Uphill Writing

Continued from Part 30

See the whole series starting with the first post

Each of your posts is entitled to a good heading.  As a part of the package that makes what you have to say both attractive and interesting, a good title can do much to draw in the reader.

Think about the posts on other Blogs that draw your eye.  Do they have  titles which catch the eye,  are they the kinds that inform or make a promise?

Are the following titles good or bad?

• You Can Create GREAT Blog Titles
• 13 FREE Resources to Help You NOW
• Are Your Blog Posts Going Unnoticed?
• 10 Sure-Fire Ways to Catch the Eye of Your Reader
• Do YOU know the SECRET of Compelling Post Headings?
• Captivate Your Reader Using 3 Simple Rules

Each of these titles are geared to catch the attention.  They use some of the more powerful “magic words” in the Blogosphere.  Words like FREE, Sure-Fire, Secret, and Simple are pretty much guaranteed to pique the attention of your reader.  And what about a promise of  10 Ways, 3 Rules, or 13 Free…  Readers love a list.  In fact, a bullet-point or numbered list will draw the eye in any post.

Notice the use of ALL CAPS in SOME (but not ALL) words in a heading.   Most Blog Hosting Services do not allow BOLD or varicolored text in a heading.  The judicious use of CAPS can help.  Keep in mind, however, the long-standing rule about CAPS.   They are considered rude if used exclusively.   CAPS ARE LIKE SHOUTING AT YOUR READER.  And most readers are annoyed by that.

Not sure what kind of title works best?  Aside from surveying other Blogs, experiment on your own.  Try out a new style, look for words that get action.  Fine-tuning takes some time, but the result will be worth it.

Continued in Part 32

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