Write heads that tug at the romantic notions in your readers.
Do people miss your headlines? Or perhaps they read them and feel a sudden, overwhelming urge to lie down in a comfy spot and visit the land of nod? If your headlines work better than an Ambien® as a sleep inducer, wake up!
Yes, you do need a great lead, followed by relevant content that provides value to your readers, but they won’t even see your revelation-inducing story if your headlines suck.
You can find tons of great information out in cyberspace about crafting headlines that draw readers to the story lead. I even shared some straight journalist tips with you here. But today, in honor of the month of love and romance – the one all men await breathlessly – I’m going to reveal a technique that will help you write headlines that actually put-out the way you always wished they would.
Romance – It Goes Deeper than You Think
Typically, women have a greater awareness of what romance means to them. Men, well, generally not so much. Even so, most people don’t realize that the general term, romance, implies much more than just sex, love, intimate walks and talks, etc.
Picture this scenario: you’ve been trying, unsuccessfully, for months to effectively communicate with your teen. Suddenly, you come across a website with a headline that says, “Real Hope, Real Solutions to Your Relationship Break Down with Your Teen”. In this case, a product that can help you and your teen relate to one another is a romantic prospect. You now must read further to evaluate the truth and benefits offered by the solution referred to in the headline.
Maybe you’re a guy who’s in the throes of a torrid affair with technology. Your romantic hook emerges in a headline about a sleek, cutting edge techno-gadget.
If you don't love, touch, squeeze your reader, someone else will.
Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ with Words
Your readers want, need, lust for, and love solutions to their problems. They crave learning new things to use in their personal and professional lives. Let them know you’ve got the goods with a headline that romances them right into your arms.
Check out these examples of romantic headlines (romance words in italics):
- 7 Painless Steps to Losing Weight and Getting a Smokin’ Hot Body
- How to Win Friends and Influence People (a classic by Dale Carnegie)
- Fall in Love with Your Car Again at Clark & Son Detailing Services
- Home Business Success Secrets from a Real Housewife
- Conquer the Competition and Get Noticed
- Star Techniques for Battling Bad Habits
- Hook Up with the Hot New Touch Screen Window Computer
Hopefully, you get the idea. Words, such as court, cherish, fancy, enchant, treasure, spark, passion, magic, and others can all lend a subliminal romantic hook to your headlines if you use them in a positive phrase. Always use active verb forms in your heads no matter what love-injecting words you use to snag that reader.
Hi there dreamboat! Yeah, you with the dreamy eyes. Share some of your hot headline love examples with us in the comments below. I <3 U! ;-)
Images: David Tetura – newsok dot com, Journey – Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ Album, 1979
About Samantha Gluck
Samantha Gluck should have her own show! Seriouslllly! ,-) Thnx for droppin’ some more knowledge on me ,-)
Thanks, Victor! You’re so silly — my own show? Everyday I’m shufflin’, Victor! xo
Samantha *should* have her own show! I agree with Victor. Thanks for this Valentine to our FWD readers…Ya know, even the term Touch Screen now sounds erotically charged. LOVE your Secret Admirer (I know, take a number*-)
Correction, Prof: Sam&Amy should have *their* own show! #cohostsparkle #worldtakeover
Samantha Gluck recently posted..We Except All Writing Accept Bad Writing
Yes, Samantha’s own show! I needed help with headlines so this post was perfect timing, thanks!
Lisa recently posted..Don’t Just Ask For A Favor
We’d have you on as a regular guest, Lisa. You can talk about all your latest social media finds and insights.
Glad you found the post helpful and *sizzlin’*.
xo
Samantha Gluck recently posted..Is Your Writing Tone Deaf? Listen like Jagger
“7 Hot Tips to Stroke Egos & Stoke Demand”
See… can’t write a good post title to save my life.
Smokin’ post, Samantha!
LOL! You’re an amazing writer, Michael. I encourage everyone to visit your blog and explore all that you have to offer there as well as enjoy reading your well-written posts. Your voice and style is super and your content can benefit anyone who visits — not just daddies.
I’m so honored that you visited and shared your smokin’ hot thoughts! xo
Hi Samantha and thank you for this post! I’m definitely going to try to use these tips.
Marta (@mstelmaszak) recently posted..Lesson 23: Why would you translate for free?
Hi Marta! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’d love to see how you incorporate these tips into your work. Please send me a link when you do, so I can show our readers how it’s done.
Samantha
Love this post Samantha! Great tips indeed as I am one that will not get much further than the title if it doesn’t tickle my…ears or raise my…interest! It was actually very fun to read! Good writing and thank you for sharing it!
Rusty recently posted..We Are Masters Of Our Own Fate
Thanks Rusty! I think most people don’t want to spend what limited amount of time they have reading things that don’t capture and hold their interest. We all have to do that sometimes (like in school or when a boss makes us), but given a choice — I’d rather be entertained while I learn something any day over the alternative. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. XO
Samantha