What makes a good headline
A good headline is accurate, specific and easy to read at a glance. It tells the reader what they will get and does not promise anything the article cannot deliver. Search engines and social platforms also reward clear titles, because people click and stay when the headline matches the page.
Creative vs. Shorten
| Mode | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Creative | At most 12 words, varied patterns | Blog posts, features, newsletters, anywhere you can afford a longer title |
| Shorten | At most 8 words, straight to the point | Video titles, mobile feeds, email subject lines, slide titles |
Common headline patterns
- How-to: "How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read"
- Number: "5 Mistakes to Avoid in a Group Presentation"
- Question: "Is Your Essay Outline Missing Something?"
- Contrast: "Short Notes, Better Grades"
- Benefit: "Finish Your Thesis Draft Faster"
Use a number only if the article really contains that many items.
Get better results
- Paste your draft or a clear summary, not just a keyword. The tool writes better when it sees your angle.
- Name your reader: "for nurses", "for first-time managers".
- Include the main keyword in your input, then check that the best headlines contain it naturally.
- Generate twice with different modes and compare.
Check before you publish
- Does the headline match the article exactly?
- Is it under about 60 characters if you want it to display fully in search results? Check with the Character Counter.
- Does it sound like you, not like a template?
- Is anything exaggerated? Cut it.
For the page description that sits under your title in search results, use the Meta Description Generator.
Limits
The tool does not know which headline will perform best, and it cannot test headlines with your audience. It also cannot verify that a headline is true for your article. Treat the list as brainstorming, then edit and choose.