Web Site Copywriting - The Headline Said What?

One of the most important aspects of web site copywriting is learning to write good headlines. But what, exactly, is a good headline?

A good headline grabs the reader's attention and actually draws him or her into reading the article below it. In today's world, the headline is more important than ever before. With so many people living very busy lives, many people don't take much time to read more than the headline. It's important, then, for your headline to be informative and to draw the reader down into the article.

When you provide concise, informative headlines in your web site copywriting, you provide a great benefit to the reader. You show that you value his or her time when you can communicate your product or service's benefits in a headline.

The headline trend is not unique to the Internet. The same goes for newspapers, television and radio - busy people these days need their news in an extra brief form, like a headline provides.

When preparing your web site copywriting, try to create a call to action in your headline. If you want potential customers or clients to ACT NOW, say so.

You've heard that you won't get the sale unless you ask for it, right? Look at the call to action in your headline as your way of asking for the sale. Phrases such as "Call today," "Act now," and "Limited Supply" all create a sense of urgency. If you don't act now or call today, you might miss out.

And, of course, limited supply lets potential customers know that they must act quickly to get part of the available supply. If possible, be specific when mentioning "limited supply." For example, "...only for the first 500 people to order..."

While most people who have journalism experience have been taught to avoid the use of "You" in a headline, the rules are different for the Internet and web site copywriting. The Internet is a more personal experience. After all, a person may search online for whatever he or she desires. The use of "You" in a headline further tailors the personal experience for the reader. "You" is actually encouraged in online headline writing and Website copywriting.

When you are using the Internet as your source of sales, remember that your web site copywriting must find a way to ask for the sale. The best, most efficient way to do this is through the headline. It doesn't have to be a clever play on words or a tongue twister in order to grab attention. Instead, it should focus on the readers' emotions regarding your product or service. Not only will you be selling your product faster, you'll be helping readers better use their time by writing concise headlines that are to the point and informative.

George Dodge is owner of http://www.CompellingWebCopy.com where you will discover 757 explosive Website copywriting techniques guaranteed to skyrocket your sales and put more cash in your pocket - even if you haven't written a thing since high school!