Why Hyperbolic Headlines Are The Worst Thing Ever 

​by Lily Bradic
 
Headlines can be hard, and it’s easy to fall back on the clickbait clichés that are so prevalent online (particularly when you have writer’s block). To avoid undermining your content, here are three headline staples to never use again, and three that actually work:

The bad…
 
1. “That Will Blow Your Mind”
A search for this exact phrase returns 1.3 million results, ranging from the existentially baffling (“3 Alternatives To Living…”) to the confusingly hyperbolic (Swiss cheese is tasty, but not mind-blowing). However good your content is, you are undermining it by claiming it can do something it obviously can’t.

2. “You Won’t Believe What Happens Next”
This one suggests that the content (usually video) has a story to tell, or a progression of events that you’ll become emotionally invested in. The problem is that readers usually can believe it — and the stronger your brand identity and core message, the easier it is for your audience to predict what happens next, as the “resolution” of the story will likely support that narrative.
 
3. “The Shocking Truth About”
Your truth might be interesting or surprising, but it’s not shocking. There’s also a conspiracy-theory “the truth is out there” vibe to this one, so your credibility is in danger, too.

​…And the good
 
1. [Brackets]
Increase CTR by up to 38% by using descriptive brackets in your post title.  [INFOGRAPHIC] or [VIDEO], or even [INTERVIEW] or [ESSAY] will give readers a sneak peak at what’s inside.
 
2. Numbers
Numbered lists meet your audience’s need for easily digestible content — just remember to use digits rather than words.
 
3. Images
According to HubSpot, headlines that hint at photos — for example, “10 Photos That Prove X Is Amazing”— increase CTR by 37% and generate 57% more engagement. Just make sure you deliver with the images!
 
What headline clichés are banned from your team’s vocabulary? Let us know in the comments!

Image credit: Kozumel