How to write headlines that work

Do you write words that sell? Or are you in a business where you need to get the attention of your target audience?

Perhaps you’re writing brochures or advertisements. Well, you probably also know that advertising is expensive. So how do you make small space advertising work for you?

The secret to success for small space advertising is the headline. If you can capture your audience's attention, you’ve succeeded. If you don’t, you’ve wasted your money.

The headline is vital if you want your advertisement to be seen.

Here are the Top 19 Power Words to include in your next headline.

These classic, foolproof headline words can work for any business.

1. Do you
2. How to
3. Amazing
4. At last
5. Bargains
6. Little-known secrets
7. The Secrets of
8. Life
9. Breakthrough
10. Only
11. The Truth About
12. Now
13. Sale
14. How Would
15. Advice To
16. Love
17. Facts
18. Discover
19. Confessions of

Here’s an example of how they can be used in headlines:

1. How To Raise Your Child’s IQ Before It Is Even Born
2. The Secret Of Being Wealthy
3. Do You Make These Mistakes In Job Interviews?
4. A Breakthrough Idea For Those Who Want To Act In Movies
5. How Would You Like To Earn A Six-Figure Income From Home?
6. Confessions Of A Disbarred Lawyer
7. The Truth About Low GI Foods

They may sound a bit cheesy here, all lined up in a row. But like them not, they work. That’s why people continue to use them. Sure, it’s not the most creative technique ever devised, but who cares, so long as it works!

On a small budget, you can’t play with imagery, branding and logos the way Coke, Nike and Sony do. It costs big bucks to promote a brand. If you’re writing for a small business, remember that many small businesses can’t afford to brand. It takes too long and too much money.

But you can promote their business by telling the consumer what they’ll get when they buy your product. It’s as simple as that.

That’s the secret to small business advertising.

What do you have to do to get started?

Enrol in “Copywriting Essentials: Get Started as a Professional Copywriter” with the Australian Writers’ Centre.

Bernadette Schwerdt is creator of the course “Copywriting Essentials: Get Started as a Professional Copywriter“, an online course for those looking to become freelance copywriters or for those wanting to write copy for their own business.