Headings & Headlines (2024)

Headings

Headlines

  • When writing headlines, less is more

  • Headlines should be no longer than 8 words, 6 words or fewer is ideal

  • Do not include punctuation in headlines (No exclamation points!)

  • Try cutting out unnecessary words such as “a” and “the,” as complete sentences aren’t always necessary

  • If possible, use abbreviations for Universities, Institutions, conferences, and events to shorten headline length

  • Keep in mind: having 1 long headline in a news feed is not the end of the world, but having multiple long headlines is significantly less readable and usable for users

Best Practices

  • Getsto the point
  • Gives a broad overview of information, not too specific

Good Examples

  • “Jeffry Simpson Receives Teaching Award”
  • “Showcasing Our Global Impact: CLA International”
  • "Canoes: Indigeneity, Relocation, and MaintainingTradition"

Rewrite

  • The headline “Psychology Professor John Doe Says Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Is Problematic” could be rewritten as“U Psychologist: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Problematic”

Headings & Headlines (2024)

FAQs

What is headline and heading? ›

The title above a story in a newspaper, magazine ornewsletter is called a headline, or "hed" ("head") in print journalism, or a "heading" in online pages. It has the same function in mass media writing as a lead, to call attention to the story, to snare people in.

What is heading for headlines? ›

Headlines
  • When writing headlines, less is more.
  • Headlines should be no longer than 8 words, 6 words or fewer is ideal.
  • Do not include punctuation in headlines (No exclamation points!)
  • Try cutting out unnecessary words such as “a” and “the,” as complete sentences aren't always necessary.

What is the difference between a heading and a header? ›

MLA headings are the titles of individual sections or pages in formal writing; headings are usually written in a larger font and in bold to stand out. An MLA header, also known as the running head, is the short line of text at the top of each page that gives the page number and author's surname (last name).

What exactly is a heading? ›

A heading is a word, phrase, or sentence at the beginning of a written passage that explains what it's about. A heading is very similar to a title.

Why is it called headlines? ›

Sometimes television and radio news also use the word headline to mean the biggest, most important news stories of the day. The word was originally a printer's term for the title and page number, and by 1890 it meant "newspaper title."

What are the three types of headlines? ›

19 types of headlines
  • Direct headline. A direct headline clearly states the purpose of an article. ...
  • Indirect headline. An indirect headline takes a subtle approach by hinting at the main point of an article. ...
  • News headlines. ...
  • How-to headline. ...
  • Question headline. ...
  • Command headline. ...
  • The "reason why" headline. ...
  • Emotional headline.
Dec 28, 2022

What is the difference between a title and a headline? ›

Titles reflect big ideas while headlines describe what's inside an article. They're both important when presenting your work. Craft good headlines to entice readers and create titles that reflect your brand. Otherwise, you won't reach your audience.

How does a heading look like? ›

Your title should be presented as a first-level heading. It is centered, in bold font, and all major words should be capitalized. When all major words are capitalized, this is called Title Case.

What is a powerful headline? ›

What Makes Up Powerful Headlines That Convert. Whether you're dropping a new product, advertising a service, or even writing a blog post, your headline comes first. Literally and figuratively. It needs to be compelling and engaging all while delivering a complete message to a specific audience.

What is a catchy headline? ›

A catchy title is the headline of a content article that contains elements to persuade readers to read it. Writing an effective headline can be an essential element of your content. A catchy title can bring a customer to your article by explaining what's in it or what value the reader can get from clicking on it.

What is another word for headline? ›

What is another word for headline?
headingtitle
sloganinscription
wordinglabel
subtitledescription
mottosubheading
23 more rows

What is heading and headline? ›

Headlines are the big words at the top of a newspaper. A heading is the big words at the top of a section in a book or written document other than a newspaper.

What goes in a heading? ›

The main goal of a heading is to inform the reader of what content they can find in that section, so make your headings as descriptive as possible. The examples below show one non-descriptive heading and three descriptive headings that provide the reader with much more information.

Is a heading the same as a title? ›

Title tags are the headlines of a particular content or webpage that users see on search engines based on their search query. These are not a part of the main content and do not appear on the webpage. In comparison, heading tags appear on top of the main body of the content to provide context to the reader.

What does being headline mean? ›

phrasesbe in the headlines (=to be reported in many newspapers as an important story)The singer was back in the headlines for partying every night. verbsmake/grab (the) headlines (=to be reported in many newspapers as an important story)Madonna's adoption of the child grabbed world headlines.

What does your headline mean? ›

Headlines are the title heading for a landing page, blog post, or article. Like how they've long been used in print media, this short sentence introduces a reader to the topic and scope of a piece of content, giving you a sense of what you're about to read.

What does headline mean in writing? ›

1. : words set at the head of a passage or page to introduce or categorize. 2. a. : a head of a newspaper story or article usually printed in large type and giving the gist of the story or article that follows.

How do you write a heading? ›

  1. Write headings that are clear and short.
  2. Use keywords to start headings.
  3. Organise heading levels in a logical order.
  4. Be consistent: use a parallel structure.
  5. Use unique formatting for each level of heading.
  6. Write all headings in sentence case and use minimal punctuation.
Aug 22, 2022

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