How to put “GREAT” into “A GREAT HEADING”

byrichardgb

1.9K followers

Updated 1 month ago

Have you ever wondered what draws you into reading an article, clicking on a blog post, or exploring a website?

Often, it's a great heading that first captures your interest and piques your curiosity.

But what makes a heading not just good but GREAT?

A heading is more than just a title.

It's a handshake between you and your reader, a promise of value, and a signal for search engines.

By infusing 'GREAT' into your headings, you're not just crafting words; you're sculpting an entryway into your content.

Here I explore the essence of creating headings that stand out in honesty, attractiveness, and effectiveness.

Read on to discover all you need to construct a heading that captures the essence of your content and entices readers with the promise of something valuable.

The Essence of a Great Keyword

What is a Keyword?

All our writing starts with a great keyword.

Keywords are like signposts that guide internet users and search engines towards what a searcher is looking for.

They are the words and phrases that people use when they're searching for information, products, or services online—terms like "sustainable gardening tips" or "beginner yoga routines."

In content SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), these terms help search engines understand what your content is about and align it with users' queries.

Broad keywords (usually short phrases) may cover wide topics, while longtail keywords, those longer and more specific phrases, address the finer details and questions of users.

The Importance of Selecting the Right Keyword

Choosing the right keyword is like selecting the right tool for a job. There is plenty of training in the Wealthy Affiliate treasure chest on how to find the right keyword.

In essence, it might be the difference between your content disappearing into the digital ether and the correct audience finding it.

To be clear, your choice of the 'right' keyword connects what your content truly offers with what your potential readers are searching for.

But how do you uncover these magical phrases?

As a Wealthy Affiliate member, you have access to the excellent "Jaaxy.” There is plenty of training provided for using Jaaxy.

Personally, I augment my keyword research with the convenience of a browser extension called Keywords Everywhere (sorry, it’s a premium option, although of great value), along with checking out page one of Google Search.

Always remember that a great keyword for your heading is one that balances search volume with relevance to the searcher and competition.

Crafting a Great Heading

The Attributes of a Great Heading

Now to a great heading: It’s your content's first impression; make it count.

It should be honest, reflecting the true substance of your article, and attractive, drawing the reader in with the promise of solving a problem, providing insights, or offering entertainment.

Beware of deceptive practices; while a sensational heading might boost initial clicks, it can damage trust and credibility if the content doesn't deliver.

In the online world, trust is currency, and once it's lost, it's hard to regain.

Strategies for Creating an Honest and Attractive Heading

Creativity married with honesty breeds the most compelling headings.

Use active verbs and vibrant language, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the reader's needs and emotions.

You can test different headlines to see what works best for your audience.

But, remember, the line between creative and deceptive can be thin; always ensure your heading accurately reflects the content.

Implementing 'GREAT' in Your Heading

Understanding 'GREAT'

'GREAT' isn't just a word; it's an acronym for Genuine, Relevant, Engaging, Accurate, and Timely—the five pillars of a powerful heading.

But how do you weave these elements together?

A 'GREAT' heading starts with a foundation of truth (Genuine), connects directly to what the reader is searching for (Relevant), captures interest with compelling language (Engaging), mirrors the core content accurately (Accurate), and speaks to current trends or persistent needs (Timely).

Practical Steps to Infuse 'GREAT' into Your Headings

1. Genuine: Be yourself; let your brand's voice and honesty shine through.
2. Relevant: Use your chosen keyword smartly, ensuring it matches your audience's intent.
3. Engaging: Invoke curiosity, ask a question, or present a compelling fact or figure.
4. Accurate: Ensure your heading precisely reflects the content of your article.
5. Timely: Connect your content with current trends or every-day interests.

A heading conveys both an invitation and a promise.

Strive for balance and alignment between your heading and the content it introduces.

By embedding 'GREAT' into your headings, you'll be improving SEO and guiding a reader's journey from curiosity to knowledge.

Beyond the Heading: Ensuring Content Quality

Aligning Headings with Content

Now, the journey doesn't end with crafting a 'GREAT' heading.

The true test lies in ensuring that your content delivers on the promises your headline makes.

An outstanding heading paired with lacklustre content is like a grand entrance leading to an empty room—ultimately disappointing.

Think of your heading as a solemn pledge to your readers.

It sets expectations for the value they're about to receive.

Hence, maintaining harmony between your headings and content is essential.

This alignment fosters trust and encourages readers to explore your work further, perhaps even becoming loyal followers or customers.

Evaluating and Improving Your Headings

The digital world thrives on feedback and analytics.

Use tools like A/B testing to see which headings attract more clicks and engagement.

Analyse your website's analytics to understand how headings affect bounce rates and reader retention.

Remember, a great heading is not set in stone; it may need to evolve based on the audience's response and changing trends.

So don't shy away from revisiting old headings.

As your content ages, so do the phrases and keywords once considered engaging.

Refreshing old keywords and titles can breathe new life into your timeless content, giving it a second chance to shine.

Summary: The Power of 'GREAT' Headings

OK… So a 'GREAT' heading serves as a signal fire, guiding readers to your articles.

Along with high-quality content, it's about creating a genuine connection with your audience and providing them with real value.

Infusing 'GREAT' into your headings is something of an art form that balances creativity with honesty and innovation with clarity.

It's about crafting an invitation so enticing that your intended audience can't help but accept it.

Take on board the principles laid out in this guide.

Experiment, learn from your successes and failures, and never stop striving for GREAT-ness.

Always remember that a great heading is the first step in a journey of discovery, learning, and connection to your content.

To those new to these ideas, what have you learned?

To those who’ve seen it and heard it all before, what would you add?
;-)
Richard