If you've spent some time browsing the article directories, though, you've probably noticed that there are thousands of articles competing for the same clients in nearly every product niche. Your goal is to write articles that stand out in the crowd, so you can build your client list.
The best way to make sure that people read an article is to craft an effective title. Your title is the gateway to a loyal reader base that will follow through to your website, so they can become loyal customers.
So how do you write an effective article title?
A great title will do three things:
- It will make it clear to your readers what your article is about. Article titles that are vague or misleading won't help your business. People will click on the title, see that your article isn't what they are looking for, and hastily click the "back" button to find another article.
- It will promise a specific benefit to the reader. People are looking for solutions -- that's why they are searching article directories in the first place. Tell your readers what they will gain from reading your article.
- It will compel your readers to click on your article title and read your content. Your readers should know that when they read your article, they will be making good use of their time.
Let's look at each of these elements a little more closely.
Making it clear to your readers what your article is about
Your title should convey the topic of your article as specifically as possible. If your article is about finding ways to save money on health insurance, for example, A vague title like "The Truth About Insurance" isn't going to get many people to read your content. Potential readers will ask themselves:
- What "truths" are there to know about insurance?
- What kind(s) of insurance is this person talking about?
- Do I really care about the "truth about insurance"?
Be specific, so readers will find exactly what they are looking for when they click on your article.
Promising a specific benefit to your readers
After you have nailed down exactly what your article is about, you should consider what benefit your readers will realize by reading your article. It should help them in some way -- financially, professionally, emotionally, etc. It should also naturally lead to the content of the article.
Using the health insurance example, here are a few titles that promise a benefit to the readers:
"10 Ways to Save Money on Health Insurance"
"You Can Save Hundreds on Health Insurance with This Simple Step"
"Cut Your Health Insurance Bill in Half in Just 15 Minutes"
See the promised benefits? The payoff for the readers is that they will learn "10 ways to save money on health insurance", "how to save hundreds on health insurance with a simple step", or "how to save half on health insurance in 15 minutes".
Note: Your article should always follow through on these promises. If the reader gets to the end of the article and hasn't realized the promised benefit, there's no way he or she is going to visit your website for more information.
Compelling people to read your article
Aside from specifying the content of your article and promising a benefit, your title should give your potential readers the impression that your article is worth their time. It has to be well-written, gramatically correct, and free of overblown language.
Don't use abbreviations or "netspeak" in your titles. Don't use excessive punctuation or other non-alphanumeric characters. Your title should be simple, direct, and to the point.
Also, trying to lure readers with unreasonable claims, such as "You Can Get Health Insurance for Free Right Now!" will turn off potential readers. Internet users look at every claim with a discerning eye, and can spot a hyped-up promise right away.
Use these tips when crafting your article titles, and you will notice an increase in readership and conversions.
In a future post, I will tell you about 4 elements of your article content that will help you drive readers to your website, so you can start making more sales.
I wish each of you a happy and prosperous New Year!
Lee Rowley
Java Joint Media
www.javajointmedia.com
