8 Proven Headline Formulas that Convert Like Crazy

David Ogilvy, the father of advertising, was famous for spending a ridiculous amount of time on headlines.

Why?

That’s because the headline is the most important element of a page. It is the first thing people see when you share a new article and the decisive factor that makes them take action.

Talk about pressure.

Writing magnetic headlines is hard, especially if you are a small business owner just starting out with online marketing. It can take years of experience to be able to choose the perfect words, the right length, and to deliver to your prospects’ expectation. In that sense, crafting headlines is an art, but there is some science to it, too.

Below you can find eight headline formulas that are proven to convert like crazy.

1. [Do Something] like [an Expert] without [Something Undesirable]

It goes without saying that most people are browsing the Internet to find the best solution to their problems and challenges. Tying the desired result with a world-class example is a surefire way to attract readers.

E.g.: Grow Your Small Business like a Pro without Sacrificing Your Free Time

2. [Number] Lessons I Learned from ___

No one wants to be the first person failing at something. They want an example to follow and the comfort of knowing someone has tried something already and learned from that experience.

E.g.: 10 Lessons I Learned from Trying to Fund my Local Business

3. [Number] Mistakes that Could Destroy [Something that You Care About]

When something is extremely valuable to you, you want to make sure you know how to protect it from potential risk. That is why a headline that mentions the risk factors that might threaten your precious asset would grab your attention instantly.

E.g.: 9 Mistakes that Could Destroy Your Digital Marketing Plan

4. Are You Still Wasting Money/Time on [Something Desirable] without Anything to Show for It?

This headline is particularly effective because it implies a real threat. Also, it shows your audience how they can overcome a problem after other solutions have failed them.

E.g.: Are You Still Wasting Money on Outdated SEO Tactics without Anything to Show for It?

5. How to Stop [Something Undesirable], Even If You’ve Tried Every Trick

The beauty of this headline is that it speaks to those prospects who already tried almost every solution under the sun and were frustrated with the results. However, make sure that you can deliver on the promise you make. Otherwise, you might lose valuable prospects.

E.g.: How to Stop Losing Your Customers, Even If You’ve Tried Every Trick

6. [Number] Little Known Tricks/Strategies/Ways that Will [Achieve Goal]

People love secrets. They want to get the latest news before anyone else and appreciate content that allows them to show off their knowledge in front of their friends.

E.g.: 10 Little Known Way to Retain More Customers and Keep Them Coming Back

7. Now You Can [Something Desirable] and [Impressive Circumstance]

Not only that this headline implies you can achieve your goal, but it promises you can do that while enjoying some other benefits as well. What more can you ask for?

E.g.: Now You Can Travel the World and Make Money

8. How to [Something Desirable] with Your [Blank], Step-by-Step

The “How to” formula still converts like crazy because it is based on the promise of offering people a guide that will help them learn how to achieve something desirable.

E.g.: How to Make Money with Your E-Commerce Store, Step-by-Step

Your Turn!

Have you tried any of these headlines? What other formulas do you use for your articles, emails, and post?