In the last post, we took a look at some tips that we could use when writing headlines. I got the idea from Ben Yoskovitz over at Instigator Blog. The first two points that we talked about are using top [something] lists and being braver in writing headlines. Here are a couple more.
Use Available Tools. Now is not the time to be a hero. When you’re trying to think of another word for “good†and your brain is saying “zzzz…†check out the thesaurus. Develop habits for helping yourself write so you can rely on those when the prospect of having to really think is like fireworks inside your skull.
I like how this point emphasizes the fact that there are certain tools that a blogger can use when writing posts. There are some people who might not like the idea of having to rely on others (whether they be human or inanimate) but the fact remains that these tools exist. Why not exploit what you have handy and come up with something probably better than what you could have come up with unaided.
Stick to the Classics. Don’t try and reinvent the wheel. You’re so tired you’ll be lucky if you remember what a wheel actually looks like. The classics of great headline writing are there for a reason; they work and you should use them. My personal favorites: • The Top 5 Ways To… • 10 Essential… • See How Easily You Can… • The Secret To… • How To … In 6 Easy Steps
As you can see, I took this suggestion to heart when I wrote the previous posts.
Originally posted on August 10, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
