LeadMagnetGeniusIt might sound obvious, but ensure your headline accurately reflects your content. A compelling headline sets an expectation; the content should fulfill it. If there’s a mismatch, you’ll lose the reader’s trust quickly (and likely they’ll bounce off the page).
For instance, if your headline is “10 Tips to Boost Your Immune System” and then the article just discusses the importance of immune health but gives only 3 general tips, readers will feel let down. Or if your headline promises “How to Get a Promotion at Work” and the article is mostly a personal story with no clear how-to, same issue.
One way to ensure alignment is to actually write the content (or at least outline it) first, then craft the headline. Sometimes we dream up a flashy headline first and then struggle to make content to fit it. Flipping it can ensure the headline is a true representation of the content’s strongest angle.
Alternatively, if you write the headline first (which is okay to do as a guiding light), double-check after writing the piece: Did I deliver on what I promised here? If not, either adjust the content or adjust the headline.