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What if I told you that amidst all of your article marketing efforts, all of the time you spend writing, all of your consistency and eloquently worded articles, that there was one very simple change you could make that would impact your results in a major way?
Well, there is, and I really want to encourage you to take this tip to heart:
An ATTENTION-grabbing article title is PARAMOUNT.
Were you expecting something more mind blowing?
It really is that simple–you can craft an excellent article and resource box but if your title is not enticing, you won’t be getting folks to read your article, or to read your resource box, or to click through to your website from your resource box.
Here’s what you need to do:
Construct the title to give people more of a reason to click through and read the article.
This is even more important nowadays with the amount of articles in circulation. You really have to find a way to make your article stand out from the crowd.
I was just reminded of this the other day when I saw one of my recently published articles about article marketing appearing at one of the major directories. Along with my article, I noticed that there were a few other authors writing on the same topic, and as a viewer, the only thing that I could see was a list of titles.
So, imagine, we have 10 articles all on the same topic appearing on a directory. Some of them may be better written than others, some of them may make more insightful points, some of them my be more entertaining or easier to understand–but what determines which article I look at when I’m just looking at a list of titles on a certain topic in an article directory?
The TITLE!
I looked through the list and clicked on a few of the more interesting and attention grabbing titles just out of curiosity as to what others in my niche were writing about. But do you know what?
There were some articles in that list that I didn’t even take the time to click through and look at.
From the title I made the judgement– “Nah, it’s just the same old stuff. That article doesn’t sound like it would be worth my time to read.”
And then on I went to the next article that had a title that caught my eye.
What a shame!
Because I know that most of you spend hours crafting excellent, thoughtful, interesting articles–it’s a shame when a lackluster title that’s been slapped on at the last minute comes back to bite you.
It’s also important to bear in mind what people interested in your article content are going to be searching for on the Internet, you should definitely try to take advantage of people’s natural curiosity.
Let’s just go over an example–let’s say you’re writing about nutrition and you’re trying to enlighten your audience about the wonderful health effects of chocolate.
Rather than have a title that says ‘Chocolate Lowers Cholesterol’, you could use a title like ‘How to Lower Your Cholesterol - With A Natural Superfood!’.
People are much more likely to click through and read an article with that sort of title, as it’s ‘how to’ information they can put to use (rather than simple statement of fact), and they’re curious what the natural superfood might be!
Also, look at my title I’ve used on this post–if I were looking at a list of titles at an article directory under the topic of article marketing, I would definitely click that title. Why?
- For one thing, my curiosity is tweaked–what is the one thing I can do to maximize my article effectiveness? What could it be–now you’ve got me wondering!
- Also, I’ve told the reader that it’s simple, meaning that someone will say, “This may be something I can use right away without investing too much brain power–let’s have a look at that article.”
- I’ve also told the reader what the benefit is–you can maximize your article marketing results!
- And the #1 part tells me that this is important–what is in that article is tip-top information, something I need to look at right away.
Does this make sense?
If you have any other “attention grabbing titles” tips, please chime in in the comments and share your wisdom!
If you’ve been struggling with your titles, please leave a comment giving us your plain Jane title and we’ll try to brainstorm some attention grabbing article title ideas with you. 
Related Post:
How To Give Your Article Curb Appeal
Posted: Monday, June 23rd, 2008 at 12:00 am
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June 26th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I’m beginning my article marketing strategy and my subject is feeling more joy, peace and security through talking with God and using prayer. I also write about A Course in Miracles, Forgiveness, Courage and Grace. My articles are very inspirational but all the titles seem BOOORRRIIINGGGGGGG!!!!!!! I’d be grateful for ANY suggestions because I have no problem writing — especially if I already have the title! After all, I have a Universal Assistance at my disposal — but I just can’t seem to “hear” those click-through titles! : ) Thanks much and blessings to you for all you do! Steph, the Spirit Coach.
June 26th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Hi Steph,
What a great topic for your articles–those sound like they’d be very uplifting and helpful to read. Now you just need to lure them in with the titles.
Might I suggest trying a HowTo or List title such as :
HowTo Forgive Someone In 5 Not-So-Easy Steps (or however many steps it is)
10 Tips for Turning Your Worst Weakness Into Your Biggest Strength (and that article would be about God’s grace)
Steph, HowTo and List articles (articles that say “Top 10 reasons” or “7 Tips”) are very attractive to readers, so that would be a great way to start.
Also, consider asking a question in your title–
Are Your Prayers Working? That would be a good one!!! or Does God Hear Your Prayers?
Maybe think of some of the questions that float through most people’s minds about God and prayer, use the question as your title, and then write an article that answers that question.
I hope that helps!
Sharon
August 27th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Great article, i know that good titles drive traffic better then boring ones.But my problem is i write 2-3 articles per day and simply cannot brainstorm that fast, so i usually wind up with bad titles. Do you know if it is bad to go back and change titles once the article is published? I am worried it could drop my articles ranking in the search engines.
August 27th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Steph, Are your titles boring? Or are they so familiar to you that they feel boring to you?
The subjects you list will appeal to people who are interested in them. A simple tweak to make an intriguing title will make a bit difference.
Try some of Sharon’s suggestions. Make a list for each article. If numbers format doesn’t work for the article, Try the question format.
Make a list of 5 or 10 titles for each article.
Once you get into the flow, the titles will get better. Ask a friend or family member to help you choose one title. Just one. Don’t confuse them.
Writing a title is like writing a headline.
It is a separate skill.
I am working on the same problem. It does get easier.
Ann
August 27th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
A simple but effective and sometimes over-looked technique - good stuff
August 27th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
You are absolutely right. When I published my article with the title “Discount Perfumes & Colognes”, I didnt get much response but then I re published a few days later as “Get Perfumes at Discount Prices Right Here” and it made a big impact. The rest was almost same….
So more than anything else it is title, title and title
http://www.grandperfumes.com
August 27th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Not really having problems with the titles just the ad copy that follows. It needs to be a stronger call to action and encourage those visiting to register.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Just wanted to jump in with some replies…
Sharon–excellent advice
****
instant article wizard–you had asked
It is fine to change the title after it’s published (I’m assuming you’re doing this manually on an article directory), but keep in mind that if any publisher has picked up your article for publication, that your article will appear with the original title on that publisher’s site.
And I’m assuming you’re switching the title to something more attention grabbing
which helps.
*****
Ann Bell,
Thank you for your valuable input–your suggestions are spot on!
*****
David–thank you
*****
Sonny–yes, that’s a good example. A little tweak in a title can make a big impact.
*****
Carl,
Yes, the resource box (I think this is the ad copy you’re referring to) is extremely important as well. If you like, feel free to check some resources we’ve compiled about crafting a strong resource box at our Squidoo lens:
http://www.squidoo.com/submit_article#module9635602
August 27th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Thanks for all the info and tips i look forward to reading all i can from you and on this site,,keep up the great work ,,Bob
August 28th, 2008 at 5:01 am
I wish I could take credit for this title, but I feel it’s such a good one, I’ll share it anyway.
“Are You One Meal Away From Diabetes?”
I guess I’m lucky, I don’t have much trouble with writing and I actually enjoy coming up with titles, headlines, and such.
May I suggest a free tool that I have fun using? It’s a headline analyzer, but I often use it for article titles as well. It rates the emotional value of whatever sentence (title, headline, etc.) you type in. It even breaks it down into spiritual, empathetic and intellectual and tells you which group your title or headline will appeal to the most.
http://www.aminstitute.com/headline/index.htm
Hope that helps someone!
Honey (yes, it’s my real name) Wesley
August 28th, 2008 at 6:16 am
good point that I am aware of but you fleshed it out well with 3 real good points I espically liked the #1 tip!
August 29th, 2008 at 4:43 am
Clearly laid out item Steve. This came to mind . .
TITLE
Attention grabber
SUB-TITLE
Definition
EXAMPLE
‘Time To Build An Igloo?
Consequences for Northern Europe when Gulf Stream stops.’
:D
August 29th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
This is really thought povoking as I write copiously about parenting issues as I am a Parent Coach and author of “Raising Happy Children for Dummies” one in the black and yellow series but it would be great to have some more compelling and wow factor titles for them that would capture instant attention and get me more coverage
Thanks for all the tips that come through
Sue
August 29th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Hello Steve readers n posters … mighty good post excellent topic unforgettable in-form-ation seems a while since I first read “If Content is King” then “Keywords are Queen!” but its best if you understand don’t sell the steak “Sell the Sizzle” think emotional triggers gets results in a major way? “ATTENTION-grabbing Article Title” is the Eye Candy …also check out Nichebot Site great writers tool without question, these few tasks are defining characteristics of any successful online marketing campaign …
All my best to you and your hook line & sinker lol
Phillip Skinner