Ok, I admit I am a little bit of a junky when it comes to good headlines in web sales copy.  In fact, I am such a junky I even keep copies of good headline I see on the web to make my copywriting easier.

Think about the impact of a good headline.  Which book would you be more likely to pick up: Your Comprehensive Guide to Financial Health or How to Become a Millionaire for $1 a Day? 

Obviously if you’re like me, you were probably drawn more to the second one—and for good reason. No matter how compelling or informative the guts of your content might be, it’s unlikely to get much face time unless it’s preceded by a compelling title that snags the attention of potential readers.

And this doesn’t apply only to books—the power of the well-crafted headline is relevant for all mediums, from newspapers to billboards to television to and even your website’s sales copy.

In today’s age of tons of website competition, millions of great bloggers, and web 2.0 Digg like sites, it’s much more of a challenge to set your online content apart from the thousands of other similar virtual venues. The single most effective way to attract traffic to your website and sales letters is through the effective use of action-oriented headlines.

Strategies to Reel ‘em In

Some of the best sales headlines I have ever seen have utilized some common tricks and strategies to entice potential customers into action. Below is what I recommend to help you craft topnotch headlines:

•  Use “How-to” verbiage: Web surfers are busier than ever these days, and if they’re looking for something online, they want it quickly and succinctly. Busy browsers are drawn to “how-to” lists as quick, to-the-point direction for accomplishing a specific task.

•  Use numbers: It’s been proven that people are enticed by numbered lists. It gives them a clear expectation of the amount of content they’ll be expected to digest. Plus, numbered items are easier to scan quickly—and while content is king, quick content is even better.

•  Be specific: Online readers despise ambiguity. It’s okay to be clever in your headline, but be sure to tell potential consumers exactly what they’re going to get.

•  State a benefit: Why should someone visit your website or read your content if they’re not getting anything out of it? Convey what sets you apart from the competition, and link that to a tangible advantage for the customer.

•  Keep keywords in mind: Don’t sacrifice organic search benefit for cute copy. Make sure to lead with high-performing keyword phrases that will help give your web page a boost in the Yahoos and Googles of the world.

•  Lead with an exciting verb: This is a time-tested way of calling the customer to action. The quality of the verb is important, too: for instance, “discover” is much more powerful than “find”, and “kick-start” is more likely to get noticed than “begin”.

•  Ask a Question: This is another proven way of intriguing the browser into wanting to learn more, making them more likely to read on to find the answer.

7 Examples of Effective Sales Copy Headlines

Below, I have compiled some examples of compelling, powerful headlines that would be likely to engage the attention—and, ultimately, the business—of potential customers. Feel free to substitute phrasings to meet your specific online business needs.

1. Finally Revealed…Website Traffic Secrets Of The World’s Top Guru’s Guaranteed to Ignite Your Website’s Traffic In As Little As 3 Days

2. Top Weight Loss Doctor Reveals Amazing Diet Secret That Forces Your Body To Melt Fat Like Marshmallows Over A Burning Hot Campfire.

3. ”The 7 Stupidest Mistakes Most Men Make That Can Literally Guarantee They Will Never Score A Smoken Hot Woman”

4. I Will Rush-Ship You Advance Copies Of The World’s Most Anticipated (Secret) Golf Training Videos On How To Swing Like A PGA Pro!

5. You’re about to Learn10 Secrets Most People Never Now about Getting Rock Hard Six Pack Abs without Crunches

6. The World’s Most Natural Potty-Training System Guaranteed To Have Your Toddler Fully Potty Trained In Just 7 Days

7. Confidential….  Finally Revealed 10 Hand To Hand Combat Secrets For Winning a Fight without Ever Throwing A Punch

Share This