Of all the ‘rules’ out there for writing page headlines, this is the most transformative. If your headline sits on a petition or advocacy page, use it to communicate the ‘pain or consequence’ that follows from ignoring your page. In other words, force your audience to consider the threat posed by inaction. Do this by identifying the victim, an imminent threat, and the projected outcome of your action’s success.
Examples:
“Stop the dairy industry killing 500,000 healthy calves” (If I don’t take action, animals will suffer
“Save exported sheep from fully-conscious slaughter” (If I don’t want this to happen, I must act)
A similar principle can be applied to information-style pages, too:
“10 plant-based foods that pack more calcium than dairy” (If I don’t read this, I won’t be able to optimize my calcium intake)
“These live exporters think they’re above the law (they’re not)” (If I don’t read this, I will be as clueless as these live exporters)
“5 things the chicken meat industry is afraid to tell you” (If I don’t read this, I’ll be kept in the dark)
This little trick will also work with email subject lines—and for exactly the same reasons.
From: 6 ways to make page titles click-worthy (not click-baity)
Whatever you do—don’t just imagine your headline on your page itself. Consider how your headline performs without the rest of your page to give it context. Does it make sense without an accompanying photo or intro text?...
2 minute readWhatever you do—don’t just imagine your headline on your page itself. Consider how your headline performs without the rest of your page to...
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Hi there! I’m Karen. I’m on a mission to reach my former self. Had I known 10 years ago what I know today, I could have achieved more good, made fewer mistakes, and had more weekends. Every time we share what works, we win faster. Let’s create digital experiences that move people — that grow our base and fuel our movements. Are you with me? Please share this with someone you know who wants to up their digital game!
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