How to Write an SEO Headline That Ranks and Gets Clicks

Are your blog post headlines optimized for SEO and readers? There’s a delicate balance between the two, and a lot of business owners get it wrong. A SEO headline is your first impression, and it needs to be compelling and clear.

A strong SEO headline can improve click-through rates (CTR), rankings, and user engagement. So instead of slapping a random title on your blog, take the time to write a headline that makes people actually want to read your content.

Key Takeaways

• Why headlines are important for SEO
• The difference between an SEO title and a blog title
• Tips to write an SEO-friendly headline
• 4 headline formulas to use when you’re stuck

Why are Headlines Important in SEO?

Your blog headline is one of the most important SEO elements on the page. It’s the first thing readers and search engines see to understand the purpose of your blog.

The headline sets an expectation for what readers will learn about in the blog. The more specific your headline, the longer readers will stay on the page and on your website to learn more from you.

Search engines use your headline to organize it in search results. When you tell search engines exactly what your blog will cover, it increases the chances of ranking in relevant search results and reaching your target audience.

What is the Difference Between an SEO Title and a Blog Title?

Before we go any further, I need to explain the difference between your blog post title and your SEO title. While they can be the same, sometimes you might need to change it up.

Your blog post title (or an H1 text tag) can be more creative for readers. It can also be as long as you want. This is what shows up at the top of your blog post.

An SEO title is what shows up in search results and is limited to 60 characters. It should include more exact keywords while maintaining that creativity to attract readers.

Here’s an example of a headline I had to change for a client:

• Blog post title: If You Want Natural Deodorant That Works, I’ve Got Some IMPORTANT Tips For You
• SEO title: Important Tips If You Want a Natural Deodorant That Works

The blog post title was way too long to be an SEO title. It’s meant to engage readers by being more conversational. I had to adjust the SEO title to fit the character limit, but the message is still the same.

How to Write an SEO-Friendly Headline

As you write your blog headline, keep these tips in mind!

Keyword Placement

Your focus keyword should be toward the front of your headline if possible. Sometimes it doesn’t work, and that’s okay, but if you can, move your keyword to the front.

Clarity + Creativity

Sometimes our headlines are too creative and they lose clarity. If you have to choose one, pick clarity. You want the topic of your blog to be crystal clear to readers and search engines. This will improve clicks and your position in search results.

Avoid Clickbait

Don’t be that guy. Don’t make promises in your headline that you don’t keep in your blog. Don’t make it overly dramatic just to get clicks. You’ll just increase your bounce rate because you don’t deliver in your actual content.

Don’t Keyword Stuff

You might think using a bunch of keywords will increase your chances of ranking, but readers and search engines see right through you. It’s unnatural and awkward to use a ton of keywords in an SEO headline. 

Instead, write for readers first, then optimize for search. Think about the reader’s intent and the problem your audience is trying to solve. Then, add your target keyword naturally into the headline.

Here’s an example of both scenarios:

• Keyword Stuffing: SEO Blog Writing Services SEO Content SEO Optimization Blog Posts
• A Good SEO Headline: 8 Ways SEO Blog Writing Services Help Your Business Grow

Ah the keyword stuffing one just makes me cringe. It’s so bad. The SEO headline is much more clear and enticing. Even though the first one has more keywords, the second one will get more clicks.

4 SEO Headline Formulas That Work

You can be as creative as you want with your SEO headline, but there are a few formulas that work time and time again. Use these the next time you can’t think of a good blog headline!

Listicles

Listicle posts have always been a great SEO headline. People know right away that they’ll be able to skim the post and get the gist quickly. The headline makes it very clear what someone will learn by reading the post.

Plus, people are nosy and want to know the top 10 or best 5 ways to do XYZ 😉

Reframe your blog headlines to include a number. Here are some of my listicle blogs as examples:

• My Top 6 Local SEO Tips to Boost Visibility in Your Community
• 9 Reasons Your Blog Doesn’t Get Traffic
• 6 Things I Wish I Did Differently in My First Year of Business

How-to Headlines

How-to SEO headlines bring people in because you’re setting the expectation that they’ll learn something tangible from your post. It’s not just some tips—it’s teaching them how to do something specific.

Here are some of my how-to posts!

• How to Repurpose Content to Maximize Your Time and Energy
• How to Use Tailwind for Your Creative Business
• How to Handle Rejection and Criticism as a Creative Entrepreneur

Question Headlines

This type of SEO headline answers a specific question your audience has about your expertise. 

They are also amazing in this new world of AI. We’ve seen a change in search behavior where people are asking more long-form questions rather than keywords. If your headline is a highly searched long-form question, you’re more likely to show up in search results.

Keywords are still important, but answering questions is becoming a main SEO strategy, too.

Here are my blogs that answer questions:

• How Long Does it Take to See Blog Results?
• Do I Need Blog Images?
• Does Reading Make You a Better Writer?
• What is Cornerstone Content?

Power Words and Emotional Triggers

This is another effective SEO headline strategy that has proven successful over time. Using power words and emotional triggers draws people into your post.

Power words make the impact even stronger. Consider these two examples:

• A guide to client gifting
• The ultimate guide to client gifting

Adding that one power word makes me want to read that blog even more because I’m expecting to learn everything I need to know about client gifting!

Here are some examples of power words you can add to your SEO headlines:

• Proven
• Ultimate
• Essential
• Simple
• Quick
• Powerful
• Complete
• Little-Known
• Must-Have

The same idea goes for emotional triggers. You’re sparking curiosity and connection with your audience right away. 

Here are some examples of emotional triggers you can use:

• Urgency: Now, today, don’t miss, limited
• Curiosity: Surprising, unexpected, hidden, shocking
• Pain Avoidance: Mistakes, fails, risky, costly
• Gain: Save, boost, increase, double, grow, maximize
• Trust: Safe, reliable, authentic, backed by science, tested

Updating and Refreshing Headlines for Better SEO

Do some of your blog titles need to be refreshed with these SEO headline best practices? Audit your old posts and see how you can update the headlines. 

• Can you add a number to make it a listicle?
• Or rephrase it into a question?
• Or throw in a power word or emotional trigger?

Track how your new headlines are performing in Google Search Console. You should see an increase in traffic, impressions, and pages per session. Maybe even more newsletter signups and freebie downloads!

A great headline is strategic, not just catchy. Review your blog post headlines and see where you can improve.

And if you find a ton that needs to be updated, along with the content inside each blog, check out my blog optimizations package. I’ll update the headline and the entire post for SEO and readers. Inquire today!

FAQs About SEO Headlines

What are some catchy headlines?

Catchy SEO headlines blend keywords and personality. They catch people’s attention by using numbers, power words, or questions, while maintaining SEO best practices to appear in search results.

What are common headline mistakes?

Some common SEO headline mistakes I see are adding too many keywords, being too vague, and trying to be overly clever. These mistakes could cost you clicks and leads.

How can I test my headlines?

Track the click-through rate (CTR) in Google Search Console. A month after changing your headline, see if your CTR has improved. If it hasn’t, wait another month and check again, then change the headline to try something new.