The headline is the most important and challenging part of a news article because it carries significant responsibilities. It must be crafted skillfully to attract readers who are bombarded with hundreds of news stories daily.
Your headline is the most critical part of your news content—it’s what appears on news websites and search engine results. A well-written headline works like a fishing hook; if done right, it can effectively capture the reader's attention and encourage them to read the full story.
On websites, where they are displayed along with a link to the full article.
In RSS feeds, appearing with a link to the complete news piece.
In email news alerts, where they are shown in the email subject line.
In HTML metadata, which search engines use to index your content.
Write in the present tense to create a sense of urgency.
Avoid unnecessary words and prepositions.
Use powerful and active words to make an impact.
Stay away from complex or vague terms—the simpler and clearer, the better.
Include the most critical keyword that highlights the core of your news.
Keep your headline concise and to the point.
Search engines follow specific headline standards, so avoid editing the headline after publication, such as italicizing the text.
Consider what your audience is searching for and the keywords they use on Google.
Analyze which headlines have successfully attracted readers by reviewing the most viewed titles on your news site.
If you have several strong keywords, select one or two that best represent the essence of your news.
Since headlines have limited space, avoid cramming too many keywords.
The ideal headline should be short, precise, and impactful, as search engines typically display only the first 63 characters.
Prioritize the most important part of the news at the beginning of the headline.
There's no need to include all six W-questions (Who? What? Where? etc.)—that’s the role of the news lead.
Descriptive headlines appeal to a broader audience and are more SEO-friendly.
Engaging headlines can serve as clickbait, enticing users to read the article.
Crafting a headline that is both engaging and descriptive is challenging but ideal.
Avoid words and phrases that make your news sound like an advertisement, as they reduce credibility.
Instead, take a fresh approach by including facts and figures to make your news more authentic and trustworthy.
Steer clear of cliché and repetitive content, as it can lead to reader fatigue over time.
Do not recycle old news—keep your content fresh and relevant.
By following these guidelines, you can create compelling headlines that capture attention and maintain credibility while optimizing for search engines.
