Stop Writing Boring Titles (And Do This Instead!)
A blog title is the single most important factor in whether people click on your content. Your blog title is the first thing readers see, and it determines whether they bother to read your content at all. It’s the make-or-break factor. Without a strong title, even the best-written post will go unnoticed.
Studies show that 80% of readers never make it past the title, according to data insights from Moz. They either click or keep scrolling. The same study tells us that including numbers in headlines increases clicks by 15%.
All of these facts point to one thing: you want more traffic, more social shares, and better engagement; you need to start with your titles.
The Three Core Elements of a Great Blog Title
Every high-performing blog title has to satisfy three main criteria:
Every blog title, regardless of your industry or topic, must satisfy three key elements:
- It contains the keyword you’re targeting for SEO.
- It provides value to the reader, compelling them to click.
- It offers a unique angle that differentiates it from similar content.
Keyword + Value + Unique Angle = A Great Blog Title.
Let’s expand on these criteria:
Keyword Optimisation
Your title must include the keyword you want to rank for. This helps search engines understand what your post is about and improves your chances of appearing in search results.
For example, if your target keyword is “blog titles,” then a well-optimised title could be:
- 7 Blog Title Formulas That Get Clicks (With Examples)
If the keyword doesn’t fit naturally into your title, tweak it slightly while keeping it relevant. You can also look at competitor titles on Google for inspiration on how to structure yours.
Value Proposition
Your title needs to clearly communicate the benefit the reader will get by clicking on your post. Ask yourself: What does my audience want? How does this blog post help them achieve it?
For instance, a reader searching for “SEO tools” likely wants to improve their writing and get more clicks. That’s why a strong title would highlight that benefit, such as:
- SEO Tools to Help You Optimize Your Website for Google
Unique Angle
Your title needs to stand out. If your title sounds like every other search result, why should anyone click on it? Try to offer a fresh perspective or an interesting twist.
Compare these two titles:
- How to Increase Your Website Traffic
- How I Increased My Website’s Traffic by 1000% with a Simple SEO Hack
The second one stands out because it promises a unique method, i.e the unique SEO hack.
Proven Blog Title Formulas That Get Clicks
Now that you understand what makes a blog title great, let’s explore some formulas that have been tested and proven to work.
The List Post Title
People love lists. They’re easy to read, promise quick value, and feel more structured. A study by Moz found that including numbers in a title can increase clicks by up to 15%.
Examples:
- 27 Easy Desk Organisation Ideas to Help You Declutter Your Workspace
- 21+ Ways to Grow Your Email List by 552% in a Year
The How-to Title
The classic “How-To” title works because it directly addresses a need. It also sets clear expectations; readers know they’re going to learn a process.
Examples:
- How to Write Blog Titles That Get More Traffic (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Learn a New Language: 7 Secrets From TED Translators
The “What, Why, or How” Title
This formula is great when your audience is searching for specific information. It works well for answering common questions.
Examples:
- What is an Atom Made Of? (The Answer Might Surprise You)
- Why Does My Dog Drag Its Butt on the Ground?
The “Versus” Title
When people are trying to decide between two options, a comparison title is exactly what they need.
Examples:
- Ahrefs vs. SEMrush: Which SEO Tool Wins?
- PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Which Console Is Better?
The Ultimate Guide Title
When you’re offering a deep dive into a topic, the “Ultimate Guide” title signals that your content is comprehensive.
Examples:
- The Ultimate Guide to Weight Loss: Drop Pounds Easily
- The Ultimate Guide to Living in a Van in 2025
The Devil’s Advocate Title
Going against conventional wisdom can intrigue readers and make them curious to learn more.
Examples:
- Why Content Marketing is a Waste of Time (Unless You Do This)
- Blogging Is Dead: Here’s Why That’s a Lie
How to Make Your Blog Titles SEO-Friendly
Here are solid ways to make your blog title more SEO-friendly:
- Use keywords wisely: Keyword placement is (almost) everything. You should place your keyword towards the beginning of the title. Also, use variations of your keyword if the exact phrase feels unnatural. You can also check competitor titles to see what’s ranking well.
- Keep it concise: Google typically displays the first 50-60 characters of a title. If your title is too long, it may get cut off in search results.
- Test your titles: Try A/B testing different blog titles on social media to see which one performs best.
Examples of Bad vs. Good Titles
To reinforce these points and concepts explained above, here’s a comparison of weak and strong blog titles:
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