill worth mastering.[1][2]
Keep Titles Short and Clear
Optimal length matters for visibility. Blog titles should be 50-60 characters long, which Google displays fully in search results. This translates to roughly 8-12 words. Titles longer than 60 characters get cut off in search results, potentially missing key information that would make readers click.[3][4]
When writing titles, place your most important keywords at the beginning since these carry more weight with search engines. Keep language simple and direct - complex words or phrases can confuse readers and reduce engagement.[5][6]
Use Numbers and Specific Data
Numbers grab attention and set clear expectations. Titles with numbers get 36% more clicks than those without. Numbers work because they promise specific, digestible information. Instead of "Tips for Better Sleep," write "7 Simple Tips for Better Sleep Tonight."[2]
Different number types work for different platforms. Twitter headlines with 8-12 words perform best, while Facebook favors 12-14 word titles. Choose odd numbers when possible - they feel more natural and trustworthy than even numbers.[3]
Apply Proven Title Formulas
How-to titles remain among the most searched phrases on Google. They match what people actually look for and promise clear solutions. Examples include "How to Write Blog Titles That Get Clicks" or "How to Build a Website in 30 Minutes."[7]
Question titles work because they mirror how people think and search. They create conversation rather than one-way communication. Examples: "Why Does Your Website Get No Traffic?" or "What Makes Headlines Click-Worthy?"[7]
List formats (listicles) break information into scannable chunks that busy readers prefer. They work particularly well on social media where people scroll quickly.[7]
Add Emotional Triggers
Emotions drive clicks more than logic. Research shows that emotionally charged headlines significantly outperform neutral ones. The brain craves closure and responds to curiosity gaps - hints at information without revealing everything.[8][1]
Use power words that create emotional responses. Words like "secret," "proven," "essential," "shocking," and "exclusive" trigger curiosity and urgency. However, avoid overused marketing terms like "game-changing," "revolutionary," or "ninja" as these have become meaningless through overuse.[10][11]
Fear and urgency can motivate action when used ethically. Phrases like "Don't Make This Mistake" or "Before It's Too Late" create concern that drives clicks. Curiosity-driven words like "hidden," "little-known," or "what nobody tells you" suggest exclusive information.[12]
Focus on Reader Value
Your title must match your content. Misleading titles damage trust and increase bounce rates, hurting your search rankings. Make sure your headline accurately represents what readers will find in your article.[1]
Address specific problems your audience faces. Instead of generic titles like "Marketing Tips," write "Fix These 5 Marketing Mistakes Costing You Sales." This shows readers exactly what value they'll get.
Include benefit-focused language that explains what readers will gain. Rather than "Social Media Strategy," try "Double Your Social Media Followers in 30 Days."
Avoid Common Mistakes
Skip buzzwords and marketing hype. Terms like "leverage," "synergy," "cutting-edge," and "world-class" sound empty and reduce credibility. Write like you're talking to a friend, not giving a corporate presentation.
Don't sacrifice accuracy for clicks. While emotional triggers work, your content must deliver on your title's promise. Disappointing readers builds negative associations with your brand.
Test different approaches when possible. Many successful publishers create multiple title versions and test which performs better. Even changing one word can increase clicks by significant percentages.[13]
Make Titles Scannable
Use brackets to add specificity. Adding descriptive elements in brackets helps titles stand out and provides extra value signals. Examples: "Email Marketing Guide [Free Templates]" or "WordPress Tips [Video Tutorial]."[14]
Consider your platform. Different channels have different optimal lengths. Email subject lines work best at 30-50 characters, while social media varies by platform.[15]
Good blog titles balance being informative and intriguing. They clearly communicate what readers will learn while creating enough curiosity to drive clicks. Focus on your audience's needs, use simple language, and always deliver on your promises.
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