Writing the 8 WebCopy Headline Categories

My article this issue is an excerpt from a book I was reading recently titled; The Copywriters Handbook by Robert Bly, a secondary small niche I focus on a bit. It categorizes the different types of headlines which are most common and in use today.

My immediate thought when I was reading this was to see which one tested best and then go onto the the next one, working my way through the list,... see what I mean,... testing each headline to see which ones pulls best.

So below I have them for your use. For space issues of course, I condensed them to a brief summary and an example. Enjoy.

1. Direct Headlines: state the selling proposition directly, with no room for wondering.
Examples:
"Pure Silk Blouses 30% Off"

2. Indirect Headlines: leaves a "roundabout" way to the message and product or service.
Examples:
"Ten Million to One. We can mix it"

3. News Headlines: gives a "newsy" type headline about the product.
Examples:
"Introducing the new Citation II" - Chevrolet

4. How-to Headline: gives a how-to approach and implication to the headline.
Examples:
"How-To Turn A Simple Party Into A Royal Ball"

5. Question Headlines: pose a question to the readers/prospects can empathize with.
Examples:
"Have You Any Of These Decorating Problem?" - Bigelow Carpets

6. Command Headlines: tell your prospects or reader what to do. Examples:
"Try Burning This Coupon" - Harshaw Chemical Company

7. Reason Why Headlines: pose a "list fashion" in the headline. Examples:
"Seven reason whys you should join..."
"120 to 4,000 reasons why you should..."
they can also can be in a,...
"6 Ways to etc. ..."
"7 Steps for etc. ..."

8. Testimonial Headlines: One of the Best types of headlines to have, is the testimonial, as this adds believability to the product/service in question.

To sum up,... the 8 categories of headlines in use today they are: Direct, InDirect, How-to, News, Command, Question, Reason Why, and The Testimonial.

In my own works; I'm finding, that some are easier to create than others, but see how they go for you. See which one or two pull best and of course stick with those.

Burke Ferguson holds both a BSc. degree in Computer Science as well Certification in Search Engine Optimization and Marketing Strategies. He regularly publishes The ACE! newsletter, in which he shares his experience, methods, and knowledge about what works and about what is 'BS'. He can be contacted by http://www.the-ace-ezine.com or http://www.altacanweb.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


The Untold Secrets of Writing Best Selling Childrens Books

Ever wondered how the most successful children's book writers get... Read More

Taming The Book Proposal

Taming the Book Proposal: The BasicsOh, that most maddening of... Read More

Dont Get Burned: Evaluating Script Writing Contests

Hundreds of writing contests tempt screenwriters with the lure of... Read More

Publisher Ethics For Reprint-able Articles

Let's Discuss Publisher Ethics:If you are an ezine publisher or... Read More

Im Just The Writer

Writers are often are greatly surprised or disappointed by how... Read More

Save Time When You Write

I'm in the process of moving from one computer to... Read More

Sick of the Traditional Publishing Path?

A book coaching client recently emailed me that she was... Read More

8 Tips to Get Publishers to Notice You

If your articles aren't getting published very often, or you... Read More

Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 1 of 6

ACCEPT, EXCEPT Not commonly seen even from unpublished writers, who... Read More

The One-Plot Wonder

Back in the mid to late 1980s I was a... Read More

Sharpen Your Writing With Structure

At some point, every serious writer is forced to sit... Read More

Write Possibilities

We writers are a powerful lot. We control time. We... Read More

Review of A Classic: Finneys Invasion of The Body Snatchers

To keep it simple and basic: Jack Finney's Invasion of... Read More

Seven Important Lessons for Experts Who Want to Get Published

At first, I noticed that I could have written many... Read More

Written Communications ? 6 Tips on Language & Tone

In most aspects of business, we will be expected to... Read More

Hey Cient, this is Me! Find Your Writing Voice and Sell Yourself

In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More

Does The Title Reflect The Story?

Short Story Writing Tips ?We all have different tastes in... Read More

A Simple Contest with a Strong Message: Wake Up Your Writing Spirit

The Blogfest 2005 Writing Contest has only been running for... Read More

Pages: Your Book of Life

Many of us dream of writing a book. Why not.... Read More

The Myths Of Writing: Have You Bought Into These?

There is an image most people carry of the artist... Read More

If You Want to Succeed As a Writer, Dont Just Think It, Do It

It never ceases to amaze me when a prospective writer... Read More

Beginners Blues: How to Collect Samples, Testimonials, and References as a Freelancer

Beginner's Blues: How to Collect Samples, Testimonials, and References as... Read More

How to Get Free Publicity in In-flight Magazines

If you're targeting an educated, more affluent audience with your... Read More

The Writers Angst

What is this annoying, insidious angst that permeates my psyche?... Read More

8 Quick Tips on Creating Vivid, Memorable Characters

These 8 tips on using characters in your stories will... Read More

Five Minute Miracles

FIVE MINUTES ... Is All You Need ........to phone a... Read More

Review In 29 Steps Plus One

I just finished to read a book. A story for... Read More

Writing Business Letters That Get The Job Done

Despite the widespread use of e-mail in commerce today, traditional... Read More

Create A Dream Diary

How many times have you forced yourself to sit in... Read More

What Does It Take To Make Your Memories Into Publishable Memoirs?

Why should you consider creating a memoir of your personal... Read More

How to Create Incredible Characters Easily

Creating incredible characters can be easy if you know of... Read More

5 Ways to Break the Story Spell

You sink back into your favourite chair with a new... Read More

Top Seven Ways to Write your Print or eBook Fast

Want to write your book? But, need a blueprint on... Read More