Write for the SEO value, write for the reader. Write to be clever, write for clarity. When you’re writing a blog post, or a page on your website, finding the right balance between writing for SEO and writing to make your content stand out for the reader can be difficult. And nowhere are these decisions more manifest than in the blog post title or the “H1” of the web page.

Here are some quick tips for crafting better headlines that you can use before publishing your next blog post or web page.

First, start by writing for clarity

It’s an understatement to say there’s a lot of content out there on the web. How do you cut through the clutter?

Begin with a headline that clearly says what your article or post is about – the topic. This is not the time to use cute, clever, or obfuscated titles that don’t provide any clue as to what the reader can expect. Save clever for within the post itself. This method not only addresses search engines (the “topic” in essence is your “keyword”) but also gives your reader a quick insight into what the post is about.

Keep it short – use a 65-character rule of thumb (again, advice that addresses SEO and the reader).

For example, here’s a clear, straightforward headline: Tips for Growing Daffodils.

Then, add some “clever” to make your headline stand out

Writing a clear headline doesn’t have to mean boring. We’ll take our basic headline and demonstrate how, using one or a combination of the following tips, you can embellish and add interest to your headline.

1. Start with the basic headline	Tips for Growing Daffodils
2. Add numbers	10 Tips for Growing Daffodils
3. Use adjectives (amazing, excellent, useful, brilliant)	10 Brilliant Tips for Growing Daffodils
4. Sell the benefits	10 Brilliant Tips for Growing Daffodils That Will Make a Beginner Look Like a Pro
5. Create a sense of urgency	The One Thing You Need to Know Before Growing Daffodils
6. Ask a question	Do You Know the Best Way to Grow Daffodils?

Of course, we don’t recommend using all these techniques with every headline – a variety of well-written titles will also help your content stand out from the crowd.

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