This is much easier said than done, of course! Consumers are blasted daily with marketing content and advertisements, so you need to improve your approach to cut through the clutter. Here are three tips for writing headlines your readers can’t resist:

1. Use Uncomplicated but Strong Language

When writing a headline, the first thing you must learn is about making it attractive. The language you choose to include in your headline is what dictates the contents click-worthiness. Using bland, unknown, uninspiring, hard to pronounce words quickly turns the reader off. Consider the blog topics you read. Chances are, you choose ones with easy to read titles, that are short and concise.

On your next writing project, consider staying with language that is uncomplicated, yet powerful.

2. Use Keywords that Have High Search Value

If people are not interested in the topic then there is not much use in creating a video or running an ad. Make sure each headline you write targets a specific keyword if you are writing content with an online search in mind. As the old saying goes, “Work smarter not harder.” Be sure to research which keywords are popular to ensure your catchy headline is optimized to drive traffic.

To find relevant keywords there is numerous tool available. When you search for something on Google, they can be found on the bottom of the page. There are also software and websites such as SEMrush, who find the best keywords for the topic. Simply type in possible keywords and chose the words with the highest volume.

3. Include a Number in Your Catchy Headline

This tip should not go unnoted even though it may seem somewhat horribly obvious. If you are unsure of how to write a headline that is catchy enough to immediately grab the reader’s attention, one of the easiest choices is including numbers.

People are naturally attracted to numbers and lists since writing this way is simpler to digest. For those readers who are looking for a way to accomplish something that they are unsure of how to do, following numbered steps in order are perfect. As a human, we hate uncertainty and enjoy predictability. Research has shown that numbers included in headlines consistently outperform those that do not. It is also important to note that odd numbers perform better than even.

The right content is going to really sell the product, service, or brand. First, you have to hook them in!

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One of the biggest questions that I get asked is whether or not I am happier as a freelancer. Do I enjoy what I do? Do I get the satisfaction from it that some get from their jobs?

Happiness as a Freelancer

Happiness comes from doing something that you like. You can choose to be happy with any job. No really, you can. You’re ultimately the keeper of your own happiness. However, being able to go to my children’s appointments or the plays that they put on without having to let my boss know I will be missing an hour of work here or an hour there is great. That is the biggest and best thing about being a freelancer and owning my own business.

I have a strong work ethic, I do and even at a 9 to 5 desk job if I missed that hour, I would be working until 6 to make it up, but I just cannot miss out on those times that I won’t have again. I will always have the desk, the work, the job; but my children will not be little forever.

You may not have children but you might have a grandma that you want to spend time with before it is too late or a dog that has to be put to sleep soon so you want to give them the best life they could ever ask for towards the end. Whatever the reason, freelancing has allowed me to be much more flexible with what I can and cannot do, making the things that really matter most to me easily enjoyed.

It is Not All Good

Freelancing is not all good. I don’t get large amounts of taxes back every year that I can spend to fix my house or do my hair. I have to pay for health insurance for my family (which is pretty expensive). Struggling is sometimes necessary when I try to find work when the workforce is slow and clients are deciding on their marketing strategies. I have to MAKE myself work because there is no boss barking behind me to get those papers in! You have to work to grow your freelance career.

I do have the creativity to create beautiful websites for clients. By allowing my creativity and my passion for helping others grow, I am essentially loving what I do, downfalls and all. I love being able to help those small businesses ramp up their production and see money come into their businesses. I love being able to stretch my imagination further than I ever have with their projects they bring to me.

Happiness is what you make it. If you want happiness, just think about what you want from life. Think of those things that make you happiest. These are what your life should revolve around, not something that holds you back.

*If you want tips on how to organize and handle both personal and professional life, check out my post here… it also has pretty awesome extras you can make use of!

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By: Ryan Goossen

Guest Author

You own a small business that is picking up at an amazing rate. You need to quickly hire help that is perfect for the job. This person needs to be fit for your growing business. A smart, responsible and dependable person who can start right away and catch up to what you need by tomorrow. A great employee is what you’re looking for.

When we think about what the perfect employee we have to put ourselves in the store owner’s shoes. What makes a perfect employee is simply understood by putting yourself in the power seat. Pretend if you will, what type of person would you want? Key qualities that are needed, not just wanted. There are several key points we need to look at that can explain the basic needs that every employer is looking for.

Dependability in a Great Employee

By far this a key that ALL employers are looking for. No employer cares if you are a rocket scientist if they can’t depend on you to at least do the job they are asking. If you want to make a good impression explain how dependable you are and the responsibilities you have taken on in previous jobs. Show them you are a person who can get things done without having them worry about having to keep a close eye on you.

Show up

Attendance is something employers want to know. How often they have to worry about you calling in because you have the sniffles can cause some scheduling problems for them. In some job cases, the employer will explain to you if you even feel a slight cold stay home so you don’t spread it but these type of jobs are few and far between. An employer wants to think that if your car doesn’t start you are going to jog to work. It may be a bit far-fetched to think but they want to know that you are going to do all you can to show up to the job.

Hard Worker

Similar to dependability, employers realize not every job that you will be given will be luxurious and enjoyable. Some work is just downright monotonous and boring. Your employer understands this but this is your job that they are paying you to do. They want to know that if it is fixing a car or scrubbing a toilet that you are giving it your all and to the best of your ability.

Honesty

We all want people to be honest with us, more so our employers expect the same, if not more. The easiest way to ruin a job or career is by lying to your employer. Along with this, if you fail to be honest with your employer it can follow you to the next job that you will soon be looking for if you fail to be honest with your current one.

Success

Your employer wants to have a successful person. This is very important in sales positions. They want you to have all these types of characteristics but most importantly they want you to be successful for them. Employers have a bit of understanding but all employers demand you to catch on and be successful for their business otherwise they need to find someone else who is.

Would you say you’re a great employee? Do you have what it takes?

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