5 Ways Blog Headlines Are Like Vanity Plates

by | Mar 24, 2011

Vanity plates are the headlines of personality. Some are funny and others are downright strange

Headlines are your blog’s vanity plates.

Which description best represents your blog headlines?

Headline Grabbers

1. It makes others smile.

And hopefully in a good way. You know how you appreciate clever vanity plates – especially the ones that make you laugh? A great blog headline can do that. If it makes you smile – or even better – laugh, you want to read more.

Vanity plate on hearse – NOTTYET

2. It’s short

Usually a short headline is a good thing. Sometimes the only redeeming factor of a short headline is that it IS short. Other times, don’t you admire someone who is able to say so much in so little?

Vanity plate on car in Cambridge, MA – MIT

3. Its meaning is unknown

I wonder how many accidents occurred as a result of someone driving behind a vehicle with a vanity license plate that defied meaning. Some blog headlines are like that. Perhaps it’s a great strategy because you click on the link just to find out what the heck it means.

No example of vanity plate – I’m too afraid the unknown meaning will get me kicked off the web

4. It’s mean

Personally, I never understood headlines that scream at you or insult their audience. I suppose the tactic is to shock or get your attention, but please.

Vanity plate – YRUUGLI

5. It’s egotistical or makes you groan

The blog headline that brags How I Made 6 Figures in 2 Hours is a real turn-off. It evokes the response, Get over yourself – not to mention the fact that most people won’t believe it. Change that to How You Can Make 6 Figures in 2 Hours and you might get some clicks. Hope springs eternal.

Vanity license plate – MR CEO

Whether it’s vanity plates or headlines, creating a short, attention-grabber is an art. At least with headlines, you don’t pay extra for it – good or bad.

What are some of your favorites?

P.S. Some of the vanity plates were ones I have seen. Others are found at Great Vanity Plates.

BigStock Photo Credit

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