I can't believe I fell for the bait.

I was sitting on the plastic cushion of a computer chair when a pop-up came on my computer screen.

"See what the most beautiful twins in the world look like as adults." (In the biggest and brightest pink words EVER).

Their eyes were so blue!

So I clicked...

...and clicked...

...and clicked...

...and clicked...

and 27 years later would have been clicking if it wasn't for the public library's computer limit time per patron.

Obviously clickbait is icky and is not something you want to use in your business.

So how do you write headlines that draw people in without feeling like you're losing part of your integrity?

The quick answer: you have to believe in your content.

Otherwise why would you give up two episodes of Bridgerton for your readers?

(Okay, confession time: I haven't seen Bridgerton. I'm watching Warehouse 13 right now...reply and tell me if this ye old English show is worth it).

So, how do you write headlines, subject lines, and those pesky, "how do I start this piece of content" words that draw people in and make them nod their heads and say, "oh heck yes! Me too!"

Let's talk about 3 quick things you can start doing, then I have something that'll take it one step further for you.

1. Focus on your emotions

If you're feeling easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy your content is going to be SO MUCH BETTER than if you're feeling a little stressy depressy lemon zesty.

The emotions you carry will infuse into your content.

So make sure you're taking time to fill up your own mental bucket.

Carve out time to read, weed, or do a good deed (or just do something that makes you feel good inside).

2. Create a notes app

Studies show stories sell more than facts. It's proven.

Facts tell us something and we can ignore the data.

But stories make us feel and we cannot ignore those emotions once they're facing us.

So open up a notes app on your phone and write down even the most mundane stories from your day.

This will take some practice, but if you can answer "what can I share from this?" you've got a story.

(And if you're still wringing your hands thinking, "everyone keeps saying to 'use stories' but don't say how - I've got you. You'll get an email from me soon about this exact thing and how you can use stories in your emails, content, and in your business).

3. Use formulas

Create a new Tello or Asana board and create a master file of headlines that make you stop your scroll.

There's a reason why that headline caught your eye.

Breakdown the headline for a repeatable formula, so you can use this for your audience.

For example, I read this headline on Flipboard the other day: I'm a [parent]. My [neighbor] is [endangering] her kid in a way that [haunts] me.

Do you see the " [ ] 's"?

This is where you can duplicate it for your audience.

This same headline could read:

• I'm a foodie. My kid appreciates this kind of meal in a way that makes me second-guess my cooking.
• I'm a homesteader. My chickens are fed up with their run in a way that gives me anxiety.
• I'm a nurse. My patient is forgetting her medicine in a way that persuades me to believe others are too.

See the pattern? It's a formula you can reuse for headlines.

Now, before you write those headlines that make people giggle with excitement or anxious to click: remember to keep your promise on the other side of the click.

If you want to know what I mean, watch today's YouTube video.

We're diving 7-minutes deep (you're busy, I totally get it) into the BIG difference of clickbait and click-worthy headlines.

Watch the video below:

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Cheering for you,

Micah Klug

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