20+ Surprising Examples of Clickbait Headlines That Work for Blog

Safalta Expert Published by: Aditi Goyal Updated Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:22 PM IST

Source: Safalta.com

Although clickbait headlines are debatable, there is no denying that they can be useful for increasing blog traffic. When done well, clickbait headlines can be attention-getting and enticing, luring readers to click through to learn more.

A study by the University of California, Santa Cruz found that clickbait headlines are 300% more likely to be clicked on than non-clickbait headlines.
Another study by the University of Pennsylvania found that people are more likely to share clickbait headlines on social media than non-clickbait headlines. However, clickbait headlines can also be off-putting to readers. A study by the University of Southern California found that 42% of people have stopped reading an article after seeing a clickbait headline.

Overall, clickbait headlines can be an effective way to generate traffic and engagement, but it is important to use them sparingly and to make sure that they are not misleading or deceptive.


So, What Exactly Are Clickbait Headlines?

Clickbait headlines are written to pique the reader's interest (and one-way interaction), much like an angler's baited hook is intended to catch a fish. This is true regardless of whether the headline lists the ten deadliest spiders on the planet or lists the vegetables that can extend your life expectancy. To reinforce what the designers want to achieve—a click—photos frequently accompany the headlines.

The risk of using clickbait headlines is that a catchphrase that promises a lot but doesn't deliver will enrage readers. In contrast to dissatisfied readers who abandon websites in frustration and are less likely to click on advertisements they come across on gimmicky websites, satisfied clickers frequently revisit websites. Additionally, unsatisfied viewers have a tendency to lose interest and spend less money on goods at dubious websites.
 
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Here are 20+ intriguing examples of clickbait headlines for blog posts:

1. "You'll Never Believe" 
This is a typical headline opening. Typically, the start is followed by what happened to, what happened in, how "X" became wealthy (or broke), or how "X" appears today. These headlines encourage readers to anticipate the good and bad things that have happened to politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and sports figures. It can be used in marketing to pique readers' interest ("You'll Never Believe This Simple Method to Rank High in Google").

2. "X Things You Need to Know" 
"X Things You..." headlines have the advantage of being a numbered list while being tailored to the reader. The use of "you" in this title encourages readers to learn more about themselves (or at least, that is the implication).

3. "This Weird Trick"
This is promoted as a useful life tip that will take the place of our need to exercise frequently or shed pounds without dieting. Usually, the advice on the following page or the endless pages we endure in the hopes of receiving the advice offered leaves us unsatisfied. It also appears in marketing blogs (for instance, "This Weird Trick Increased the Conversion Rate of our Landing Page by 110%").

4. "This Is What Happens If You"
This is yet another powerful persuasive tool. "What if we don't know something?" You would love to click on this blog post, "This Is What Happens if You Stop Worrying Too Much about SEO," we bet.

5. "The X Best"
Everyone enjoys reading lists, right? People are curious about what the author thinks are the best things and compare them to things they already love or dislike.
6. Piggybacking
It doesn't matter if your brand is new to the platform or if you haven't yet gained much notoriety. The "piggybacking" strategy is designed to increase authority and ultimately increase engagement. In this method, you would make a connection between your post and a well-known person, such as a celebrity or an influential person. “Forbes Businessmen Shares His Two Cents...", "Spending Time With The Stars Celeb Shows..."

7. "You Can Now..."
Because it suggests that the readers will soon be able to do something they couldn't before, this headline has also been very successful. Good information is attractive enough to draw readers in and get them to click through to your post. "You Can Now Begin Travelling Without..."

8. "The Last... You'll Ever Need"
Such headlines are typically used by online retailers or by companies with a strong focus on products. With such a headline, you can easily position a product as the last X a customer will ever need. Customers who must purchase these products on a regular basis may be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

9. "You Won't Believe.."
Most often, big offenders and turn-offs are titles that begin, "You Won't Believe This News!" It's crucial to add a little description to your headlines if you don't want to turn off your audience. Here are a few "You Won't Believe! Good headlines: The island is described as "The Most Beautiful Island You Won't Believe Exists"

10. "Why You Should.."
Commanding readers isn't entirely wrong, but it needs to be done in the right way to avoid offending anyone. Want to sound a little bossy and direct others? Do it while providing them with justification to. By using this headline structure, you essentially give readers the necessary tip while enticing them to read and learn more. Examples of headlines include "Why You Should Stop With This Fashion" or "Why You Should Buy Hair Care Products," which give readers a clear understanding of the content while leaving the "why" a mystery.
11. “See..”
The adage "seeing is believing" is one that we've all heard and read, and it applies in this situation as well. Before putting any information from the link into practise, people prefer to see the "secret sauce" with their own eyes. This headline makes the reader curious and suggests that there is a knowledge gap that needs to be filled. They have the impression that you are offering them something worthwhile that they should not pass up. "View These Fantastic Web Design Templates Before Purchasing"

12. “Live…”
People enjoy viewing original content because the internet is so full of remakes and recycled material. This is why the vast majority of people want to click when you choose to share a live webinar or video because they are aware that the content hasn't been taken from anywhere else and that they won't be able to find it anywhere else. This illustration works best for ads that invite users to a live webinar, video session, or conference.

13. "The [Number] Best [Things]" 
This headline is a good example of a clickbait headline that uses a call to action. The phrase "The [Number] Best" is attention-grabbing, and the promise of learning about the best [things] is sure to be of interest to many people.

14. "This Is How"
Similar to the "This is the..." headline, "This is how..." clickbait headlines entice readers by keeping "this" a secret while providing a hint as to what the content is about. Again, the objective is to avoid being overly cryptic because if you use a title that is obviously clickbait, readers may become frustrated.

15. "One Easy Way to Instantly Boost Your Memory!"
This clickbait example is a great illustration of how to use a benefit in the headline. In this situation, the promise of a quick memory boost is very alluring and encourages curiosity.
 
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16. "This Is How You Can Finally…!"
This headline is a prime example of how to include a benefit in a headline. In this instance, we can take earning money from home is a very desirable result, so the headline grabs readers' attention.

17 "The Shocking Truth About How We Die!"
This headline is a great illustration of how to use fear to pique interest. By stating "the shocking truth," it shocks the reader and piques their interest in learning more about how we pass away.

18. “How You Can Become A Millionaire In Just Three Years With This One Easy Trick.”
This headline is a great example of how to use hyperbole to attract attention. By stating "millionaire in just three years," it makes the reader curious and makes them want to learn more.

18. "The Worst Diet Advice You'll Ever Hear!"
This headline is a great illustration of how to use fear to spark interest. The phrase "the worst diet advice" prompts the reader to continue reading by leaving them wondering what could be so bad about the diet advice.

20, "Are You Making These Deadly Mistakes with…?"
This headline is a great illustration of how to use fear to pique interest. By referring to "deadly mistakes," the author shocks the reader and prompts them to wonder what kind of errors could be fatal. 

Conclusion

These are just a few illustrations of how clickbait titles can benefit you without jeopardizing the reputation and credibility of your company. When used sensibly, clickbait headlines can be useful for grabbing readers' attention and boosting engagement. Clickbait headlines have become a mainstay of contemporary content marketing strategies by capitalizing on curiosity, emotion, and other crucial factors. However, it's critical to strike a balance between grabbing attention and providing useful content that meets readers' expectations.
 

Are clickbait headlines always effective?

Clickbait headlines can be effective in grabbing attention, but their long-term effectiveness depends on the quality and relevance of the content behind them. It's important to strike a balance between enticing readers and delivering valuable information.
 

Can clickbait headlines harm a website's reputation?

Misleading or deceptive clickbait headlines can harm a website's reputation and erode trust among readers. It's essential to use clickbait responsibly and ensure that the content lives up to the expectations set by the headline.
 

How can I avoid crossing the line into misleading clickbait?

To avoid crossing the line into misleading clickbait, focus on crafting headlines that accurately represent the content and provide genuine value to readers. Avoid using exaggerated or false claims to attract clicks.
 

Are clickbait headlines suitable for all types of blogs?

Clickbait headlines may be more suitable for certain types of blogs or content niches, such as entertainment, lifestyle, or news. However, it's important to adapt the style and tone to match the overall branding and target audience of the blog.
 

Should I prioritize clickbait headlines over genuine content?

While clickbait headlines can attract initial attention, genuine and valuable content should always be the priority. Strive for a balance between captivating headlines and high-quality content that keeps readers engaged and satisfied.