17 Must-Use Words in Your Headlines [+Examples]

Interested in how to write headlines that make articles and/or blog posts go viral? Then your first step as a professional copywriter is to learn what words are the most effective at grabbing your readers attention. Here is a list of proven words that you can use in headlines and titles to gain more interest from your readers and promote sharing on social media.

1. Secret

It's a fairly well-known fact that using terms like "secret" foster the idea of mystery and exclusivity in the mind of the reader.

Example: 9 Secrets About Writing Viral Headlines

2. New

Like the word "secret," the term "new" is one that has the power to catch and keep the attention of your prospective audience.

Example: Amazing Uses for New 3D Printers!

3. Now

"Now" is interesting because it suggests immediacy.

Example: 5 Projects to Start Right Now

4. Facts

People are interested in facts about everything under the sun. Including the term to boost engagement and sharing.

Example: 12 Amazing Facts About Everyday Breakfast Foods

5. Bargain

Writing an article about money-saving techniques or great deals with the world “bargain” in the title can be eye-catching.

Example: New Bargain Beauty Tips You Won't Want to Miss!

6. Exclusive

The term exclusive connotes, well, exclusivity. Most people like to feel as if they have access to valuable information that others don't know about.

Example: Exclusive Sneak Peek Into XYZ

7. How To

We live in an era of do-it-yourself projects, and many readers are interested in "How To" articles that provide them with information to fix or create things. Incorporating phrases like

"How To" in your headlines and titles is sure to get attention.

Example: How To Build Nearly Anything Out of Wood Pallets

8. Breakthrough

The term "breakthrough" is a great word to include in your headlines and titles because it conveys excitement and immediacy.

Example: Have You Seen These Stunning Breakthroughs in 3D Printing?

9. You & Your

Using the word "you" and “your” in titles and headlines is effective because it implies that the information conveyed in the article or blog post pertains to directly to the reader.In short, it suggests that the article or blog is directly applicable to the reader.

Example: "Your Winter Fashion Guide" suggests that there are certain clothes and fashion ideas that will directly benefit the reader.

10. Amazing

We all want to be amazed, and the promise of new, entertaining and informative information that will elicit

strong emotions will entice readers to click and read more often than not.

Example: 14 Amazing Masterpieces Created in a Day

11. This

"This" is a great term to place in one's headlines and/or titles because it connotes specificity and immediate information.

Example: "Is This The Right Car For You?"

12. What/Which/When

What, which, and when are all good terms to use because they are "question" terms.

Question terms are great to use in headlines and titles because they suggest that the writer will provide a significant answer to an important inquiry.

Example: How To Determine Which Car is Right For You

Image Source: Jared Cherup via Flickr

13. Why

Like the "what/which/when" medley, "why" is a great term to use in a title or headline because it promises a significant explanation.

Example: 7 Great Reasons Why Costa Rica Rocks for Vacations

14. People

Using the world people in a headline plays into our natural curiosity about others, especially if the information promises tips on how we can become more successful or beautiful. We also like sneaking a peek into other people’s lives.

Example: 12 Famous People Whose Names You Don't Know

15. Video

As many internet marketing experts know, people are much more likely to watch an online video than read an online article. If your article will contain an interesting and/or informative video, it's a good idea to advertise this fact in the title by including the term "video" there.

Example: The Only Uplifting Video You Need to See Today

16. Shocking

This works much like “Amazing” in a title, suggesting that reading the post will make us feel a strong emotion and give us new information.

Example: A Shocking Look Into the Life of a Hoarder

17. >Insert Number Here<

People love lists! Combined with any of the above-mentioned words,

a number can be a powerful force in headlines.

Example: 11 Shocking New Scientific Breakthroughs!

Words pack a punch, some more so than others. Writing eye-catching headlines and titles can help you create more viral content and grow your readership.

Do you have any favorite words or phrases that you use in headlines or never fail to grab your attention?