Why is it that when I read that title I keep seeing this?
Those hands move, so I really don't think you should reach for that tootsie roll. It's just not worth it.
Have you ever stopped to consider what titles make you read further?
What tweets make you click the hyperlink?
What Facebook posts intrigue you enough to go to the blog?
What blog titles, sitting so benignly on the sidebar bloglist, make you click on them even though you KNOW that you have no time?
I know I have. I am a sucker for a good title. If it looks intriguing then I click. So I thought I'd share with you some of the things that I have learned from tweeting, facebooking, and blogging. Titles matter. So here are a couple of tricks.
Title Trick: The Direct Title- Though you might think that this is a lame trick, hear me out. Google search bots aren't the best at humor, stylistic writing, sarcasm, parody, irony, etc. They don't have an algorithm for it. Sometimes if you want your blog post to get search results you might just consider a direct title (or at the very least tag it well). Of course when you go to tweet and facebook the post you are welcome to be more creative. But sometimes a direct tweet or facebook post works just fine. Free ebook or Interview with famous person.
Title Trick: (do something) like (an expert)- Sew like Martha Stewart, Party like Paris Hilton, Facebook like Zuckerberg. You could even add Learn to to it (Learn to Write like Stephen King) if you are using it for your blog title as well. This would generate more search results, as people might search learn to write and find your blog post!
I have some more tips and tricks but instead of just telling you them all upfront, I'm going to practice them on this blog.
So watch for Title Tricks this week
(if this is more than a week old you can search Title Tricks to find them)
Any title tricks of your own?
Any title tricks of your own?
Hell yeah I'd click on a link that said learn to write like Stephen King :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Those candy bowls freak me out!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I just try and use titles that are interesting to me. I've never thought about using them to generate more traffic.
ReplyDeleteI've always used the direct title. I've never been creative enough to come up with something more interesting.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have a blog award for you if you want to drop by my blog and check it out.
Titles are HUGE! If I don't like the title I doubt I will look into the book any further unless someone has a big recommendation for it. Also, when I'm blogging and searching down the list - I read the titles! There are a lot of blogs to go through. I hit as many as I can but if the title is boring I will pass it by sometimes. There's just not enough time!
ReplyDeleteNo tricks, but the title of my book is the ONE thing everyone seems to like. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteOh, the trickery :) I haven't given much thought to my blog post titles, but, duh! First impressions count! Looking forward to learning more title secrets...
ReplyDeleteI like to put "How to" or "5 tips for..." in my titles. People tend to pay attention to that-- as long as the post actually includes tips and how-tos. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of those bowls either. :) Great idea with the title tricks.
ReplyDelete