Does the title sound like a popular science article? 1 principle and 3 tricks to write an attractive title in 10 minutes
About 675 wordsAbout 2 minNovember 23, 2024
The Importance of Titles
Titles are the first impression of an article. When deciding whether to click and read an article, readers first see the title. An engaging title can quickly capture the reader's attention and make them want to read more.
The Curiosity Principle
Using curiosity-filled titles to attract readers to click and read leverages several basic principles of human psychology:
- Curiosity-Driven: Humans naturally have curiosity about the unknown. When a title mentions something the reader doesn't know but is interested in, they will be attracted. For example, "Amazing Facts You Didn't Know" can stimulate their desire to explore.
- Information Gap: By hinting at important information in the title, readers will feel the need to click to fill this information gap. This feeling drives them to click on the title to satisfy their curiosity. For example, "Why 90% of Successful People Do This Every Day".
- Urgency: Using a sense of urgency to make readers feel they might miss out on important information or opportunities if they don't click. For example, "Limited Time Offer, Ends Today!" creates an immediate need to click.
- Relevance: When the content of the title is closely related to the reader's personal interests, needs, or problems, it resonates and interests them. For example, "How to Improve Your Writing Skills in 30 Days" is very attractive to writing enthusiasts or those who need to enhance their writing skills.
- Emotional Trigger: Some titles attract attention by triggering the reader's emotions. Words that convey surprise, anger, joy, etc., can provoke strong reactions. For example, "This Small Restaurant's Dishes Earned a Michelin Star!".
Thoughts for writing a curiosity-arousing title:
- Use Suspense: For example, "Secret Techniques You Didn't Know About..."
- Ask Questions: For example, "Do You Know How to Improve Efficiency in One Day?"
- Cite Data or Facts: For example, "80% of Successful People Do This Every Day!"
- Create Urgency: For example, "Limited Time Offer, Ends Today!"
- Leverage Curiosity: For example, "Why This New Discovery Changed Our Understanding of...".
3 Major Tricks for Writing Good Titles
Use Numbers
- List Type: For example, "10 Tips for Writing Effective Titles".
- Step-by-Step Type: For example, "5 Steps to Write the Perfect Title".
- Summary Type: For example, "7 Secrets to Increase Article Click Rates".
- Comparison Type: For example, "5 Successful Titles vs. 5 Failed Titles".
Question Sentences
Reasons for Using Question Sentences
- Trigger Thinking: Question sentences prompt readers to think and seek answers, increasing their desire to read.
- Increase Interactivity: Question sentences give a sense of interaction, making readers feel the title is talking to them.
- Create Suspense: Question sentences can create suspense, stimulating the reader's curiosity to know the answer.
Common Types of Question Titles
- Reveal Type: For example, "Why Isn't Your Title Attractive?".
- Method Type: For example, "How to Write an Irresistible Title?".
- Comparison Type: For example, "Old Title vs. New Title: Which Attracts More Readers?".
- Reason Type: For example, "Why Are Good Titles So Important?".
Comparison
- New vs. Old: For example, "Traditional Marketing vs. Digital Marketing: Which Is More Effective?".
- Pros and Cons: For example, "Solo Travel vs. Group Tours: Which Is Better for You?".
- Results Comparison: For example, "Early Riser vs. Night Owl: Which Is Better for Health?".
- Viewpoint Comparison: For example, "Pros and Cons: The Future of Electric Cars".