SAEDNEWS: A good headline is important for four main reasons: it attracts readers, previews the news content, reflects the tone, and includes key words that make it easier to find in searches.
According to the science and technology service of Saed News, a good headline is important for four main reasons. First, it must be attractive in order to draw the reader in. Second, a good headline should allow the reader to anticipate the content of the news text. Third, it should reflect the tone of the writing. Fourth and finally, it should contain important keywords that make it easier to find through keyword searches. When writing your news content, you can use these four criteria to help you craft your headline.
Main Headline:
This is a self-contained and independent unit of meaning that contains the most important part of the news. The main headline is usually written in bold and larger font.
Subheadline (Summary Headline):
Also called a “subhead,” it provides a brief summary of the news after the main headline. It is often marked with a bullet or a dot at the beginning of the sentence. Keep in mind that excessive use of subheadlines may discourage readers from continuing to read the news.
Kicker:
Placed above the main headline and written in smaller font than the main headline.
Deck (Subheadline below the main title):
Appears after the main headline (usually on the front page) and is written in smaller font. It may complement the main headline or stand independently. However, the main headline must remain meaningful and complete even without the deck.
Subhead (Section Head):
Usually a phrase of one to three words used in long or combined news reports to separate different sections of the story.
Example:
Kicker: From a smuggling network
Main Headline: 500 kilograms of heroin seized in Khorasan
Kicker: Military Service Organization:
Main Headline: Waivers granted for absences of conscripts
Persuasive Headlines:
These are used to convey specific messages or for promotional purposes. Emotional words are often used to attract attention.
Hammer Headlines:
Introduced into Iranian journalism in the 1960s. These headlines emphasize important and attractive words (bold and large) to create excitement. Example: “Severe frost wreaks havoc in France.”
Interpretive Headlines:
These guide the reader toward a more accurate and direct understanding of the news. Example: “President’s speech on the country’s economic future.”
Double Headlines:
Example:
Global call for aid to the people of Iraq
Baghdad remains under fire
In this type, both lines must be equal in size and placed one below the other. The first line is typically nominal (without a verb), and the second ends with a verb. They are structurally independent but related in meaning. This format is mostly used in print media and rarely in news agencies. It was first widely used during the war between the coalition forces and Iraq in the newspaper Abrar by Hossein Ghandi.
Question Headlines:
Headlines should generally not be in question form, as they may create a negative impression. However, if a question is combined with informative content, it may be acceptable. Example: “At what cost is import growth increasing?”
Headlines often use rhythm to attract attention. Some words sound smooth and pleasant, while others are harsh. Combining both can create a unique rhythm that enhances readability and appeal. A good headline should balance both meaning and rhythm.
Uniform Rhythm:
Example: “Hafez Congress opened in Shiraz” (low rhythm intensity)
Wave Rhythm:
Example: “A week ahead: cold, rainy, snowy”
Broken Rhythm:
Example: “Deadline expired. Price increase prohibited”
