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Headline Hacks
How To Write a Subtitle That Makes Your Headline Shine
A great subtitle is half the battle — and this is your ultimate guide to winning it
The family stand looking from afar. What they see seems intriguing, but they’re hesitant to move closer.
Suddenly, the man behind the stand smiles at them. His face lights up. Casually, he begins a conversation. Slowly, without even realizing it, they move towards the stand.
Meanwhile, my friend Garon’s homemade, freshly baked croissants start working their magic. The golden, crisp outside. The gleaming chocolate oozing out. The intoxicating, rich, buttery smells. The sweet berry filling.
John Green says we fall in love the way we fall asleep: Slowly, and then all at once. The same thing happens here. Once the family’s eyes and noses confirm what they see from afar, it’s a done deal.
4 for $20, the sign says. Check. They happily hand over a note and leave to grab lattes and sit on the benches next to the water, savoring every bite of my friend’s croissants.
This is what you need to do with your readers: Catch their eye with your headline. Then get them to take a step closer with your subtitle.
