Headline Hints
- Saturday, September 01 2012 @ 10:14 am
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,795
You’ve sat down and written a profile you’re satisfied with, and even though we all tend to cringe at photos of ourselves, you’re okay with the ones you’ve chosen. Only one step is needed to complete your profile: a headline guaranteed to grab the attention of the reader.
Most people are pretty exhausted by that point; they either slap on something that’s straight out of a classified ad, like “single and ready to mingle!” or ignore it altogether. Some might try to think of a witty quote, but it winds up being too long, too obscure or too sappy. Here are a few alternative approaches to take:
Those who were searching for a quote were on the right track, but it’s a challenge best reserved for those who aren’t afraid to gamble a little. For example, you run the risk that the quote you choose is too obscure, or too easily misunderstood. On the other hand, the one or two people who get it might also “get” you... but be prepared to wait awhile. Whatever quote you choose, make sure it’s short, punchy, and appears at least semi-relevant to the uninitiated. And try to actually place it in quotation marks - someone unfamiliar with your quote might take it as your thought, which opens up even more misunderstandings.
Along the same vein, the headline is a good venue to try something outside the box. For example, attempts at long jokes are best left out in profiles - humor doesn’t always translate well in writing - but a short, cute headline is less risky. Just remember to go “safe” with your humor, like a stand-up comedian on a 90’s sitcom. Puns are relatively safe, or stereotype-flipping, like “Cute, sweet and ready to be romanced” from a male. Sarcasm, as always, has a risk of going very wrong; someone might think “Likely not a serial killer” is funny, but again, you might be waiting awhile.
Asking a simple question is something decidedly different, but equally attention-grabbing. Something like, “Ninjas or pirates?” is silly fun; something like “Giants or Patriots?” also probably brings out strong opinions, making it even more of a conversation-starter. You could even try something like, “Where’s the best place to grab pizza in the city?” Just make sure, if it’s an opinion question, that you have an opinion too!
You don’t have to be provocative to be an attention-grabber; you just have to be a little less generic. Try doing a search of the “competition”; figure out what the norm is, and ask yourself how you can be different. And keep in mind, you’re representing yourself; there’s no point in spending two days coming up with a joke you’d never make in person. But spending just a little bit of time on the headline can make good use of an oft-neglected part of profile real estate!
Most people are pretty exhausted by that point; they either slap on something that’s straight out of a classified ad, like “single and ready to mingle!” or ignore it altogether. Some might try to think of a witty quote, but it winds up being too long, too obscure or too sappy. Here are a few alternative approaches to take:
Those who were searching for a quote were on the right track, but it’s a challenge best reserved for those who aren’t afraid to gamble a little. For example, you run the risk that the quote you choose is too obscure, or too easily misunderstood. On the other hand, the one or two people who get it might also “get” you... but be prepared to wait awhile. Whatever quote you choose, make sure it’s short, punchy, and appears at least semi-relevant to the uninitiated. And try to actually place it in quotation marks - someone unfamiliar with your quote might take it as your thought, which opens up even more misunderstandings.
Along the same vein, the headline is a good venue to try something outside the box. For example, attempts at long jokes are best left out in profiles - humor doesn’t always translate well in writing - but a short, cute headline is less risky. Just remember to go “safe” with your humor, like a stand-up comedian on a 90’s sitcom. Puns are relatively safe, or stereotype-flipping, like “Cute, sweet and ready to be romanced” from a male. Sarcasm, as always, has a risk of going very wrong; someone might think “Likely not a serial killer” is funny, but again, you might be waiting awhile.
Asking a simple question is something decidedly different, but equally attention-grabbing. Something like, “Ninjas or pirates?” is silly fun; something like “Giants or Patriots?” also probably brings out strong opinions, making it even more of a conversation-starter. You could even try something like, “Where’s the best place to grab pizza in the city?” Just make sure, if it’s an opinion question, that you have an opinion too!
You don’t have to be provocative to be an attention-grabber; you just have to be a little less generic. Try doing a search of the “competition”; figure out what the norm is, and ask yourself how you can be different. And keep in mind, you’re representing yourself; there’s no point in spending two days coming up with a joke you’d never make in person. But spending just a little bit of time on the headline can make good use of an oft-neglected part of profile real estate!
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