One of the most powerful ways to get your readers involved is with powerful headlines. This is especially important when writing for the Internet. Web readers tend to scan headlines and body copy quickly. If you don't want them to click away to another site, you better grab their attention from the start.
- Know what customers are searching for. Use their search terms - your keywords and phrases - to immediately capture their attention.
- Make the headline short, but meaningful. Make it relevant to what they're searching for.
- Use powerful words, like free, money, savings - words to relate to the readers' needs.
- Find a shorter way to say what you mean using some of those powerful words. Long headlines turn people off.
- Never be misleading. If the site has nothing to do with the headline, they won't be back. They'll probably tell others of their negative experience which will reflect badly on your reputation.
- Don't write the headline and forget it. As you get further into the copy, tweak the headline until it's exactly as you want it.
Headlines and sub-heads are equally important. Use thought when selecting them and go a step beyond with the copy keeping it concise and simple. Always speak to the needs of the reader, addressing the benefits of your product or service as it relates to their application. Bullet points are often easier for Internet readers to scan - so learn to make good use of them.
Remember, your site serves as a salesperson for your product or service. Make it friendly, meaningful and relevant to what the customer is looking for.
