9 Quick & Simple Headlines That Will Make You Write Better

And how you can apply them right away

Let’s be real — you can write the best content in the world, but if your headline sucks, no one’s clicking.

It’s a harsh truth, but a headline is your first and only chance to make a good impression. It’s what people see in search results, in their social feeds, and in those overstuffed email inboxes. So if you’re stuck with bland, boring titles, your masterpiece is going to end up like a fine wine at a frat party — completely overlooked.

But don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on our top 9 article headlines that brought in millions of visitors.

No fluff, no jargon — just pure, actionable insights.

Let’s dive in.

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1. The Classic How-To:

"How to Build a Blog That Pays Your Rent (Even If You Have Zero Experience)"

People love how-to guides. They’re straightforward, actionable, and make the reader feel like they’re learning a secret.

But the trick? Promise something irresistible.

Sure, anyone can write “How to Start a Blog,” but yawn — it’s been done. Make your how-to irresistible by promising a clear, desirable result.

This headlines, for example, got me over 200K views on my latest Forbes article:

Pro Tip: Use numbers to show the steps, like “5 Simple Steps to Save $1,000 This Month.” It adds credibility and makes the goal feel achievable.

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2. The Bold, In-Your-Face Statement:

"Stop Trying to Go Viral. It’s a Waste of Time."

Controversial headlines work because they make readers pause, get curious, and sometimes even a little angry. And that’s exactly what you want.

Being bold doesn’t mean being rude, but it does mean taking a stand.

People might not agree with you, but they’ll definitely read your article to see if they should!

Here’s another few great ones:

"10 Reasons Civilization May Collapse Because of Organic Foods".

This headline challenges a widely accepted belief about organic foods, sparking debates over health, agriculture, and sustainability. Wouldn’t you click to see what’s all about?

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3. Solve a Problem:

"Why Your Blog Isn’t Making Money (And How to Fix It in 30 Days)"

Everyone has problems, and everyone loves solutions. Write your headline to identify a pain point and promise a way out.

Your headline is a hook. It’s a hand reaching out, saying,

“Hey, I know what you’re struggling with. Let’s fix this.”

You’ll notice major companies like Cosmopolitan, Daily Mail, and Yahoo using this style often:

• “Eight Proven Strategies To Strengthen The Reputation Of Your Personal Brand”

• “6 Instant Confidence Boosters”

• “Parenting Guru: From Chaos to Access”

• “Gene Breakthrough Restores the Sight of People With Inherited Eye Disease and Could Save Thousands From Blindness”

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4. Go Short, Punchy, and Direct:

"Want More Traffic? Stop Doing This"

Sometimes, less is more.

Like: "Stop Trying to Be Happy: Here’s Why It’s Making You Miserable"
This contrarian viewpoint challenges a popular pursuit, provoking thought and debate about happiness and fulfillment.

Or: "Why All Guys Cheat: Fresh Insights"

Or: "Which One Deserves to Die?"
A stark and shocking question that likely ignited passionate debates about morality, ethics, and societal values.

When you’re competing for attention, a short, punchy headline can be the best way to stand out. Plus, it leaves a little mystery — and that intrigue pulls people in.

Need inspiration? TLDR’s free newsletter is perfect for studying the art of short, compelling titles. If they can hook you in 5 words, you know it’s good.

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5. Use Numbers for Instant Credibility:

"10 Content Hacks That Grew Our Traffic by 300%"

We’ve all seen the listicles.

Why do they work?