We’ve all been there. Brainstorming an explosive headline for your carefully created content because you want people to click on your post and read it. But, there is a better way of doing it, without the clickbait drama.
Firstly, what is clickbait? (Check out the masterful news.com.au who are pros at this!) It can include titles like:
SHE BOUGHT HER FIRST HOUSE WITH ONLY 10K IN SAVINGS. FOLLOW HER STEPS SO YOU CAN TOO!
HITTING ROCK BOTTOM SHOT ME TO THE TOP.
QUIT YOUR JOB AND LIVE IN PARADISE. WHERE IT IS AND HOW TO DO IT!
Notice the bold, capitalized writing. It’s to help it stand out and grab your attention. Clickbait is anything that will entice you to click on the page/heading/link and keep reading.
So, um this is great, I hear you saying, I want people to read my news, why wouldn’t I use clickbait?
Well, here are some reasons why it isn’t that effective.
The bounce rate will increase especially if your post has nothing to do with the heading!
Your rankings will decrease as your bounce rate increases then, even less people will visit your website/social media platform.
If you’ve built yourself upon trust then this will also diminish. People want to interact with credible brands not ones that lure people with hyperbolic headlines.
Here are 3 ways to reduce your clickbait and focus on authentic headlines that will generate leads.
- Ensure your heading is clear.
Often messages can be misinterpreted if they are too clever and the reader will give up before attempting to decipher your
meaning.
Instead of “Distort your business” try “A new way of seeing your business.”
Concise and easily understood. Be obvious! You want your readers to click on your posts, don’t you?
Which brings us to the second most valuable lesson.
2. Ask your readers a question.
A questions piques interest and leaves the reader wanting more. By asking a question, you are inviting your reader to delve
in and answer it. The weirder the better!
Bill Jayme coined a great one “Do you close the bathroom door even when you’re the only one home?”
That one has you thinking, doesn’t it?! The best questions show empathy for the reader and have them wanting to seek
answers.
3. Numbers are key!
People love seeing numbers in headlines. Numbers = statistics and statistics = facts!
Here are some examples:
16 reasons why your cat does love you, and is not secretly plotting to kill you.
5 proven marketing strategies that will get your business ranking.
7 ways to make that dress work on any body type.
Numbers = predictability and as humans we love that.
So, there it is. 3 ways of reducing your clickbait footprint. Now the question is, will anyone click on our heading?
