Introduction: The Power of a Compelling Blog Post Title
Have you ever scrolled through your social media feed and stopped to read a blog post just because of its title? Or have you ever searched for a topic on Google and clicked on a blog post that caught your attention from its title? If yes, then you have experienced the power of a compelling blog post title.
A title is a crucial part of any blog post, as it not only grabs the reader’s attention but also helps it rank higher on search engines. In this blog post, we will discuss seven guidelines for writing compelling blog post titles that rank high on Google.
1. Keep It Short and Sweet
The first and foremost guideline is to keep your blog post title short and sweet. Long titles can be daunting to read and may not fit into search engine results pages (SERP). Aim for a title length of 60 characters or less. It should be concise, clear, and to the point.
Examples: ” transformed me into a long-haired goddess” can be rewritten as “My Long Hair Journey: A Transformation Story”
2. Use the Power of Numbers
Using numbers in your title is a great way to catch your reader’s attention and make your content look more organized. People enjoy reading lists and how-to guides which makes this title structure a powerful magnet. Make sure to use Arabic numerals instead of words which tend to be long.
Examples: “10 Best Places to Visit in 2021” or “7 Secrets to a Perfectly Grilled BBQ”
3. Include Relevant Keywords
Keywords are words and phrases that your audience is searching for when looking for information on a particular topic. Including relevant keywords in your blog post title can help your post rank higher on SERP. But it is important not to overdo it! Too many keywords can make your post appear spammy, which would hurt your rankings.
One useful tip is to include long-tail SEO keywords like “affordable flower delivery” instead of single word keywords like “flowers.”
Example: “7 Easy and Affordable DIY Home Décor Ideas for Renters”
4. Make the Title Descriptive
A descriptive title gives readers a good idea of what to expect from your blog post. It should be a clear and concise reflection of the content. A descriptive title helps increase click-through rates and reduces bounce rates. Make sure your title represent the body of your blog post, not misleading.
Example: “How to Choose the Right Running Shoes for a Marathons Training Plan”
5. Create a Sense of Urgency
Creating a sense of urgency in your blog post title can give your audience the motivation to read the content. Urgency wraps up with the notion of “Fear Of Missing Out” (FOMO); a psychological technique that makes people believe that they might be losing out on something valuable. Use this technique sparingly, and only when there’s a legitimate sense of urgency.
Examples: “5 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat Today” or “Don’t Miss out on 50% Discount Offer on Your Favorite Hoodies!”
6. Be Attention-Grabbing
A title that grabs attention encourages readers to click-through and read your content. You can create an attention-grabbing title by using emotive language, humor, or by taking a controversial stance. This can lead to social shares and increase overall engagement.
Examples: “My Secret to Scoring Straight A’s and Still Having Fun!” or “5 Things You Need to Know About the Latest Doodling Trend”
7. Use Power Words in Your Title
Power words are words that trigger emotions, making your content more impactful and memorable. Examples of power words include: amazing, essential, ultimate, inspiring, and revealing. Using power words in your blog post title can help create a sense of excitement and appeal to your audience’s emotions.
Examples: “10 Steps to Creating an Amazing Homemade Pizza” or “Revealing the Ultimate Secret to Perfect Hair at Home”
FAQs related to “7 Guidelines for Writing Compelling Blog Post Titles That Rank High on Google”
1. What is a blog post title?
A blog post title is the name of your blog post, which appears at the top of the content. It’s what readers see first, and therefore, it’s crucial to make it catchy, descriptive, and relevant to the topic of your blog.
2. Why is a blog post title important?
A blog post title is important because it is the first thing that readers see, and it directly influences whether they click on your blog post or not. A good title should be captivating, informative, and accurately reflect the content of your blog post.
3. How long should a blog post title be?
A blog post title should be between 50 to 60 characters long, as long titles can appear truncated in search engine results pages (SERP).
4. How many keywords should I include in my blog post title?
Include only one or two keywords in your title. Overusing keywords can hurt your rankings quickly.
5. Should I create urgency in my blog post title?
Creating urgency in your blog post title can increase CTR and increase engagement. However, creating a sense of urgency must be done in a proper way as it could cause an opposite effect.
6. What are power words?
Power words are words that trigger emotions, making your content more impactful and memorable. Examples of power words include: amazing, essential, ultimate, inspiring, and revealing.
7. Can I change my blog post title after publishing it?
Yes, you can change your blog post title after publishing it. However, be sure to redirect the old URL to the new one so you don’t lose any SEO juice.
Conclusion
Creating an engaging blog post title is only one part of the process — the main objective is to write quality content that meets the reader’s expectations. Make sure your title accurately reflects your blog post content to avoid confusion, reduce bounce rates, and improve your rankings. Creating a great blog post title requires creativity, research, and understanding your audience’s needs. Following these seven guidelines will help you craft compelling blog post titles that rank high on Google. In the end, you will see an increased traffic, engagement, and conversions, and most importantly, you have built a strong, trustworthy and engaging relationship with your reader. So, what are you waiting for? Get started with writing that perfect blog post title!