DO YOU STOP IF YOU READ THIS TITLE?

In this flat world, we definitely see countless pieces of information every day. However, our brains can’t possibly process all of it. Instead, we naturally pause at headlines that catch our eye and make us want to keep reading.

Honestly, I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information on the Internet. Thus, to stay up to date without getting off track, I only choose to read posts that have titles really grab my attention.

📍Headlines that grab my attention

NEWS
VnExpress Are EVs actually safer than fuel-powered cars in floods? Brain implants that read minds: a medical miracle raises new ethical questions Are we ready to ban gas cars? A message from dolphins Falling into the trap of 'online millionaires Some iPhones might be banned from sale in the US Advertising Vietnam Real estate marketing ideas to bring in qualified buyers Maximizing impact: Winning tactics for online brands this Tet Unlocking marketing potential with Geolocation Data: Strategies & challenges The new standards for Brand Ambassador selection Dao Insights Why are Decathlon “urea bags” going viral in China? Vinegar coffee? KFC’s KCOFFEE launches collab with Daton Cultural Tourism Vinmec: 10 Most Dangerous Diseases in Today’s Society Brandsvietnam: Is SEO dead? What are the new trends? Tomorrow Marketers Academy How to analyze a reservation campaign to gain insights for F&B conversion ads? How to build a reputable brand for a multi-brand cosmetics retailer?
SOCIAL POSTS	EMAIL
Why are people falling in love with ChatGPT? How ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Makes Billions From ‘Free’ Loans The quiet power of introverts Google is trying to fix its Gemini AI’s “depression” issue Is drinking Coca-Cola a way to supplement fiber? A must-know checklist for applying to a multinational corporation MIT’s first brain-scanning study on ChatGPT users reveals shocking results Management Trainee Application: What to do to succeed if you’re not as good as others	SAPP Academy [FREE] CFA Level 1 Trial Class: Is Real Estate a Good Investment - Should You Sell Your House or Profit? [Free Webinar] Understanding Financial Statements: Be Careful with Every Calculation Tomorrow Marketers Academy Only 2 days left to get a 35% discount on all Tomorrow Marketers courses! Is the Brand Manager position as glamorous as you think? The Present Writer You don't have to wait to shine How to make your brain happier An essential skill for success that few people talk about: "Resourceful"

📍Why these titles stand out? 

Personally, I’ve noticed that the most appealing headlines often fall into three categories: questions, using unusual words, creating a sense of urgency.

A headline in the form of a question instantly makes me curious and eager to find the answer. Similarly, using unusual keywords (like "vinegar coffee") piques my interest and makes me want to understand what's going on.

Creating a sense of urgency is also very effective. Titles that suggest a limited-time offer or a chance to miss out often motivate me to act, especially due to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). The word "free" is another powerful trigger, as people are naturally drawn to things that don’t cost anything.

In short, great headlines work by using psychology. They tap into our pain points (our problems and fears) and our desires (what we want to achieve). Besides, several methods are used such as Scarity, FOMO, Numbered list or Contrast. 

📍Learning outcomes

a. Psychology

As I mentioned, we're bombarded with a lot of information every single day. Therefore, a title has to be interesting and stand out to get viewers’ attention. A great headline grabs a reader immediately, making them click and engage with the content so they don't miss out.

Here are some tips for writing headlines based on behavioral psychology: 

Behavioral psychology	Examples
Concreteness	Get HSK3 in just 3 months? Why not? Japanese doctor lost 10kg in 2 months by giving up familiar foods
Numbered list	7 healthy living tips for the elderly 5 simple habits that change your life
Scarity/FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)	Only 24 hours left to receive special offers when attending the European study abroad seminar! You will regret it if you ignore these 5 tips when running ads
Contrast	From a poor boy to millions dollar business owner From a refrigerator factory, this company has risen to become an electric car 'star': With its own technology platform, it sold more than 2 million units a year
Authority	Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin Harvard Medical School Announcement: Vitamins Hold the "Key" to Longevity
Social Proof	99% of users choose the "skip" button for ads, Audio Ads rise to become the most effective advertising channel to reach Gen Z Nearly 200 people learn scientific research methods and international publication
Evokes emotions and curiosity	The song 'Jingle Bells' and the surprising truth that few people know Girl who made a fortune from her "side job" reveals simple secret to getting rich

As researching, effective headlines also address the audience’s pain point or desire. For instance:

Pain point	How long is insomnia considered abnormal? 9 common signs of depression and dangerous symptoms to look out for
Desire	How to speak English like a native in just 90 days? 10 Steps to Become a Chess Master

b. Headline formulas

A stimulating headline does more than just get a click, which also makes viewers interested, encourages them to read your content, and helps you achieve your goals, whether that's getting more sales or building audience’s trust. According to Brands Vietnam, there are some powerful phrases that can be used to write clear/attractive titles:

Secret Method Guide Tip Top X (Top 5, Top 10) Don’t make mistakes

How Reasons References Summary Latest List

Based on observation and research, headline should be written in the form of question or based on the behavioral psychology that mentioned above.

c. Summary

According to the analysis, I have summarized a few key principles to easily remember and practice:

Should	Should not
Use number Raise question Put keywords in the title Use promise Apply suitable hot trend	Misspelling Title is too short/long Brand stuffing, duplicate titles Keyword stuffing

These insights demonstrate that a compelling headline is a strategic tool, not merely a descriptive label. It leverages psychological triggers to capture attention, increase engagement, and ultimately, convert a casual reader into a loyal follower.

I hope this post helps you create headlines that capture attention, drive more clicks and get the results you expect. 💚

➡️Now, it's time to put these principles into practice and craft your own attention-grabbing headlines!

Sources:

1. 10 cách đặt tiêu đề hấp dẫn thu hút người đọc

2. 7 cách áp dụng tâm lý học hành vi trong việc viết tiêu đề

3. 5 Marketing Hook Examples that Capture Customer’s Emotions