How to Write Headlines That Get Your Stuff Discovered [Walks with Dave #2]

Headlines. The keys to people discovering your content.

With Google Reader filled with thousands of posts, your headlines need to work extra hard to grab the attention of a potential reader. It’s the first step in getting people to share your stuff.

Here’s a simple method to create headlines that make people want to read your post.

Watch this short video:

Here’s an edited transcript if you’d rather read:

Welcome to episode number two of Walks with Dave. I hope you guys are taking bets on how long before I get hit while filming these walks.

Today I wanted to talk to you about two types of headlines that get your stuff discovered. Now there are lots of people out there creating content. There are also people like me who are looking to share great things whether it be via Twitter, Facebook or even by sharing a direct link.

In this search for content to share…

One of the most important things is your headline. Most times that’s the only thing that somebody’s going to read. If your headline doesn’t create some sense of curiosity or give an indication that the content is of interest to them, people are just going to pass that information by.

Your content doesn’t exist in a vacuum

Think about that for a second. People are using things like Google Reader to get their information. I’m scanning and looking for things to share or to promote. So I’m looking for things that catch my attention. I’m actually glazing over about 80% of the content.

One of the things I’ve noticed is that a lot of people tend to write non-descriptive headlines. Or try to get too creative with something that doesn’t give me any sense of what the post is about. Or why it’s beneficial to me or to my readers. This is why it’s so important to focus a lot of energy on the headline.

The two types of headlines for today

1. The “How to” headline
2. The “Why”

With both headlines you’re looking to create a sense of curiosity. You also want to give people a sense of what your content is about. What am I going to get when I click?

Now this isn’t so much important for your regular readers. These are people you have built a relationship with. They know, like and trust you. They’re looking forward to getting this stuff from you.

But it becomes extremely important when you’re trying to get it discovered. When you want new people to find you. That’s when the headline is even more important. Because people are on the look out for good content to share with their readers.

Here are the steps to write your headline:

1. Choose a topic: Headlines
2. Choose an angle: Getting your stuff discovered
3. Add ‘How’ or ‘Why’: How to Write Headlines That Get Your Stuff Discovered, Why Headlines Get Your Stuff Discovered

Use the above method to quickly create curious headlines so people discover your work.

Notice the difference?

Now you get a sense of how this post is going to be beneficial to you. ‘How to’ indicates that you’re going to show us how to do something. And the ‘Why’ indicates it’s giving us the reason why something happens. Which innately scratches at our curiosity.

So those are two quick ways that you can improve your headlines. A lot of times you don’t have to be or try to be so creative. You just need to give a sense of curiosity and be direct in your headline.

So summing up:

Topic > Angle > Add ‘How’ or ‘Why’

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People always ask how I shoot these videos. I use the Flip Mino HD Camcorder, 60 minutes – Amazon Affiliate link. There’s a newer version available also. I also use the Pocket xShot to hold the camera.