Early bright moonUnder the covers with a mooseBudding photographerBuilding a snow wallHe upgraded to a bigger shirt stuffed with more stuff Serious smashing going on#sumo kidsThrough the car window into the rain Playing #chess


How To Write Eye-Popping Headlines While Exhausted

Being exhausted from lack of sleep is no reason to skimp on a great headline for your blog post. In fact, you might just do a better job because you’re exhausted.

I’m working off 2-4 hours of sleep per night. You can thank baby Quinn for that. And it’s definitely affecting the quantity of my writing. But I’m trying desperately to make sure it doesn’t impact the quality.

And that means pumping out killer headlines as often as possible.

There are no excuses! Is your head constantly hitting the keyboard as you pass out? Do your fingers feel like they’re made of lead? Did you just wake up with drool rolling down your chin? I know exactly how you feel, but you won’t be getting much sympathy from me. If you’re going to blog through your exhaustion, then here are some tips for writing great headlines:

  1. From Top 10 to Top 5. We all know how powerful the “Top 10″ post can be, and the resulting headline. But you’re presently propping your eyelids open with toothpicks to stay awake, so feel free to cut your Top 10 down to Top 5.
  2. Be Braver. Some of your normal behavioral and judgment filters are likely shot. You’re too tired to care if you’re being politically correct or completely covering your arse. And that’s the perfect time to write a great headline. Go for a little more controversy. Pick more actionable, aggressive words that will inspire people to read and comment on your blog post.
  3. Spend More Time. Fact is, you’ll need to spend a bit more time reviewing and editing your headline to try and perfect it. This is a bit of a caveat to point #2 above, because you can’t over think it. You never should (no matter the circumstances), and now, you’re so tired you just can’t over think. It’s mentally and physically impossible. You might fall over from the exertion. But you should take a bit more time to re-read what you’ve written; at least to ensure it makes some sense.
  4. Use Available Tools. Now is not the time to be a hero. When you’re trying to think of another word for “good” and your brain is saying “zzzz…” check out the thesaurus. Develop habits for helping yourself write so you can rely on those when the prospect of having to really think is like fireworks inside your skull.
  5. Stick to the Classics. Don’t try and reinvent the wheel. You’re so tired you’ll be lucky if you remember what a wheel actually looks like. The classics of great headline writing are there for a reason; they work and you should use them. My personal favorites:
    • The Top 5 Ways To…
    • 10 Essential…
    • See How Easily You Can…
    • The Secret To…
    • How To … In 6 Easy Steps

    There are plenty of others; well-written, engaging and catchy headlines that work. Use them.

You’re tired. I know. Completely wiped out. I hear ya. So exhausted that you’ve fallen asleep in the middle of conversations with people. Totally with you.

But you’re still publishing your blog. Through thick and thin, no matter the obstacle, you’re publishing blog posts. That’s great! I applaud you. But now is not the time to let your headlines slip. You might ramble a bit longer due to your tiredness, but your headlines need to be as precise and perfect as possible.

Stay focused on them. Let loose a bit. Be more controversial. Stand out. But re-read ‘em before publishing, and stick to the classics.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it!

Check out these posts:

June 12, 2007 Posted in Blog Tips by

  • http://www.putzworld.blogspot.com Karen Putz

    Ah, I remember those “lack of sleep” nights! :)

  • http://www.putzworld.blogspot.com Karen Putz

    Ah, I remember those “lack of sleep” nights! :)

  • http://www.fracat.com Daniel Sweet

    Don’t forget about the old standby: stealing!

    Since you’ll be on the way to the grocery store at 2am anyway (for diapers / baby food / formula / rash cream / teething gel / pickles & ice cream), scan the magazines on the checkout counter.

    Write down the formulas you see there (“Have Sexy Thighs for Summer!”, “Drive Your Man Wild: 4 Ways To Having Him Eat Out Of Your Hand”, “Experience The Most Relaxing Summer Getaways Without Breaking the Bank!”) and bring them home.

    Then, translate them into whatever you’re posting about (“Attract the Summer Traffic Surge”, “Drive DIGGers Wild: 4 Ways To Have Your Posts Explode on Digg!”, “Experience Top Blog Rankings Without Breaking the Bank!”).

    Keep in mind: headline theft is a time honored journalistic tradition (just ask anyone who works for a magazine!)

    Dan

  • http://www.nettiehartsock.com Nettie Hartsock

    Ben,

    Great ideas! I did this kind of bleary eyed writing for years when my kids were young.

    You can do it. Sometimes the greatest gifts of brilliance come in lack of sleep and motivation to still write! I always kept a thesaurus by my computer and that helped tons. Another great site I’ve used alot to make sure my headlines and verbage don’t suck is Buzzwhack.com and it’s a great one to get you going on a blog post as well.

    “The Baby Book” by Dr. William Sears is the single most useful book anyone can have. (And no, I’m not his publicist.:>)

  • http://www.fracat.com Daniel Sweet

    Don't forget about the old standby: stealing!

    Since you'll be on the way to the grocery store at 2am anyway (for diapers / baby food / formula / rash cream / teething gel / pickles & ice cream), scan the magazines on the checkout counter.

    Write down the formulas you see there (“Have Sexy Thighs for Summer!”, “Drive Your Man Wild: 4 Ways To Having Him Eat Out Of Your Hand”, “Experience The Most Relaxing Summer Getaways Without Breaking the Bank!”) and bring them home.

    Then, translate them into whatever you're posting about (“Attract the Summer Traffic Surge”, “Drive DIGGers Wild: 4 Ways To Have Your Posts Explode on Digg!”, “Experience Top Blog Rankings Without Breaking the Bank!”).

    Keep in mind: headline theft is a time honored journalistic tradition (just ask anyone who works for a magazine!)

    Dan

  • http://www.nettiehartsock.com Nettie Hartsock

    Ben,

    Great ideas! I did this kind of bleary eyed writing for years when my kids were young.

    You can do it. Sometimes the greatest gifts of brilliance come in lack of sleep and motivation to still write! I always kept a thesaurus by my computer and that helped tons. Another great site I've used alot to make sure my headlines and verbage don't suck is Buzzwhack.com and it's a great one to get you going on a blog post as well.

    “The Baby Book” by Dr. William Sears is the single most useful book anyone can have. (And no, I'm not his publicist.:>)

  • http://www.greatfamilygadgets.com Barb

    Ben,
    Er, I’m guilty of NOT publishing at this site for a while, but thought that one of my posts might help you get a bit more sleep (let me know what you think of the title ;) ): http://greatfamilygadgets.com/nighttime-baby-care-made-easy/

    I also second Nettie’s book recommendation wholeheartedly!!!

    Barb,

  • http://www.greatfamilygadgets.com Barb

    Ben,
    Er, I'm guilty of NOT publishing at this site for a while, but thought that one of my posts might help you get a bit more sleep (let me know what you think of the title ;) ): http://greatfamilygadgets.com/nighttime-baby-ca…

    I also second Nettie's book recommendation wholeheartedly!!!

    Barb,

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    Daniel – Stealing eh? *chuckle* There’s no question that a lot of great headlines and the structure of those headlines is based off old classics from magazines.

    Nettie – Thank you for the comment and book recommendation.

    Barb – Great to see you around! I think the headline is good. The co-sleeper crib looks interesting. I’m all too familiar with the baby being in the bed. I don’t really mind although there are safety concerns. The co-sleeper looks like a good compromise although the baby has to be willing to get into that too…

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    Daniel – Stealing eh? *chuckle* There's no question that a lot of great headlines and the structure of those headlines is based off old classics from magazines.

    Nettie – Thank you for the comment and book recommendation.

    Barb – Great to see you around! I think the headline is good. The co-sleeper crib looks interesting. I'm all too familiar with the baby being in the bed. I don't really mind although there are safety concerns. The co-sleeper looks like a good compromise although the baby has to be willing to get into that too…

  • http://www.capforge.com Matt

    I am a big fan of How to headlines. Generally, I think people like to know how to do stuff, even if they aren’t actually going to do it themselves. Or, the curiosity gets them.

    This was the idea behind my latest “How to start a business with no competition” headline. That should get people scratching their heads. (Hopefully!) :)

    Matt

  • http://www.capforge.com Matt

    I am a big fan of How to headlines. Generally, I think people like to know how to do stuff, even if they aren't actually going to do it themselves. Or, the curiosity gets them.

    This was the idea behind my latest “How to start a business with no competition” headline. That should get people scratching their heads. (Hopefully!) :)

    Matt

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    Matt – I’m a big fan of How To headlines as well. I’d say they’re the most popular ones out there.

    Some of the others might come off as too salesy or hokey, but How To is usually solid without too much selling.

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    Matt – I'm a big fan of How To headlines as well. I'd say they're the most popular ones out there.

    Some of the others might come off as too salesy or hokey, but How To is usually solid without too much selling.

  • http://createbusinessgrowth.com David

    Ben- “Don’t try and reinvent the wheel.” At times it’s good to reinvent it; however, much of the time just sticking with the classics and fundamentals is all that is need. Found you while stumbling and thought that I’d comment.

  • http://createbusinessgrowth.com David

    Ben- “Don’t try and reinvent the wheel.” At times it's good to reinvent it; however, much of the time just sticking with the classics and fundamentals is all that is need. Found you while stumbling and thought that I'd comment.

  • Pingback: Smart Posts Worth Reading #4 | Smart Wealthy Rich

  • http://www.marketingblurb.com Susan Gunelius

    I like your tip about being controversial. Sometimes those post bring the most traffic, but getting the courage to post them and stir up the pot can be a tough hill to climb sometimes. I think some blogs lend themselves better to controversy as well. For example, political blogs thrive on controversy.

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    Susan – There’s no question that some blogs lend themselves better to controversy. Some authors too; it’s just their style.

    If it’s not your style, don’t force it. Blog the way you are, because otherwise it’s not authentic and fails its purpose, whether you get lots of comments/traffic or not.

  • http://www.marketingblurb.com Susan Gunelius

    I like your tip about being controversial. Sometimes those post bring the most traffic, but getting the courage to post them and stir up the pot can be a tough hill to climb sometimes. I think some blogs lend themselves better to controversy as well. For example, political blogs thrive on controversy.

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    Susan – There's no question that some blogs lend themselves better to controversy. Some authors too; it's just their style.

    If it's not your style, don't force it. Blog the way you are, because otherwise it's not authentic and fails its purpose, whether you get lots of comments/traffic or not.

  • Pingback: Blog Carnival For June 24 pt. 2- Blogging Tips - Idiot Affilate

  • Pingback: Small Business Recommended Reading (6-26-07)

  • http://www.thearticlewriter.com/operation-christmas-child.htm MattK

    Man! So little sleep! This too shall pass or have another baby to double your pleasure.

    When I am sleep deprived, coffee is my best friend. Once I have a jolt, I can write but I do “sound” as if I am ADHD!

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    Matt – I've got 2 kids, that's enough for now…both are young, both aren't sleeping a ton!

  • Pingback: David Airey :: Graphic Designer » Top 7 blog mistakes to avoid

  • Pingback: Raising the Bar on Blog Contests : Instigator Blog

  • http://freesite.iblogger.org Troy

    This is a great way to combat blogger fatigue, and yes I have cut down titles to strange numbers like “Top 7″ before. I'll have to use these tricks more often :)

  • http://freesite.iblogger.org Troy

    This is a great way to combat blogger fatigue, and yes I have cut down titles to strange numbers like “Top 7″ before. I’ll have to use these tricks more often :)

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    @Troy: Thanks for commenting and best of luck!

  • http://www.instigatorblog.com Ben Yoskovitz

    @Troy: Thanks for commenting and best of luck!

  • Pingback: Viva the Easter Broccoli Bunny - Day 5 of 5, Critical Blog Post Check List

  • Pingback: 15 Remarkable Resources to Create Killer Headlines | Blogging Tips to Develop a Successful Blog - CatchThePosts!

  • http://pink-ink-pink.blogspot.com Pink Ink

    I’ve written the best blog posts while exhausted, in the middle of the night, because I just go with my gut feeling. There have been some mornings, though, when I go, “uh, oh”…

    Great headline (and post)btw.

  • http://pink-ink-pink.blogspot.com Pink Ink

    I've written the best blog posts while exhausted, in the middle of the night, because I just go with my gut feeling. There have been some mornings, though, when I go, “uh, oh”…

    Great headline (and post)btw.

  • Pingback:   The Secrets To Writing GREAT Headlines by Blog Tutorials

  • Pingback:   More Secrets To Writing GREAT Headlines by Blog Tutorials

  • Pingback: Is Linkbait Dead?

  • john191

    Being a new blogger, I would like to tell you that you have given me much knowledge about it. Thanks for everything.
    regards
    sears parts

  • http://www.searspartssite.com Anime9200

    Being a new blogger, I would like to tell you that you have given me much knowledge about it. Thanks for everything.
    regards
    sears parts

  • Pingback: 7 blog mistakes « The Craftsman Graphics Blog!

  • Pingback: Top 5 Mistakes Beginning Bloggers Should Avoid | KEEMANXP.COM

About Ben Yoskovitz
I recently joined GoInstant as VP Product. GoInstant changes how we use the web, making it shareable like never before.

I'm also a Founding Partner at Year One Labs, an early stage accelerator in Montreal. Previously I founded Standout Jobs (and sold it). I'm a hands-on startup guy, helping companies grow successfully from the idea forward. You can reach me at byosko at gmail dot com.

Follow Ben on TwitterFollow this blog via email
Startup Tools
Recent Posts
Find Stuff
Startup Resources
Please Check Out:
NextMontreal.com I Spy Montreal
Key Categories
Topics
Disclaimer
The opinions and commentary on this site are mine and mine alone. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of my employer, GoInstant.

Instigator Blog runs WordPress and uses the Minimal theme by Curt Ziegler.