Headlines that make people keep reading

If you've ever poured your heart into a post only to hear crickets, you know the pain.

Let’s talk about writing like you talk (only better).

If you've ever poured your heart into a post only to hear crickets, you know the pain. Great content dies in darkness without a headline that makes people stop scrolling and start reading.

Let's fix that.

But first, a quick story about my grandmother's recipe box. Each card had a proper title written at the top—things like "Vanilla Bean Shortbread"—but ask her about any recipe, and she'd tell you about "The Cookies That Made Mrs. Peterson Cry" or "The Cake That Won the Church Raffle Three Years Running." The official names told you what the recipe was. Her nicknames told you why anyone should care.

Your headlines need that same secret sauce—the human touch that makes people lean in and say "tell me more."

The "Yeah, But How?" Part

Instead of: "5 Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses"

Try: "Your Competitor's Secret Weapon? Their Grocery List" (Then reveal how simple daily habits build marketing success)

Instead of: "How to Increase Your Professional Network"

Try: "Coffee With Strangers Changed My Business" (Then share your networking breakthrough story)

Instead of: "Tips for Better Work-Life Balance"

Try: "I Fired Myself From My Own Company (For a Week)" (Then explain how stepping away showed you what matters)

Why These Work

1. They're specific but intriguing

2. They sound like something you'd actually say

3. They promise a story, not just information

4. They make one clear point

5. They use simple words to paint big pictures

The Secret Formula (That Doesn't Feel Like a Formula)

Start with your proper headline. The boring one. The "Vanilla Bean Shortbread" version.

Then ask:

• How would I tell a friend about this over coffee?

• What's the surprising part?

• What's the real reason someone should care?

• What's the story behind the advice?

Quick Fixes for Flat Headlines

Boring: "How to Build Customer Loyalty"
Better: "The $4 Thank You Note That Brought Back $40,000"

Boring: "Productivity Tips for Entrepreneurs"
Better: "What My Broken Coffee Maker Taught Me About Systems"

Boring: "Strategies for Business Growth"
Better: "The Post-It Note That Doubled My Revenue"

The Bottom Line

Your headline isn't just a label—it's an invitation to a conversation. Make it sound like something a real human would actually say to another real human.

Because here's the truth: Nobody goes home and tells their partner they read "5 Effective Marketing Strategies" today. But they might mention the article about the grocery list that changed someone's business.

Be that story.

Try This Now: Take your last three blog posts or social media updates. Rewrite each headline using this simple test: Would you say it that way to a friend? Would they want to hear more?

Remember: The best headlines don't feel like headlines at all. They feel like the beginning of a story you can't wait to hear.

Cheers!

Brad

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