Four tips for writing compelling headlines that boost your SEO

Image: Jon Nicholls

On a previous blog, we covered how to write a compelling headline. Now we will show you how to optimise your headlines for SEO. Headlines that incorporate SEO can increase blog traffic, give you a higher SERP, and improve your social signal value. Before you get started, here’s a quick review on how to use SEO in your digital marketing (Tenfold). 

1. Incorporate keywords

The first step is to keyword target your content. Utilise the same keywords you have collected for your digital marketing strategy. If you are targeting a niche or a subject-matter adjacent topic, you may need to find some new target keywords. A tool like MOZ Keyword Explorer can be very helpful.

2. Optimise length for social sharing

Next, you’ll want to keep in mind social platforms have different character counts. Here is an easy guideline to optimise length for each popular social media platform:

●    Twitter: 70 - 100 characters
●    LinkedIn: 80 - 120 characters
●    Facebook: 40 characters

“Anyone who sees your content will read your headline, but not everyone will read your content. Thus a strong headline can matter as much, if not more, than your content.”

3. Use a headline analyser

A headline analyser can do more than just gage the power of the language in your headline. Headline analysers can also rate your SEO and determine the potential for conversion. 

4. Differentiate between a headline and a page title

The simplest way to define the difference is that headlines are for humans and page titles are for search engines. When creating your content, consider creating a fully SEO page title that can help you rank higher, but a headline for your readers on social media. This method gives you two avenues for success.

If you need help creating a headline that is both optimised and engaging for potential customers, talk to ALHAUS. We understand how to create a balance between reader-friendly content and SEO. Contact us today to learn more!