How To Write Eye-Popping Headlines While Exhausted

June 12, 2007 by Ben Yoskovitz 46 Comments

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Karen Putz

Ah, I remember those “lack of sleep” nights! 🙂
Karen Putz

Ah, I remember those “lack of sleep” nights! 🙂
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
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.:>)
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
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.:>)
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,
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,
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…
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…
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
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
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.
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.
David

Ben- “Donâ€™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.
David

Ben- “Donâ€™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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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!
Ben Yoskovitz

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

@Troy: Thanks for commenting and best of luck!
Ben Yoskovitz

@Troy: Thanks for commenting and best of luck!
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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.
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.
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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
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
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