You hammer away for an hour (or more) perfecting your latest blog post. You comb through for edits, polish it up, and hit that publish button.

Just like the eager beaver you are, you share that brand spanking new information out to all your followers on all the social media channels and wait. You wait for the thousands of likes and millions of shares to come rolling in.

But then you update your social networks and realize that shiny new info is only getting a handful of activities. Grumble. 

It doesn’t matter how amazing your content is, it’s not going to get a chance if your title is watering it down. You need to pack a punch in those titles in a way that will grab the attention of any of your followers within seconds.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 social media headlines you can adapt to attract more activity to your updates.

1. The Life-Changing Magic of ______

Let your audience know exactly what’s in it for them by showcasing a title with a benefit. Readers will know what information they’ll walk away with before they even click, making this easily one of the most sought-after headlines.

This is the “no BS” solution to getting your information in front of your audience’s eyes.

2. How To _____ in ____ Simple Steps

Give your audience actionable steps to a specific problem they’re experiencing. You’ve probably seen a bunch of “How To” headlines before, and that’s for good reason. They really work. 

By guiding your readers through a process they’re interested in, you’re placing yourself as an expert source on the topic.

3. Top 10 Ways to _____ a ____

Studies have proven headlines that feature a list are the most shared social media content, right after info graphics.

That’s because when a reader sees an exact number of items, they know exactly what they’re in for and how long they need to keep their attention span on the information.

Some other ways to form a list post:

• Top 10 Reasons to ____
• 10 Tips to _____
• 10 Things ____ do when _____

4. The Ultimate Guide to ______

Nothing says “top expert in your field” like the words Ultimate Guide. 

This gives your readers the impression that once they click on that uber-awesome title, they’ll have everything they need to know on the topic you’re educating them about. Which, in turn, makes them feel like they’ll be a little closer to expert level, too.

Well, they’ll at least have a better understanding of the topic you’re providing.

5. Why does ___ happen? Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making

Nine times out of ten, can you guess what people throw in their search bars? Questions.

That’s because most people who are behind the keyboard are looking for some type of answer. A good portion of those people are looking for an answer in your field.

Help them out a little and use the question they’re searching for as a social media headline.

6. How Leading Experts _____. Find Out What They Have to Say.

Again, consumers are all about soaking in the information coming from experts in the field they’re interested in. Once in a while, throw in some content that puts other people as experts in your field.

Citing media experts is a smart strategy to educate your audience while keeping yourself in a knowledgeable position.

7. Common Misconceptions About ____ That Are Holding Back Your ____.

Be your own myth-buster and a form of clarity for your audience.

These days, it’s hard to know what’s common knowledge and what’s a false rumor unless you’re right in the middle of it. Using a Myth-Buster headline clears that up for your audience without them needing to experience it first hand.

8. 5 ____ Trends to Watch Out for This Year.

Go ahead and be in charge of the proverbial magic eight balls for once.

People like prediction headlines because they help shed light on what’s otherwise unknown. Prepare them for whatever is happening in your niche and get them ready for what you know the future holds.

9. ____ Shares a Story of How ____ Improved His/Her Life.

There’s virtually nothing more compelling than content that makes you feel a connection. A past customer and client stories are the perfect way to make a real connection with other people. They appeal to your audience’s emotions and show the positive outcome any future customer or client may have thanks to you.

The double whammy of headline goodness.

10. Purchase ____ at a Discounted Price Until _____!

Tease your audience with a discount or freebie.

While you don’t want to go all ham on these headlines all the time, once in a while you might want to throw one out there in the universe. Why? Well, everyone loves to save money once in a while. So if you’re throwing a promotion for your offer, why not showcase it with a social media headline.

Headline Writing For Social Media Content

Now that we’ve clued you into what kind of headlines work for social media… we’re almost ready to set you out to the wolves to put it in practice. Almost.

Before you try out any of the headlines for yourself, keep in mind a few simple rules:

• Make sure it provides some kind of benefit or inside scoop.
• Use open-ended questions
• Connect with what the audience wants.
• And remember… if you wouldn’t click on it, no one else would either.

Now, go. Be free in the social media jungles and test out your new headlines.

And if you’re still stuck trying to figure out what the heck to share in the social media worlds, I can help you with that. I’d be happy to chat with you about how.