How to Grab Your Reader by the Eyeballs
Hiya CopyStar!
Read this or die.
Did you just do a double-take? Crazy headline right? Well, this headline was a blockbuster success for a health newsletter called Alternatives almost two decades ago.
I wish I could say I wrote it — but that would be a lie. The credit (and royalty checks) go to a phenomenal copywriter named Jim Rutz. But let me tell you…
…headlines like that are what help copywriters make a boatload of money! “Read this or die” isn’t your traditional benefit-oriented headline.
In fact, that headline was an eye-opener for me. I realized if I wanted to write kick-butt headlines — I needed to break out of the traditional way of writing — I had to take calculated chances with my headline — and man did I ever!
I love coming up with wacky… crazy… shocking… and eye-popping headlines — that make a boatload of money for my clients and me!
In fact, I love creating headlines and test covers so much that I wrote an ebook about my kooky creative process. It’s called: Which One Won – How to Write Kick-Butt Headlines and Boost Response! If you’re serious about sharpening your headline writing skills — you should get this ebook. But for now — let me give you 3 of my winning ways to create killer headlines. And let me tell you this:
When I stick to these strategies — my odds of creating a KICK-BUTT winner shoot through the roof. No kidding! So try them — and see for yourself.
#1 Give your reader a specific desired result with a Benefit Headline! I call this my “bread and butter” headline. I lead with a specific benefit my reader wants and I just lay it on the line! No hype and hoopla.
Here are some examples from my recent controls:
Benefit headlines are a solid way to get your message in front of your prospect. But if you’re competing with other products that offer similar benefits — this may not be the best way to go. In other words…
… Unless your benefit is really unique or intriguing — you’ll probably need to do more than state the obvious benefit. If that’s the case, I’ll usually move on to my next strategy:
#2 Tug at the heart strings with an Emotion headline! Tap into your reader’s frustrations… fears… worries… and thoughts that keep him up at night!
For example…
See why I love emotion leads? They just hit a nerve!
But remember this: You can’t rely strictly on emotion. You’ve got to follow it up with strong benefits. Do that and you’ve got a one-two punch for a kick-butt headline!
Having said all that, don’t forget about this next strategy. It gives you the best of both worlds — and can quickly turn your package into a winner:
#3 Give ‘em a one-two punch with a Benefit and Emotion Combo Headline! Ooh…I love it when I can make this happen! Sometimes the benefit can be stronger than the emotion or vice versa. And the emotion can range from fear, desire, envy, curiosity or whatever you think will resonate with your reader!
Take a look…
See what I mean? Benefit and emotion are powerful tools — and combined, they can really rev up response! So don’t be afraid to try them. Trust me. They work!
Remember: You want to grab your reader by the eyeballs with a strong headline. Stop him dead in his tracks. Make him want to read on.
I’ve had many successful promotions over the years with eye-popping headlines. My ebook: Which One Won – How to Write Kick-Butt Headlines and Boost Response! really shows you — step-by-step — how I create crazy, wacky and successful test covers. And get this — it even shows you my flops! Why? So you can see what I did WRONG — and not make the same mistakes either!
This ebook is also great to help you get unstuck — and give you inspiration. So check it out and see how it can help you create your next winning headline!
Yours for stellar results,
Million-Dollar Copywriter & Consultant