How to write a headline that gets more readers, listeners, attendees, and interest from your potential next patient

So you are getting ready to give a talk at the local Chamber of Commerce, write a blog series, write copy for some office brochures for an upcoming speech you are giving, or create a month’s worth of radio shows and you need some ideas for really getting the attention of potential attendees, listeners, or readers.

Here are several sure-fire headline templates that will help you reach your goal. You can change the verbs, nouns or adjectives. These are flexible ideas to give you the best shot at the most potential customers.

1. Give Me [short time period] and I’ll Give You [blank].

This headline promises a strong benefit to the reader/listener, like all good headlines do. But this one is especially effective because it promises to deliver in a very short time period.

Give Me An Hour of Your Time– and I’ll Give You the Tools to an Easier Allergy Season!

Give Me 10 Minutes a Day – and I’ll Help You Stay Out of the Doctor’s Office.

2. If You [blank] Now, You Be Sorry Later (or) If you [blank], You’ll Be Happy Later.

All people can be motivated either by fear or hope. Use a little of both in these headlines.

If You’re Eating Sugar Now, You Could Be Sorry Later

If You Follow This Simple Health Advice Now, You’ll Be Happy Now and Later.

3. The Lazy [blank’s] Way to [blank].

This headline always works well with time-pressured people, and that’s certainly true for most of us. No one likes to think of her/himself as lazy, but everyone likes to save time and effort.

The Lazy Man’s Way to Better Back Health

The Lazy Woman’s Way to Better Sleep.

The Lazy Mother’s Way to Healthier Kids

4. Do You Recognize the [number] Early Warning Signs of [blank]?

Here's a more compelling structure than your typical “Top 10” article. People want to avoid problems, and this headline promises critical tips before it’s too late.

Do You Recognize the 7 Early Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure?

Do You Recognize the 7 Early Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis?

Do You Recognize the 7 Early Warning Signs of Metabolic Syndrome?

5. See How Easily You Can [desirable result].

We love quick and easy when it comes to learning something new or gaining some advantage.

See How Easily You Can Manage Your Seasonal Allergies.

See How Easily You Can End Hot Flashes.

See How Easily You Can… [?].

6. You Don’t Have to Be [something challenging] to be [desired result].

People almost always have preconceived notions about things, and this can be a barrier to taking action. Remove the barrier that stands between them and the desired result with your headline, and people are more likely to respond positively.

You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Attain Health and Wellness.

You Don’t Have to Be a Rocket Scientist to Get the Most from Your Health Dollar.

You Don’t Have to Starve Yourself to Lose Weight.

7. Do You Make These Mistakes?

This is always a powerful attention grabber, since no one likes to make mistakes. If you’ve targeted your content well for your intended audience, helping people avoid common mistakes is a sure-fire winner with this type of headline.

Do You Make These Mistakes in Maintaining Your Health?

Do You Make These Common Eating Mistakes?

So there are a whole bunch of ideas for writing your next promotional article, brochure, radio show, blog, or public talk. I hope they help you get more folks interested in your work and in our wonderful medicine.

Stay well everybody, and thanks for reading my blog.

Honora Wolfe