Numbered headlines grab attention

I subscribe to several email newsletters; many for business and a few for personal enjoyment. One of the emails I receive just for fun is from Woman’s Day. I enjoy reading my sister’s copy of the magazine, I’m on their reader panel and I’m always trying to win a free getaway.

In their current issue, however, I noticed a trend in their headlines. See if you can spot it, too.

11 Green Steps to a Better Night’s Sleep
1-2-3 Suppers Under 20 Minutes
5-Minute Happiness Tricks
8 Beach-Bag Basics
7 Juicy Summer Reads
12 Ways with Brownies

Notice how they use a number in every single headline? That’s no accident. Perhaps it was Letterman’s Top 10 that started it all but there’s no denying that numbers grab readers’ attention.

I happen to think that WD overdid it a bit in this issue but I also have to confess that some of the topics, like a better night’s sleep, would not have grabbed my attention otherwise. Why? Because there’s an implied promise of robust, useful, quick-hit content behind those headlines. See if it doesn’t make a difference when you communicate with your audience online or off.

By JanO on 6/19/08, In writing, Tags advice, audience, business, content, email, how-to, inspiration, newsletters