Are you interested in how to write captivating headlines that make articles and content go viral? If your answer is yes, then the first step is to learn what words for headlines are the most effective at grabbing a reader’s attention.

Below is a list of tested words that can be used in headlines to gain more attention from readers and promote sharing across social media.

1. Secret

Using terms like “secret” is a well known fact to promote the idea of mystery and exclusivity in the mind of readers and is one of the perfect words for headlines.

Example: Nine Secrets About Writing a Viral Headline

2. New

Just like “secret,” the word “new” is something that has the power to grasp and sustain the attention of your potential audience.

Example: Amazing Uses for New Lego blocks!

3. Now

The term “Now” is one of the more attractive words for headlines because it suggests immediacy.

Example: Six Projects to Start Right Now

4. Facts

If you want to boost engagement and sharing using Facts is ideal as people are interested in facts about everything and anything under the sun.

Example: 14 Amazing Facts About Everyday Foods

5. Bargain

Generating a story about great deals and/or money saving methods with the word “bargain” in the title as one of the words for headlines is quite appealing to any reader.

Example: New Bargain Money Tips You Won’t Want to Miss!

6. Exclusive

The word exclusive signifies, exclusivity. Many people like to feel like they have access to valuable information that other people don’t know about.

Example: Exclusive Sneak Peek Into the mind of a serial entrepreneur

7. How To

We live in an era of DIY projects, and a lot of readers are interested in “How To” articles to provide them with information on how to fix or create things. Integrating phrases like “How To” in your headlines and titles is sure to get attention.

Example: How To Build Nearly Anything Out of Lego Blocks

8. Breakthrough

The word “breakthrough” is one of the exceptional words for headlines and titles because it showcases excitement and immediacy.

Example: Have You Seen These Stunning Breakthroughs in Marketing?

9. You & Your

Using the words “you” and “your” in a headline or titles is effective because it suggests that the information conveyed in the article pertains directly to the reader.

Example: “Your Spring Fashion Guide” indicates that there are certain clothes and fashion concepts that will directly benefit the reader.

10. Amazing

All of us want to be amazed, and the promise of new, informative and entertaining information that will provoke strong emotions will lure readers to click and read more often than not.

Example: 15 Amazing Masterpieces Created in a Day

11. This

“This” is a great word to place in one’s headline and/or titles because it indicates specificity and immediate information.

Example: “Is This The Right Workout For You?”

12. What/Which/When

What, when, and which are all good words to use because they are “question” terms. Question words are excellent for headlines and titles as they suggest the writer will provide a significant answer to an important inquiry.

Example: How To Determine Which Car is Perfect For You

13. Why

Just like “what/which/when”, using “why” as one of the words in headlines promises a noteworthy explanation.

Example: 7 Great Reasons Why Dubai Rocks for Vacations

14. People

Using the word people in a headline fuels our natural curiosity about others, especially if the material promises guidelines on how we can become more beautiful or successful.

Example: 12 Celebrities Whose Names You Don’t Know

15. Video

As many Internet marketers know, people are much more likely to watch an online video than read an article online. If your article will contain an informative and/or interesting video, it’s a great idea to advertise the fact in the title by including the word “video” in there.

Example: The Only Motivational Video You Need to See Today

16. Shocking

This works much like “Amazing” in a title. It suggests that reading the article will make you feel a strong emotion whilst giving new information.

Example: A Shocking Look Into the Life of a Hoarder

17. Stats & Numbers

People love lists! Combine this with any of the above-mentioned words for headlines, and you can be sure to have a powerful headline

Example: 11 Shocking New Breakthroughs in Weight Loss!