SEO or Clickbait – Which Headline to Use for More Traffic

When it comes to headlines, you have two options – you either create SEO headlines or you create clickbait headlines. Which is more effective? Have you ever thought about it?

The clash between these two has been raging for a long time. However, if you are creating the headlines for both search engine and the web users, you are at the safe place. This is because Google only wants to please its users. If the users are satisfied with your content and headline, you don’t have anything to worry about.

However, here rises the million dollar question – how to make more people click the content link. It is a proven fact, that people click the content link when they get enticed by the headlines of the content.

In case you are writing for the search engine, your readers might feel ignored. This is why you need to create headlines for both search engine and the readers.

For better traffic and more reach, you need to create a fusion between SEO and clickbait headlines. But, the question is – how do you do that? How can you combine SEO and clickbait?   

To find this you need to first understand how to create a great headline. The headline needs to be written for both search engine and the readers though.

However, before getting started, it is essential to have a look at the ways search engine treats contents.

Search Engine and Content

SEO is essential for the purpose of high ranking and also for traffic. However, just because the search engine is essential does not mean you will ignore the readers. To rank specific kind of contents you need to understand the search intent of the search engine.

If you are searching for something specific, the search engine would want to know about your reason to look for the particular thing. Once the search engine assesses the content goal, the search engine starts looking for the same thing you are looking for.

With this aligned goal, the published contents get analyzed. Google looks at the contents and decides whether the published contents will help the readers accomplish the search intent.

If you are wondering why search intent is important in writing headlines for contents, you need to know that these two elements are closely related. If you understand the readers’ psychology, you will be able to understand what they are looking for. Once this understanding dawns in, you will be in a better position to create headlines for more click rate.

So, let’s have a look at the ways to create effective headlines.

Insert Keyword in the Title

The internet is crawling with resources which will help you find keywords for your content. Google usually displays contents that come with the right headline, enriched with right keyword. So, make sure to insert the keywords in the content headline. Experts say to use the content in the first part of the headline, but it is not always possible. However, make it a point to use the keywords in the headlines for better indexing.

Here is a little suggestion from the SEO experts zone – when you are faced with a keyword which makes no sense, you can twist it a little to suit the headline. This means you can add prepositions or punctuation signs to make the keyword and the headline meaningful.

So, if you want to optimize healthcare center Miami, you can turn it a little and use healthcare center in Miami to make sense.

Create an Amazing Headline

When you are at it, you need to attempt to create an amazing headline. Sometimes you would not have to make a lot of effort to create that kind of headlines. You can only take out a word or add a word to create a headline which attracts attention.

To create an amazing headline, try adding the word amazing. For example, if you are writing about fitness and the headline of your content is

10 tips to lose weight in 10 days

You can add the baiting word to this SEO headline.

10 amazing tips to lose weight in 10 days

So, you can see the one word can change the headline totally. Similarly, you can add words like 'shocking' or 'unrevealed' to add spice to the headline. These kinds of headlines are safe as you are not using fake information. Yet, these kinds of headlines bait people to click the content link. This is a perfect fusion of clickbait and SEO headlines.

Let Numbers do the Talking

Well, it is a proven fact that numeric makes the headlines more attractive. However, the 2018 trend is using crazy numeric. You can create a headline stating –

How to get 50,000 followers using SEO headlines

Here the number is the baiting word. With the number, you are evoking the interest of the readers. This headline will not only stick out and attract attention; it will make people click the link as well. This is the wisest way of improving traffic.

Create Claims that Evoke Controversy

It is true that controversy is not good for reputation. Your authority and influence both might suffer due to controversy. However, when you are creating headlines to attract the attention of the readers, a little controversy might work like wonder. You just need to be crafty.

There are people who cook up controversy for the sake of controversy only. This is not the right approach. You need to get a little in-depth for this to work.

You must have an opinion and in case this opinion clashes with some stereotype idea, you can use your opinion to create the controversy.

For example

You are running a multi-sensory learning institute and you are blogging for promotion. Here you can create a headline like

Learning Myth Debunked – Text Based Study Does Not Help in 100% Data Absorption

Now, you have a controversial outlook which will promote your service without hurting anyone or any concept. You are just creating an interesting headline with a different opinion.

Lastly, you need to practice headline writing. Combine SEO and clickbait to see what effect you are getting. Once you get the hang of it, you can comfortably create effective headlines.