Various headline kinds enhance reader engagement at a different level. The level of engagement depends mainly on target audience and the article type. This write up will elaborate on these 7 kinds with many headline examples:

1. Making a promise,
2. Asking a question,
3. Sharing testimonials,
4. Being sorry,
5. Making it two parts,
6. Using wordplay,
7. Challenging beliefs.

There is one good way you can pick any of the strategies.

Ask yourself – will this headline work with my targeted audience?.

You many not have an answer when you start your journey. But you soon can find an answer with many tries. You can experiment various strategies to understand what works better with your audience.

Tip: Read more on what a headline is and how to write your next one here.

Tool Recommendation: socialDapr lets you write headlines with various strategies, kinds and lets you pick criteria. Create 10 headline examples for every kind.

Summary of 7 ways of writing a title with a headline example

Let us assume you are trying to write an article to help moms of twins with grocery tips. Here is a headline example under each kind.

Headline Kind	Example
Make a promise	“Effortless Grocery Shopping: Essential Tips for Moms of Twins!”
Ask a question	“Is Grocery Shopping with Twins Stressing You Out?”
Make it like a testimonial	“Moms Are Raving About These Grocery Hacks for Twins!”
Be sorry to the reader	“Sorry, Moms—Grocery Shopping Can Be Easier for your Twins!”
Use wordplay	“Twincredible Tips for Grocery Shopping Success!”
Make it two parts	“Grocery Shopping Simplified: Smart Strategies for Twin Moms!”
Challenge user belief	“Think Grocery Shopping is Hard with Twins? Think Again!”

In the below sections we will elaborate on each of the strategies with more examples.

1) Make a promise – headline kind and examples

A promise headline kind is a powerful approach to writing headlines. These kind of headlines directly tell the reader what they can expect from the article. It offers a clear solution, appealing to the reader’s need for value or results.

When you make a promise in your headline:

• Be specific,
• Be realistic, and
• Compelling enough to encourage the reader to engage with the content.

Be careful and avoid clickbait. A promise stretched too much can sound as a click bait. A promise is a honest statement. A clickbait is deceptive, not practical and always breaks trust.

Make a promise headline examples

Good Promise	Clickbait
“Learn to Cook 5 Delicious Meals in Under 30 Minutes”	“This Cooking Hack Will Turn You into a Master Chef Overnight!”
“Save $200 on Your Next Vacation with These Budget Tips”	“This One Trick Will Make All Your Vacations Free!”
“Get Fit with These 10-Minute Workouts – Perfect for Busy People”	“You’ll Never Guess What Happens After Doing This Workout!”
“Improve Your Credit Score by 50 Points in 6 Months”	“This Secret Will Make Your Credit Score Skyrocket Instantly!”
“How to Pay Off Your Debt in 1 Year with Simple Strategies”	“This Easy Trick Will Erase All Your Debt in Days!”
“Grow Your Email List by 500 in 3 Months with These Tactics”	“You Won’t Believe How Fast You Can Get 1 Million Subscribers!”
“Reduce Anxiety with These 7 Scientifically Proven Techniques”	“This One Weird Trick Will Make All Your Anxiety Vanish!”
“Get a Better Night’s Sleep with These 5 Tips from Sleep Experts”	“This Simple Hack Will Give You the Best Sleep of Your Life!”
“How to Ace Your Next Job Interview with These Preparation Tips”	“You’ll Get Hired Immediately If You Use This Interview Trick!”
“Boost Your Online Sales by 25% with These Marketing Techniques”	“This One Hack Will Make You Millions in Just Days!”

Make a promise in your headline to build truthful expectations, trust over time with your readers.

2) Ask a question headline kind and examples

Ask a Question headline is meant to create curiosity with your readers. It engages readers by asking a question that resonates with their interests, problems, or curiosity. These kind of headlines invite readers to think about the question. So, it encourages them to click on the article to find the answer. They draw attention because people naturally seek answers to questions. This is especially true if the question relates to a need or problem they have.

When you ask a question in your headline, keep these points in mind

• Make it relevant
• Create curiosity
• Avoid Yes/ No question
• Keep it specific

For example, you can create curiosity with a question: What’s the One Trick Every Successful Investor Knows? And try to avoid Yes/no questions. They sometimes limit engagement because a simple answer can close off curiosity.

Ask a question – Headline Examples

Effective “Ask a Question” Headline	Contrasting Yes/No Question
“How Can You Save $100 on Your Next Grocery Run?”	“Do You Want to Save Money on Groceries?”
“What’s the Secret to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep?”	“Are You Sleeping Well?”
“How Can You Improve Your Productivity in Just 5 Minutes a Day?”	“Do You Want to Be More Productive?”
“What Are the Best Exercises for Losing Belly Fat?”	“Are You Trying to Lose Weight?”
“How Can You Start Your Own Business Without Quitting Your Job?”	“Do You Want to Start a Business?”
“What’s Holding You Back from Reaching Your Career Goals?”	“Are You Happy with Your Career Progress?”
“How Can You Boost Your Immune System Naturally?”	“Do You Care About Your Immune Health?”
“What’s the Easiest Way to Learn a New Language in 30 Days?”	“Do You Want to Learn a New Language?”
“How Can You Plan the Perfect Family Vacation on a Budget?”	“Are You Planning a Family Vacation?”
“What’s the Key to Mastering Work-Life Balance?”	“Are You Struggling with Work-Life Balance?”

With socialDapr, you can create various headlines using different strategies. For example, include a reason to read or use numbers. You can also use power words at the front. Bring urgency or spark curiosity.

Also remember to match your audience language and tone when you ask a question. For a professional audience: “What Are the Most Common Leadership Mistakes You’re Making?” Using a tool like socialDapr will guarantee that.

3) Make it a testimonial – headline kind and examples

A Make it a Testimonial headline kind involves crafting a headline from a personal perspective. It should mimic the style of a testimonial or success story.

Rather than saying, “Learn to Lose Weight Quickly”, consider a testimonial-like statement. For instance, “I Lost 20 Pounds in 2 Months Using These Simple Tips” is more persuasive.

This testimonial should come from someone who has benefited from the product, service, or advice offered. This kind of headline is powerful because it leverages a social proof. This makes the content feel more trustworthy and relatable to readers.

By using this strategy, you’re telling your audience: If this worked for someone else, it can work for you too!

When you make a testimonial, keep these points in mind

• make it personal story
• Offer a clear benefit
• Built trust

Make It A Testimonial – Headline Examples

Standard Headline	Testimonial-Style Headline
“Achieve Your Fitness Goals with These Simple Workouts”	“I Achieved My Fitness Goals in 6 Weeks with These Simple Workouts”
“Learn How to Make Money from Blogging”	“How I Earned $10,000 a Month Just by Blogging from Home”
“Boost Your Productivity with These Tips”	“These 5 Simple Tips Helped Me Double My Productivity in a Month”
“Get Rid of Back Pain with These Exercises”	“This Simple Stretch Routine Finally Relieved My Back Pain”
“How to Organize Your Home in a Week”	“I Organized My Entire Home in Just 7 Days—Here’s How”
“Save Money on Groceries with These Hacks”	“These Grocery Hacks Helped Me Save $100 Every Month”
“Improve Your Writing Skills in 30 Days”	“I Improved My Writing in Just 30 Days by Using This Method”
“Find the Best Deals When Traveling”	“I Traveled the World for Half the Price Thanks to These Insider Tips”
“Build a Successful Business from Scratch”	“How I Built a Six-Figure Business from Scratch with No Prior Experience”
“Master Public Speaking with These Techniques”	“These 3 Techniques Transformed Me from a Nervous Speaker to a Confident Pro”

4) Being Sorry – headline kind and examples

A Be Sorry to the Reader headline kind involves expressing regret or empathy for the reader’s current situation or problem. This tactic makes the headline sound apologetic. It acknowledges a mistake, common issue, or pain point that the reader can relate to.

Being sorry helps create an emotional connection by showing that you understand the reader’s struggles. Also remember to offer a solution.

When you being sorry to your reader keep these points in mind

• Show empathy. Do not make them feel miserable.
• Offer a promise of help
• Built trust

Being sorry to the reader – Headline Examples

Standard Headline	Apologetic Headline
“How to Save More Money”	“Sorry to Say, But You’re Probably Losing Money—Here’s How to Save!”
“Master Your Budget”	“We Regret to Inform You, Your Budget Needs Help—Here’s How to Fix It!”
“Investing Basics for Beginners”	“Sorry, But You’re Missing Out on Smart Investments—Here’s What to Do”
“Top Tips for Building Credit”	“We Apologize for Your Credit Score—Here’s How to Boost It Quickly”
“Ways to Eliminate Debt”	“Sorry to Break It to You, But Your Debt Might Spiral—Here’s How to Tackle It”
“Create a Sustainable Savings Plan”	“We’re Sorry, Your Savings Plan Isn’t Working—Here’s How to Revamp It”
“Maximize Your Retirement Savings”	“Sorry, But You’re Not Saving Enough for Retirement—Here’s How to Catch Up”
“Smart Shopping Tips”	“Apologies, But Your Shopping Habits Could Cost You—Here’s What to Change”
“How to Negotiate Bills”	“Sorry to Say, You’re Overpaying—Here’s How to Negotiate Your Bills”
“Emergency Fund Essentials”	“We Regret to Inform You, Your Emergency Fund Isn’t Ready—Here’s How to Prepare”

5) Make it two Parts – headline kind and examples

The “Make it Two Parts” headline strategy involves structuring the headline distinctly. It clearly presents two ideas or elements, often separated by a colon or a dash.

This approach lets you convey more information. It grabs the reader’s attention by highlighting both the topic and the benefit or angle of the content.

When you plan to use a a two part kind of headline, keep these points in mind

• Bring dual focus and include two components
• Focus on bringing clarity in each part
• The two parts should complement each other

Using Two Parts – Headline Examples

Two Part Headline	Explanation
“Healthy Eating: Quick Recipes for Busy Moms!”	Combines the theme of healthy eating with quick recipes.
“Travel Smart: Tips for Exploring on a Budget!”	Highlights travel and budget-friendly tips.
“Fitness Goals: How to Stay Motivated Year-Round!”	Connects fitness goals with motivation strategies.
“Home Organization: Transform Your Space Today!”	Offers home organization advice with a call to action.
“Gardening Basics: Grow Your Own Fresh Herbs!”	Introduces gardening and the specific focus on herbs.
“Digital Marketing: Strategies for Small Businesses!”	Addresses digital marketing strategies for a specific audience.
“Work-Life Balance: Achieve Harmony in Your Life!”	Discusses the importance of work-life balance.
“Mindfulness Practice: Cultivate Inner Peace Daily!”	Combines mindfulness with the idea of daily practice.
“Parenting Tips: Nurturing Resilience in Children!”	Highlights parenting while focusing on resilience.
“Fashion Trends: Elevate Your Wardrobe This Season!”	Connects fashion trends with practical wardrobe tips

These two-part headlines are effective. They instantly convey both the topic and the value proposition. This encourages readers to engage with the content.

6) Using wordplay – headline kind and examples

The “Using Wordplay” headline strategy involves incorporating puns, alliteration, or rhymes. It also includes clever twists of language to make a headline catchy and memorable. But remember your headline should not be overly clever. Read more on how to write a headline with out being overly clever.

This approach can engage readers by adding humor or a clever twist, making the content more appealing and shareable. These kind of headlines

When you plan to use a wordplay kind of headline, keep these points in mind

• Use your creativity
• Do not come across as overly clever
• Bring humor

Using wordplay – Headline Examples

Wordplay Headline	Explanation
“The Write Stuff: Pen Your Best Story Yet!”	A pun on “right stuff,” encouraging writing creativity.
“Brew-tiful Mornings: Coffee Recipes to Perk You Up!”	A play on “beautiful” to make coffee sound enticing.
“Knot Your Average DIY: Crafting with a Twist!”	A pun on “not your average,” emphasizing uniqueness in crafting.
“Chickpea and You: A Legume Love Story!”	A playful take on “chick flick” to promote chickpea recipes.
“Sow What? Gardening Tips for Every Green Thumb!”	A pun on “so what,” engaging readers with gardening advice.
“The Art of Staying Sane: Tips for a Stress-Free Life!”	A play on “art of living,” focusing on mental wellness.
“Let’s Taco ‘Bout It: Fun Recipes for Taco Lovers!”	A pun on “talk about,” inviting readers to explore taco recipes.
“Bookmarked for Greatness: Must-Read Novels of the Year!”	A play on “bookmarked,” highlighting important literature.
“Take a Hike: Trails That Will Leave You Breathless!”	A pun on “take a hike,” suggesting both hiking and stunning views.
“Game of Cones: Ice Cream Flavors Worth the Hype!”	A twist on “Game of Thrones,” promoting unique ice cream flavors.

These examples use wordplay to create engaging headlines. They make the headlines memorable across various topics. Cleverness and humor draw readers in.

7) Challenge user belief – headline kind and examples

A Challenge User Belief kind of headline aims to provoke thought. It inspires readers to question their preconceived notions or beliefs about a particular topic. This type of headline often presents a counter intuitive or controversial idea. It encourages readers to delve deeper into the content. Readers will get to explore new perspectives.

When you plan to use a this kind of a headline, keep these points in mind

• Do not use provocative language
• Encourage curiosity
• Inspire a discussion

Challenge User Belief – Headline Examples

Headline	Explanation
“Why Saving Money Might Be Hurting You!”	Challenges the belief that saving is always beneficial.
“Everything You Know About Nutrition Is Wrong!”	Provokes readers to question conventional dietary advice.
“Think Debt Is Always Bad? Think Again!”	Challenges the negative perception of debt.
“Why More Experience Doesn’t Always Mean Better Performance!”	Questions the common belief that experience guarantees success.
“Can You Really Be Too Happy? The Case Against Constant Positivity!”	Challenges the notion that being happy is always desirable.
“Why Working Harder Isn’t the Key to Success!”	Provokes readers to rethink their work ethic.
“Are You Wasting Your Time on Traditional Education?”	Questions the value of conventional schooling.
“Is Multitasking Actually Killing Your Productivity?”	Challenges the belief that multitasking is effective.
“Why You Should Embrace Your Fears Instead of Avoiding Them!”	Provokes thought on common fear avoidance strategies.
“Is Free Advice Really Worth It? The Hidden Costs!”	Challenges the belief that free advice is always beneficial.

These headlines effectively engage readers. They prompt readers to reconsider their beliefs. This makes them more likely to click through and explore the content.

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Conclusion – Headline Kinds & Examples

Here’s a quick summary of the 7 types of headline strategies.

1. Make a Promise: Offer a clear benefit or result to the reader, building trust and setting expectations.
   • Example: “Save $500 on Groceries This Month with These Simple Tips!”
2. Ask a Question: Engage the reader with a question that captures their interest. It should address a problem they want to solve.
   • Example: “Are You Making These Costly Mistakes in Your Budget?”
3. Make it Like a Testimonial: Share a quote-like statement that feels personal. It should be relatable, as if it’s coming from someone the reader can trust.
   • Example: “I Paid Off $30K in Debt in Just One Year—Here’s How!”
4. Be Sorry to the Reader: Express regret or empathy, drawing the reader in by showing understanding or concern.
   • Example: “Sorry, You’re Probably Overpaying on Your Mortgage—Here’s How to Fix It.”
5. Use Wordplay: Play with language in a clever way that grabs attention while staying relevant to the content.
   • Example: “Money Talks—Is Yours Saying the Right Thing?”
6. Make it Two Parts: Divide the headline into two connected ideas. Often, they are separated by a colon or dash. This method creates intrigue and clarity.
   • Example: “Invest Smarter: 5 Rules to Boost Your Financial Future”
7. Challenge User Belief: Present a provocative statement that encourages the reader to question their assumptions.
   • Example: “Think Renting is Cheaper than Buying? Think Again!”

These headline strategies offer various ways to connect with you readers. They help engage readers depending on the article’s content and intent. Use these strategies to engage your readers in a better way from next time.