Whether you’re marketing your products or services online, or offline, you must have good headlines.

When you read your local newspaper do you read every article? No, neither does anyone else. We all scan looking for good headlines to determine whether or not we’ll read the entire article. Why is it that so many people buy magazines when checking out at their local grocery stores? It’s because of the “captivating headlines.” When done properly good headlines grab our attention and makes us wanna know more. We’re all curious by nature.

It’s no accident the National Enquirer out performs all other newspapers and magazines. The Enquirer understands that they have less than 6 seconds to grab the attention of their prospects. They also understand that they need to hook the customer into buying the magazine based on good headlines.

When I started my first business several years back, I lacked the understanding of how powerful good headlines could be. I made the mistake of using my company name along with my services as a headline. It looked like an over-sized business card. Once I understood the psychology of good headlines and how powerful it could be to capture the attention of my perfect prospect, my business literally changed in weeks, NOT months or years.

If you’re using your business name as your headline try something different.

Good headlines provoke curiosity… “How To Attract 25 New Clients A Week Without Working Harder” or “The Simple Truth About Running A Small Business That Keeps You From Making The Money You Deserve” or “WARNING: Don’t Hire Another Employee Until You Read This”

Can you see the difference? A Good headline should state the benefits to your potential prospect. The headlines sole purpose is to capture the attention of your perfect prospect, and make them want to know more. The purpose of the headline is NOT to attract everyone. The purpose of your headline is to attract only those prospects willing to exchange capital for your services. Your headlines must speak to a specific prospect and lure them into your sales message.

Next time you’re reading through your local newspaper or magazine, keep track of the headlines that capture your attention and see if you can use them in your business.

Take for example the first headline above…”How To Attract 25 New Clients A Week Without Working Harder.” You could change that to fit ANY business. “How To Lose 25 Pounds Without Working Out.” Or “How To Attract 25 Of The Hottest Women Without Batting An Eye.” Can you see how these headlines would attract completely different prospects? A good headline is benefit driven and offers a solution to their specific situation.

Once you understand how to write good headlines you’ll never worry about competition again. This one marketing strategy will also separate you from your competitors and give you a competitive advantage in your market. Give it a try and see for yourself.

Did you find this article helpful? Leave me your comments and then pass this article on to a friend or colleague.

To your marketing success,