1. Be Short and Direct
Minimalists rejoice. Less is more in some cases. This method seems to be especially useful for list posts with a compelling and descriptive title.
Example From: 7 Ways to Get Your Blog Posts Shared On Facebook by Dan Zarella
“Want to maximize sharing of your content on Facebook? Here are seven tips that are sure to help.”
2. The Quirky/Funny Opening Sentence or Paragraph
A little personality goes a long way, especially on a business blog. So don’t be afraid to let loose now and again. When done tastefully (and sometimes not so tastefully), it’s bound to make people take notice.
Example From: Who The Hell Are YOU? by Naomi Dunford
“It will please some of you to know that I almost titled this article ‘What’s My Name, Bitch?’ it will please the rest of you to know that I realized not everyone spends as much time watching hardcore porn as I do and begrudgingly decided against it.”
3. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question
When someone asks you a question, you almost can’t help but think of an answer. Your reader will do the same thing, and you’ll immediately engage them in a conversation. Be careful though. Avoid any questions that can be answered with “no” or “who cares.” In other words, always make your question relevant to your reader’s needs.
Example From: How to Make People Love You When You’re Not Around – Be A VIP! by David Wright
“What do people say about you when you’re not around?”
4. Ask a Multiple Choice Question
A variation on the question technique above, the multiple-choice question is another great way to engage your reader. I don’t know about you, but I love multiple-choice questions. It’s like responding to a poll. As above, make your question relevant to your reader and the article itself.
Example From: How to Change Your Mindset for Growth by Ali Luke
“Pop quiz. Which of these do you agree with?
- Intelligence is fixed at birth.
- Some people are creative, others aren’t.
- You can become a world-class expert through enough practice, whatever your starting point.
- You can change your personality.
“If you agreed with the first two statements, you’re coming from a fixed mindset. If you agreed with the second two, you’ve got a growth mindset.”
5. Share a Shocking Fact or Statistic
If you’ve ever read the cover of a supermarket tabloid like the National Enquirer, or the New York Post, you know how powerful this approach can be. Sensationalism sells, especially when it’s true.
Example From: ‘Infomania’ worse than mairjuana
“Workers distracted by email and phone calls suffer a fall in IQ more than twice that found in marijuana smokers, new research has claimed.”