How To Write Instagram Headlines
Nothing says 🛑 Stop The Scroll 🛑 like an attention-grabbing headline. Well-written headlines capture the reader’s attention faster than their thumb can scroll. On the other hand, flat headlines will cost you eyes on your message — even if the rest of the content is inspired. On average, 8 out of 10 people will only read headline copy. That means two things.
It Is The Most Important Piece Of Copy
The Goal Of A Headline Is To Get People To Stop Scroll In Favor Of Reading On
Our attention spans are short! And there is a very small chance that people will make it to the rest of your content — blogs, Instagram posts, and otherwise — if your headline is a yawn. By the end of this article, you’ll learn all the tools to write an engaging Instagram headline.
Instagram Headline Vs. Instagram Hook
After The Headline: How To Write Engaging Instagram Captions
Elements Of A Great Instagram Headline
Most people don’t read. They skim. That’s why headlines determine the effectiveness of the entire piece of content, regardless if it’s an Instagram post, blog, or email subject line. Keep reading to learn the factors that make headlines engaging, plus copywriting writes to DIY your best Instagram headlines yet.
Answers a Specific Question: Think “How To”
Promises An Actionable Solution: Think “Step-By-Step Guide”
Sparks Curiosity: A headline that sparks curiosity doesn’t tell you exactly what the content talks about, but it can hint at a life-changing solution to address a reader’s question. You’re telling the readers why it's worth it to finish reading. Here is an example for each.
Scroll-Stopping Headline Examples For Instagram
Answers a Specific Question
Exactly How Long It Takes For A Content Strategy To Work
Promises Actionable Solutions
4 Steps To Fall Asleep Faster
Sparks Curiosity
Social Media vs. Blogging: What's a Better Use Of Time?
Copywriting Tips For Better Instagram Headlines
Using Numbers & Stats
Numbers in a headline instantly make the content to follow sound more creditable. In addition, research shows that readers will naturally assume that they will learn or benefit from following the advice in a numbered article—for example, 4 Ways To Improve Your Sleep instead of Ways To Improve Your Sleep.
One reason people like numbered headlines is that they’ll know what to expect. A lower number = a shorter read. The list format also taps into our preferred way of taking in and organizing information subconsciously. Information is processed spatially — an ideal format for lists. It is why we use shopping lists and to-do lists.
2. Tap Into Emotions With Words
Click-worthy headlines are instantly relatable and strike a nerve with the reader. Copywriters rely on these “Power Words” to trigger a psychological or emotional response. Copywriters rely on these “Power Words” to trigger a psychological or emotional response. They're called “power words” because they are so persuasive that people can't help but be influenced by them. But power words aren't just for pros. Here are power word examples to make your Instagram headlines more impactful.
How To Make Headline Writing Easier
Grab a pen and paper — or open a Google doc — and write down all the headlines and variations that come to mind (use the templates to guide you). Give yourself options. Look for ways to play up — or down — different angles of the main piece of content. I like to write more than one headline for every piece of content In fact; I usually write at least three headlines that sum up the point of the rest of the content in a compelling way.
One That Appeals To Emotion: "How To Stop Waking Up Drained"
One That Uses Data/Numbers: “7 Science-Back Ways To Wake Up Refreshed”
One That Offers An Actionable Solution: “Try This Tip For More Restful Sleep”
This copywriting exercise not only makes it so much easier to repurpose content by simply swapping out the headline, but you appeal to different buyer types with each iteration.
Great Instagram headlines are all about stopping the scroll. Paired with a content strategy designed to meet your business goals, this Instagram headline-writing formula will help get your message in front of the people who want to hear it most.