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Instead, we encourage writers to write headlines that answer these questions directly.

Over time, you can certainly shape your headlines to create your own distinct style,
however it's important to learn the building blocks of effective headline writing from the
beginning. Make no mistake, even the most "artistic" or "creative" essays, articles, and
stories follow these same underlying principles.

Just take a look at the front page of The Atlantic.

Each article title, minimalist as it might be, is still hinting at a) WHO this is for, b) WHAT
this is about, and c) WHY you should read it.

So, in order to learn how to do this on your own, we encourage writers to start with
longer, more descriptive headlines. Answer these 3 questions directly. And then, over
time, whittle your headlines down into your own distinct style (while still answering these
questions for the reader).

Let's walk through how to write headlines readers can't help but click on.

The 5 Pieces Of Every Headline

Every single headline is composed of the same 6 pieces (some of which are optional,
some of which are absolutely necessary).

How Many? All "listicle" articles and essays start with a number. 6 Ways... 7

Reasons... 8 Brutal Truths... 9 Heartbreaking Movies... That's because readers love
containers, and numbers/lists make it easy for a reader to understand exactly what
they're "getting" in return for their time spent reading. Words on a page are a

"product," and so the clearer the container (the "box" your words arrive in), the more
likely readers are to be excited to open it up. (If an article or essay doesn't have a

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How To Start Writing Online: The Ship 30 For 30 Ultimate Guide