Headlines are the unsung heroes of your website. They’re the first thing people read—and often the deciding factor in whether they read anything else.
Think of a headline like a wrecking ball: a single, powerful hit that grabs attention and breaks through the noise. Just like a wrecking ball makes an immediate impact and leaves a visible dent, a strong headline creates an instant connection—it stops the scroll, sparks curiosity, and makes readers want more.
We’ve all seen websites with thoughtful content buried under vague headlines like “Welcome” or “Information.” But here’s the good news: improving your headlines is one of the fastest ways to improve your site, and you don’t have to touch the design at all.
Here’s how to write headlines that actually guide, engage, and convert.
What a headline is really for
Your headline isn’t just a title—it’s a signal. It tells the reader what the content is, why it matters, and whether it’s worth their time. And on a public-facing site where people are looking for answers, speed and clarity matter.
Think of your headline as a road sign. The clearer it is, the more confident your readers will feel about where they’re going. A confusing or vague headline doesn’t just slow people down—it pushes them away.
What not to do
Let’s look at a few examples that feel familiar—but fall flat:
- “Welcome” – Friendly, but it doesn’t say what’s on the page.
- “Updates” – Updates about what? When? Why?
- “Resources” – That could mean documents, links, policies, or forms.
When headlines don’t give specifics, the content below them gets ignored—even if it’s helpful.
How to write headlines that work
You don’t need to be a writer to write a great headline. Just ask yourself what your reader is trying to find—and say that clearly.
If someone is trying to reserve a space, “Room Reservations & Availability” is much more useful than “Facilities Info.” If a parent is checking summer options for their kids, “Summer Youth Programs: Ages 5–17” gets their attention instantly.
The best headlines are written with the reader’s need in mind. They say what’s there, why it matters, and what to expect.
Want to take it a step further?
Headlines that start with verbs or questions can instantly feel more useful. For example:
- “Download Rental Permit Forms”
- “What to Know Before You Register”
- “Plan Your Visit to the Fitness Center”
These work because they either invite action or answer a question your audience already has. And they’re easy to scan—especially on mobile.
You don’t need to redesign anything
A great headline doesn’t require layout changes, color adjustments, or tech help. You can update headlines directly in WordPress, and it’ll take effect instantly across your site.
It’s one of the rare cases where changing a few words can dramatically improve your site’s clarity, confidence, and usefulness.
💡 Timmy’s Pro Tip
When rewriting a headline, pretend you’re naming a folder on your computer. If you walked away and came back next week, would you remember what’s inside just by reading the title? If not, the headline needs work.
Clarity now saves confusion later—for your visitors and your future team.
