Don’t Say It That Way!

I really enjoy coming up with witty titles for my blog posts. It’s fun. Part of me (the stubborn part) doesn’t want to change. But one of my good writing pals pointed out the wisdom of key words the other day. She even backed it up with this fascinating and fear producing article. Have I been doing this all wrong, for years?

I have come to the conclusion that I may need to change how I write my headlines.

Why? Well that article for one. Secondly, I have two posts that get extreme repeat traffic compared to all else on here. Both of those titles have keywords in them, just on accident. So I see the power in the words I just didn’t know why until today.

So what are these words? Out of respect I’d ask you go read that other article in full to get the specific words but here I will give you the gist of each word category.

Promotes the idea of newness: Use words that make the reader feel like they are on the brink of something they can’t miss.

Promotes the idea of threats: Use words that make the reader feel like their world is about to fall apart.

Promotes the idea of curiosity: Use words that make the reader feel like they will miss out if they don’t read more.

Promotes the idea of shortcuts: Use words that make the reader feel like they will benefit if they read more.

Promotes the idea of authority: Use words, numbers, and figures that make the reader feel like there is authority and authenticity behind your words.

Promotes the idea of anger: Use words that make the reader feel a negative gut reaction that they must learn more about to be fully able to argue.

Promotes the idea of greed: Use words that make the reader feel like it will effect their wallet either by saving or making money.

Do you see the key word in all these descriptions? FEEL. You need to make the reader have an emotional connection and therefore react by clicking through and reading.

So here I am considering how to use some of these tricks and tips to generate more traffic and I wonder should I? I do want more traffic, it’d be nice. But is it worth sacrificing the creative output of a fun title? I think my answer today will be maybe, sometimes. What about you? Will you utilize these ideas or keep rolling as you were?

Happy Questing!