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Saturday, January 18, 2025
Ever feel like your headlines are missing the mark?
Like no matter how hard you try, they just don’t grab attention the way they should?
Here’s the cold, hard truth:
If your headline doesn’t hook your reader immediately, nothing else in your copy matters. Seriously, nothing. Your brilliant product descriptions, killer sales arguments, and clever closing lines will all go to waste if no one reads past your headline.
Luckily, you don’t need to start from scratch or wait for inspiration to strike. Some of the best copywriters in the world—from Gary Halbert to David Ogilvy—have relied on proven formulas to craft headlines that convert like crazy. And today, I’m handing you 50 of those headline templates so you can do the same.
But before we dive into the list, let’s talk about what makes a headline truly irresistible, how to use these templates to their full potential, and why they’re the ultimate cheat code for any copywriter.
A great headline is more than just a bunch of words slapped together. It’s a magnet. Its sole purpose is to grab your reader by the eyeballs, reel them in, and make them desperate to keep reading.
Gary Halbert famously said, “Your headline is the ad for the ad.” In other words, if your headline doesn’t do its job, nothing else in your copy even gets a chance. So, what separates the good headlines from the great ones? Let’s break it down.
1. It Grabs Attention Instantly
A strong headline doesn’t politely ask for attention—it demands it. Whether it’s through curiosity, shock, or a bold claim, it’s got to stop your reader in their tracks. Think about headlines like, “They Laughed When I Sat Down at the Piano—But When I Started to Play…” It hooks you because it makes you curious.
2. It’s Benefit-Driven
People don’t care about what you’re selling—they care about how it’ll help them. That’s why your headline has to highlight a clear, irresistible benefit. Ask yourself: What’s in it for the reader? A headline like “How to Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Days Without Starving Yourself” works because it promises something your audience desperately wants.
3. It Speaks Directly to the Reader
The best copywriting headlines make the reader feel like you’re talking only to them. Use the word “you” as much as possible. Headlines like “Are You Making These Common Email Marketing Mistakes?” feel personal, as if the copy is addressing a specific problem the reader is struggling with.
4. It Evokes Emotion
Emotions sell. Whether it’s curiosity, excitement, fear, or even greed, a great headline taps into your reader’s feelings. For example, “The Secret Wealthy People Don’t Want You to Know” stirs curiosity and appeals to the desire for financial success.
5. It’s Clear and Simple
No one has time to decipher a confusing or overly clever headline. Clarity always beats cleverness in copywriting. Stick to straightforward language that’s easy to understand. A headline like “3 Simple Steps to Double Your Productivity Today” is crystal clear about what it’s offering.
6. It Offers Proof or Specificity
Specific headlines are more believable than vague ones. Numbers, statistics, or timeframes instantly add credibility. Compare “Lose Weight Fast” to “How to Lose 15 Pounds in 6 Weeks Without Exercise.” Which one sounds more convincing?
Master these six traits, and you’ll create copywriting headlines that grab attention, build curiosity, and keep readers glued to your message. And here’s the best part—you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. That’s where headline templates come in handy. (More on that in the next section.)
These headline templates are a great starting point, but the real magic happens when you make them your own. Think of them as blueprints—they’ll guide you, but you need to add the finishing touches to make them a perfect fit for your audience and offer.
The most effective way to use these templates is to customize them based on your reader’s specific needs, desires, and pain points.
Start by asking yourself:
What does my audience really want?
What problem am I solving for them?
What benefit will they get by engaging with my offer?
The answers to these questions should dictate how you tweak the template.
For example, if a template says, “How to [Achieve X] in [Y Timeframe],” you need to replace the placeholders with specifics that your audience will resonate with. A beginner copywriter looking for their first client is going to respond differently than a seasoned pro trying to double their income. By customizing the template to reflect their unique situation, you’re not just using a formula—you’re creating a headline that feels tailor-made for them.
And here’s the thing:
Don’t stop at the first draft. Once you’ve customized the headline, ask yourself, Can I make this more specific? More compelling? More benefit-driven? The best copywriters don’t just use templates—they refine and improve them until they’re laser-focused on their audience and irresistible to read. When you treat templates as a starting point instead of a shortcut, they’ll help you create headlines that grab attention and drive action.
Your headline is the single most important part of your copy. Without it, nothing else gets read. The templates below are inspired by some of the highest-performing ads in history and have been battle-tested to work across all types of copy: sales pages, emails, blog posts, ads—whatever you’re writing.
Here’s how to use them:
For every project, pick a handful of templates that resonate with your audience and message. Fill in the blanks with specifics that relate to your offer, and adjust them as needed. These aren’t rigid formulas—they’re tools you can tweak to fit your writing style and goals. Write several variations for each template to find the one that pops.
Alright, enough yapping, let’s get to the good stuff…
1. How to [BLANK]
This template is timeless because it promises an actionable result. People are always looking for step-by-step solutions to their problems, which makes this one of the most effective headline templates in copywriting history.
Examples:
• How to Lose 10 Pounds Without Giving Up Pizza
• How to Plan the Perfect Wedding on a Budget
• How to Save $1,000 in the Next 30 Days
2. [Number] Ways to [BLANK]
Lists grab attention because they’re quick to read and easy to follow. Plus, using a number sets clear expectations about what the reader will learn.
Examples:
• 7 Ways to Boost Your Productivity Before Noon
• 10 Ways to Make Your Home Feel More Luxurious
• 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm During Thunderstorms
3. The Secret to [BLANK]
The word "secret" instantly makes readers curious. It hints at insider knowledge or exclusive insights, which feels irresistible.
Examples:
• The Secret to Growing Lush Green Plants Indoors
• The Secret to Crushing Your Next Job Interview
• The Secret to Baking the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. Who Else Wants [BLANK]?
This headline taps into FOMO (fear of missing out) by suggesting that others are already interested or achieving success. It’s an excellent way to leverage curiosity and social proof.
Examples:
• Who Else Wants to Travel Europe on a Shoestring Budget?
• Who Else Wants Clear, Glowing Skin in Just 7 Days?
• Who Else Wants to Work From Anywhere Without Quitting Their Job?
5. [Number] Things You Didn’t Know About [BLANK]
This template is perfect for sparking curiosity. People love learning new things, especially if it challenges what they already think they know.
Examples:
• 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Investing in Real Estate
• 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Coffee That Will Blow Your Mind
• 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Training for a Marathon
6. Here’s Why [BLANK]
This headline sets the stage for an explanation or argument. It’s a great way to answer a question your readers might already have or address a problem they didn’t even realize they needed to solve.
Examples:
• Here’s Why Most Diets Fail (And What You Can Do Instead)
• Here’s Why Remote Work Isn’t as Easy as It Looks
• Here’s Why Your Car Insurance Rates Keep Going Up
7. [Number] Reasons Why [BLANK]
This headline works because it positions your content as well-organized and logical. It’s perfect for persuading readers by breaking down the “why” behind a big idea or solution.
Examples:
• 5 Reasons Why Yoga Can Improve Your Mental Health
• 3 Reasons Why You Should Always Read the Fine Print
• 7 Reasons Why Your Houseplants Keep Dying (And How to Fix It)
8. What [Famous Person or Expert] Can Teach You About [BLANK]
By borrowing the authority of a well-known figure, you automatically boost the credibility of your content. People trust experts and are eager to learn from them, even indirectly.
Examples:
• What Elon Musk Can Teach You About Thinking Big
• What Julia Child Can Teach You About Cooking With Confidence
• What Serena Williams Can Teach You About Staying Mentally Tough
9. [Number] Mistakes to Avoid When [BLANK]
Nobody likes making mistakes—especially ones that cost time, money, or effort. This headline plays on that fear and positions your content as a solution to help readers avoid common pitfalls.
Examples:
• 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating Your Bathroom
• 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Flights Online
• 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your College Essay
10. How I [Achieved Specific Result] and How You Can Too
Sharing your own success story builds trust and credibility while showing readers that the result you’re promising is actually possible.
Examples:
• How I Paid Off $20,000 in Debt in Just 12 Months (And How You Can Too)
• How I Grew My Instagram Following to 100k Without Buying Followers (And How You Can Too)
• How I Went From Couch Potato to Running a 5K in 8 Weeks (And How You Can Too)
11. [Number] Steps to [BLANK]
Step-by-step headlines work because they promise a simple, actionable process. They make big, overwhelming tasks feel doable by breaking them down into manageable chunks.
Examples:
• 5 Steps to Building a Backyard Garden That Thrives
• 7 Steps to Writing a Bestselling Nonfiction Book
• 3 Steps to Finally Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
12. If You’re [Audience], You Can [Specific Benefit]
This one speaks directly to your audience, making it personal and relevant. It shows them what’s possible and gives them hope that they can achieve the same outcome.
Examples:
• If You’re a College Student, You Can Graduate Debt-Free Using These Strategies
• If You’re a Dog Lover, You Can Train Any Breed in 30 Days
• If You’re a Freelancer, You Can Triple Your Income Without Burning Out
13. Do You Make These [Number] Mistakes When [BLANK]?
This headline is hard to ignore because it raises doubt. Readers can’t help but wonder if they’re guilty of these mistakes and feel compelled to find out.
Examples:
• Do You Make These 7 Mistakes When Cooking Pasta?
• Do You Make These 5 Mistakes When Selling on Etsy?
• Do You Make These 3 Mistakes When Choosing a Babysitter?
14. The Fastest Way to [BLANK]
People are wired to want quick solutions, and this headline promises exactly that. It’s especially effective for readers who are short on time or impatient for results.
Examples:
• The Fastest Way to Build Muscle Without Spending Hours at the Gym
• The Fastest Way to Declutter Your Entire House in One Weekend
• The Fastest Way to Save for Your Dream Vacation
15. [Number] Questions You Need to Ask Before [BLANK]
This headline taps into a reader’s desire to make informed decisions. It promises them the tools to avoid regret and feel confident in their choices.
Examples:
• 5 Questions You Need to Ask Before Buying Your First Car
• 10 Questions You Need to Ask Before Signing a Lease
• 3 Questions You Need to Ask Before Starting a Business Partnership
16. How to [BLANK] Like [Famous Person or Expert]
Tying your headline to a well-known figure not only grabs attention but also adds instant credibility. Readers are naturally curious about the strategies of successful people.
Examples:
• How to Manage Your Time Like Elon Musk
• How to Play Guitar Like Jimi Hendrix in Just 30 Days
• How to Stay Calm Under Pressure Like Tom Brady
17. You Don’t Have to [Negative Thing] to [Positive Outcome]
This headline busts objections by challenging common assumptions. It reassures readers that they can get what they want without the sacrifices they fear.
Examples:
• You Don’t Have to Give Up Dessert to Lose Weight
• You Don’t Have to Quit Your Job to Start a Successful Side Hustle
• You Don’t Have to Spend a Fortune to Have a Beautiful Wedding
18. Everything You Need to Know About [BLANK]
For readers who want the complete picture, this headline promises an all-in-one guide. It appeals to those looking for clarity and confidence in a particular topic.
Examples:
• Everything You Need to Know About Building a Credit Score From Scratch
• Everything You Need to Know About Running Your First Half Marathon
• Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Small Business
19. Why [BLANK] Is Easier Than You Think
When people are intimidated by a challenge, this headline encourages them to reconsider. It breaks down mental barriers and inspires action by making the process feel achievable.
Examples:
• Why Learning a New Language Is Easier Than You Think
• Why Saving for Retirement Is Easier Than You Think
• Why Cooking Gourmet Meals at Home Is Easier Than You Think
20. [Number] Signs That [BLANK]
This headline draws readers in by making them curious about how many of these “signs” apply to them. It’s perfect for sparking self-reflection or identifying problems they didn’t know they had.
Examples:
• 5 Signs That Your Dog Might Be Bored During the Day
• 7 Signs That Your Car Needs a Tune-Up
• 10 Signs That Your Relationship Could Use Better Communication
21. What to Do If [Problem or Challenge]
This template works because it immediately addresses a common problem or fear. It promises the reader a clear solution or plan of action, making it hard to ignore.
Examples:
• What to Do If Your Laptop Won’t Turn On
• What to Do If You’re Feeling Burned Out at Work
• What to Do If Your Child Refuses to Eat Vegetables
22. [Number] Proven Ways to [BLANK]
By including the word "proven," this headline reassures readers that these strategies have already been tested and work. It’s ideal for building trust and authority.
Examples:
• 7 Proven Ways to Save Money on Groceries Every Month
• 10 Proven Ways to Relieve Back Pain Naturally
• 5 Proven Ways to Sell Your House Faster
23. The [Adjective] Way to [BLANK]
Sometimes readers are looking for a solution that fits their values or preferences. By adding an adjective like “simple,” “safe,” or “fun,” this headline appeals to specific desires.
Examples:
• The Simple Way to Declutter Your Closet for Good
• The Safe Way to Introduce Your Dog to a New Puppy
• The Fun Way to Teach Your Kids Math at Home
24. How [Common Mistake] Is Costing You [Negative Outcome]
This headline exposes a hidden problem the reader might not even know they have. It’s powerful because it highlights consequences they’re motivated to avoid.
Examples:
• How Poor Posture Is Costing You Hours of Energy Every Day
• How Ignoring SEO Is Costing Your Business Thousands in Revenue
• How Skipping Warm-Ups Is Costing You Gains at the Gym
25. [Number] [Type of Person] Who [Achieved a Specific Result]
This template uses stories or examples to inspire readers. By showing that others have succeeded, it reassures the audience that they can do it too.
Examples:
• 3 Freelancers Who Quit Their Day Jobs and Built Six-Figure Businesses
• 5 Women Who Lost 50 Pounds Without Counting Calories
• 7 Entrepreneurs Who Started With Nothing and Made Millions
26. The Truth About [BLANK]
Readers can’t resist headlines that promise to “pull back the curtain.” This template hints at a revelation or hidden knowledge they don’t want to miss.
Examples:
• The Truth About Why Diets Fail (And What Actually Works)
• The Truth About Working From Home That No One Tells You
• The Truth About Luxury Skincare Products (Are They Really Worth It?)
27. How [BLANK] Can Help You [Achieve a Specific Goal]
This headline connects something the reader might overlook or underestimate to a result they want. It reframes their perspective and sparks curiosity.
Examples:
• How Journaling Can Help You Reduce Anxiety in Just 10 Minutes a Day
• How Small Daily Habits Can Help You Build Long-Term Wealth
• How Reading Fiction Can Help You Become a Better Communicator
28. The Ultimate Guide to [BLANK]
This headline positions your content as the go-to resource. It’s perfect for long-form content that delivers comprehensive, in-depth value.
Examples:
• The Ultimate Guide to Meal Prepping for Beginners
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Hiking Gear
• The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Side Hustle While Working Full-Time
29. Why You Should Never [BLANK]
This headline creates urgency and intrigue by warning readers about a specific action they should avoid. It taps into their fear of making mistakes.
Examples:
• Why You Should Never Skip Breakfast Before a Workout
• Why You Should Never Buy a Car Without Test Driving It First
• Why You Should Never Use the Same Password for Multiple Accounts
30. How Much [BLANK] Do You Really Need?
This question-based headline engages readers by challenging assumptions or making them rethink what’s necessary. It promises to clarify something they’ve probably wondered about.
Examples:
• How Much Protein Do You Really Need to Build Muscle?
• How Much Money Do You Really Need to Retire Comfortably?
• How Much Time Do You Really Need to Train for a Half Marathon?
31. [Number] Little-Known Facts About [BLANK]
This headline works because people are naturally curious about things they don’t know. It positions your content as insightful and unique, making readers feel like they’re getting insider knowledge.
Examples:
• 7 Little-Known Facts About Coffee That Will Surprise You
• 10 Little-Known Facts About Saving for Retirement
• 5 Little-Known Facts About Puppy Training Every Dog Owner Should Know
32. What [Common Thing] Says About [BLANK]
This headline intrigues readers by giving meaning to something they’ve probably never thought about before. It sparks curiosity and positions your content as thought-provoking.
Examples:
• What Your Morning Routine Says About Your Productivity
• What Your Favorite Pizza Toppings Say About Your Personality
• What Your Email Writing Style Says About Your Professionalism
33. The [Adjective] Reason Why [BLANK]
This template uses an adjective to amplify the reader’s interest. Words like “shocking,” “unexpected,” or “real” make them curious about what comes next.
Examples:
• The Shocking Reason Why Most People Fail at Dieting
• The Unexpected Reason Why You’re Always Tired in the Afternoon
• The Real Reason Why Dogs Bark at the Mailman
34. How to Avoid [Specific Problem]
People are wired to avoid pain and problems, which makes this headline highly effective. It reassures readers that they can sidestep a negative outcome with your advice.
Examples:
• How to Avoid Burnout When Working From Home
• How to Avoid Overpaying for Your Next Vacation
• How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Investing in Stocks
35. [Number] Habits of [Specific Type of Person or Group]
This headline grabs attention by showcasing the routines or behaviors of a group the reader admires—or wants to emulate. It’s a great way to inspire readers.
Examples:
• 7 Habits of Highly Productive Entrepreneurs
• 5 Habits of People Who Always Stay Fit
• 10 Habits of Top Salespeople That Lead to Success
36. You’ll Never Believe [Shocking Statement]
This one plays on curiosity and surprise. It teases readers with something unbelievable, making them eager to see the details.
Examples:
• You’ll Never Believe How Much the Average Person Spends on Coffee Every Year
• You’ll Never Believe What This 80-Year-Old Marathon Runner Eats Every Day
• You’ll Never Believe the Real Cost of Free Apps
37. Why [Specific Problem] Happens and What to Do About It
Readers are often looking for both answers and solutions. This headline delivers both, making it a reliable choice for educational content.
Examples:
• Why Procrastination Happens and What to Do About It
• Why Plants Die in the Winter and What to Do About It
• Why Your Emails Don’t Get Opened and What to Do About It
38. How [BLANK] Changed My Life
This headline works because it’s personal and relatable. It promises a story and a transformation, which makes readers want to find out more.
Examples:
• How Reading Just 10 Pages a Day Changed My Life
• How Learning to Meditate Changed My Life in 30 Days
• How Quitting Sugar Changed My Life (And How It Can Change Yours Too)
39. The Dos and Don’ts of [BLANK]
This headline provides a clear structure for teaching readers the right way to do something, while also warning them about common mistakes. It’s practical and to the point.
Examples:
• The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Winning Cover Letter
• The Dos and Don’ts of Meal Prepping for Beginners
• The Dos and Don’ts of Negotiating Your Salary
40. [Number] Myths About [BLANK] You Need to Stop Believing
This template is great for busting misconceptions and positioning your content as eye-opening. It appeals to readers who want to challenge what they think they know.
Examples:
• 5 Myths About Fitness You Need to Stop Believing
• 7 Myths About Credit Scores That Are Hurting Your Finances
• 10 Myths About Introverts You Need to Stop Believing Right Now
41. What Everyone Gets Wrong About [BLANK]
This headline grabs attention by calling out a misconception. Readers will be eager to find out what they’ve been missing or misunderstanding.
Examples:
• What Everyone Gets Wrong About Eating Carbs at Night
• What Everyone Gets Wrong About Hiring a Personal Trainer
• What Everyone Gets Wrong About Starting an Online Business
42. How [Specific Goal] Can Be Easier Than You Think
This headline reassures readers that something they’ve been avoiding or overthinking is actually simpler than it seems. It breaks down mental barriers and inspires action.
Examples:
• How Losing Weight Can Be Easier Than You Think
• How Planning a Wedding Can Be Easier Than You Think
• How Learning to Code Can Be Easier Than You Think
43. [Number] Things I Wish I Knew Before [BLANK]
Sharing lessons from personal experience is powerful. It makes your content relatable and valuable by helping readers avoid the mistakes you made.
Examples:
• 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to a New City
• 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Own Business
• 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Training for My First Marathon
44. How [BLANK] Is Hurting Your [Specific Outcome]
This headline calls out a potential problem that readers might not even realize is holding them back. It builds curiosity and promises a solution.
Examples:
• How Bad Posture Is Hurting Your Energy Levels
• How Multitasking Is Hurting Your Productivity
• How Skipping Breakfast Is Hurting Your Fitness Goals
45. [Number] Rules for [BLANK]
Rules imply structure, authority, and expertise. This headline appeals to readers who are looking for clarity and guidance.
Examples:
• 5 Rules for Writing Blog Posts That People Actually Read
• 10 Rules for Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party
• 7 Rules for Managing Your Money Without Feeling Overwhelmed
46. The Best [BLANK] for [Specific Audience or Purpose]
This headline immediately promises value by offering a “best of” recommendation, which is perfect for readers searching for solutions or products.
Examples:
• The Best Running Shoes for People With Flat Feet
• The Best Meal Plans for Busy Professionals
• The Best Apps for Learning a New Language
47. How [BLANK] Can Save You [Specific Resource]
Readers love saving time, money, or effort. This headline highlights the benefit of an action or solution while appealing to their desire for efficiency.
Examples:
• How Shopping Online Can Save You Hours Every Week
• How Hiring a Virtual Assistant Can Save You Thousands Each Year
• How Buying in Bulk Can Save You Money Without Sacrificing Quality
48. [Number] Strategies to [BLANK]
This headline is perfect for readers who are looking for practical, actionable tips. The word "strategies" makes it sound smart and results-focused.
Examples:
• 5 Strategies to Stay Motivated When You Don’t Feel Like Working Out
• 7 Strategies to Negotiate a Higher Salary Without Being Pushy
• 10 Strategies to Get More Done in Less Time
49. The [Adjective] Truth About [BLANK]
This headline teases something unexpected or surprising about a specific topic, making it almost impossible to ignore.
Examples:
• The Brutal Truth About Why Most Businesses Fail
• The Hidden Truth About the Ingredients in Your Skincare Products
• The Surprising Truth About What Really Keeps Relationships Strong
50. [Number] Quick Tips for [BLANK]
This headline promises fast and actionable advice, which appeals to readers looking for quick wins or easy fixes.
Examples:
• 7 Quick Tips for Keeping Your House Clean Without Spending Hours Each Week
• 5 Quick Tips for Getting Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night
• 10 Quick Tips for Saving Money on Everyday Expenses
Your headline is the gateway to your copy—it’s what makes people stop scrolling, start reading, and take action.
The 50 headline templates you’ve just seen are proven tools that can help you craft irresistible copywriting headlines every time. Whether you’re writing a sales page, an email, or a blog post, these templates will save you time, spark ideas, and take the guesswork out of grabbing attention.
The next step?
Put them into practice.
Start by picking a handful of templates that fit your project, customize them to suit your audience and offer, and refine them until they’re impossible to ignore. The more you use these templates, the more confident you’ll feel creating headlines that convert like crazy.
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20 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham NH 03885, US | jeremy@jeremymac.com | (207) 517-9957
Jeremy Mac © Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Refund | Terms of Service
20 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham NH 03885, US | jeremy@jeremymac.com | (207) 517-9957
Jeremy Mac © Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Refund | Terms of Service