7 Quick & Easy Headline Formulas – Part 3

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Formula #3: The Brainstorm Technique

The brainstorming technique is an excellent way to generate innovative, breakthrough headlines. This technique can be performed as a group exercise, or individually. Both applications can work well to produce original ideas and concepts that can lead to awesome headlines.

The idea of brainstorming is to completely free the minds of all participants and to simply let the ideas flow —unrestricted and unencumbered—without limitations of any kind. This free-wheeling, creative activity lets you generate an infinite amount of possibilities.

The best way to brainstorm a headline is to think in terms of customer benefits and stick to short descriptions of one to five words. Open up your mind and let the creativity flow. Try to think of single words and phrases that describe the benefits of your product or service.

It’s a liberating experience, one that can often provide a fresh new horizon from which to base your promotional efforts upon..

There are 4 simple rules to follow for maximum results in brainstorming:

  1. Place a time limit of 5 to 10 minutes on the actual idea generation stage. This is the first step where raw ideas are produced and recorded on paper or chalkboard.
  2. All answers should be encouraged. No idea is a bad idea at this stage. Every contribution, no matter how outrageous or ridiculous, should be welcomed and recorded. Do not edit. Keep the ideas flowing. Spit out as many as possible.
  3. Stop on schedule. Don’t try to prolong a creative session. 5 Minutes is plenty of time to gather lots of good ideas to explore.
  4. Now, you can start to edit out some answers that don’t appear to be on the mark. Take what’s left and work with those to formulate a powerful headline.

Example #1
Product: Apples — Sold By Mail Order

Brainstorming Results:
Fresh, Delicious, Succulent, Vibrant Red, Fresh-Picked, Healthy, All-Natural, Crunchy, Nature’s Finest Food, Pure Health, Pure Energy, From God’s Garden, Nature’s Gift, Give Yourself A Lift, Bite Me, Ummmmm, Wow!, Organically Grown, Individually-Wrapped, Wholesome, Too Good To Be True, Country Crisp, Nature’s Finest Gift, From Nature’s Bountiful Basket, Fresh To You, Fresh- Picked, Shipped Same Day For Peak Freshness, Rare, Hard To Find, Shipped By Mail, Hand-picked, Tree-Ripened, Exclusive To Okanagan Valley, Sun- Ripened.

Possible Headlines:

  • Fresh, Delicious, Organically-Grown, Sun-Ripened Apples Like You’ve Never Tasted Before—Delivered Right To Your Door!
  • Give Your Family A  Healthy And Delicious Treat From Nature’s Best Garden.
  • Indulge Yourself  With A FREE Sample Package Of One Of Nature’s Most Wholesome, Delicious And Nutritious Foods.

 

Example #2
Service: Gift Selection And Shopping Service

Brainstorming Results:
Choose The Perfect Gift, Show Your Thoughtfulness, Imagine Their Reaction, Make It Right, Wow! I Love It!, Very Impressive, Stunning, Immaculate, Elegant, Enchanting, Awesome, Considerate, Caring, Exquisite Tasteful, Choose Right, Save Time, Forget The Hassles, Hate Shopping?, They’ll Love It—Guaranteed!, Impress Them, Perfect Gift Solutions, Gifts On Target, On Time, On Budget, Helpful Solutions For Busy People, Your Shopping Partner, Hassle-Free, Reap The Rewards, Show You Care, Personalized Service, Prompt Delivery, Beautifully Wrapped, Find It, Ideal Gifts, Delivered With Class, Shower Someone With… (Love, Care, Attention) Guaranteed To Be Well-Received.

Possible Headlines:

  • Show Them How Much You Care With A Custom-Selected Gift From Magic Moments. We Find It, Pick It Up, Wrap It And Deliver It. You Get The Credit.
  • Show Your Exquisite Taste, With An Original Gift They’ll Never Forget.
  • Impress Them With The Perfect Gift That Shows Your Thoughtfulness, Originality And Exquisite Taste.
  • Here’s An Easy Way To Find The Perfect Gift, Show Your Appreciation And Demonstrate Your Exceptional Taste—Without Leaving Your Office! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Example #3
Product: Portable Water Filter

Brainstorming Results:
Is Your Water Safe? Kill All Contaminants, Kills Germs, Wipes Out Harmful Pollutants, Enjoy Fresh Water, Double-Filtered, Safe, Healthy, Fresh, Pure, Purify, Sterilize, Filter, Portable, Adaptable To Any Faucet, Quick Connection, Travelers Companion, Works Anywhere, Fits In Any Suitcase, Compact, Convenient, Taste The Difference, Delicious, Safe Water, Double The Protection, Filters Invisible Contaminants, Take It Anywhere, Guaranteed Safe, Quality, Built To Exacting Standards, American Made, Replaceable Parts, UV Sterilizer, Rugged, Lightweight Steel Construction, Saves Big Money, Eliminates Costly Bottled Water, Snaps Into Place Instantly, Ideal For —Cottage Owners, Boaters, Travelers, Works Anywhere, Filters 57 Known Contaminants.

Possible Headlines:

  • Travelers! Now You Can Enjoy Fresh, Safe, Delicious Drinking Water— Wherever You Go! New Compact Device Filters And Sterilizes Too For Maximum Purification!
  • Attention Travelers: Beware Of Unsafe Drinking Water! Here’s Your
  • 100%—Guaranteed Safe Water Solution That’s Easy To Carry, Instantly Connects To Any Tap—And Gives You Fresh Filtered Water Wherever You Are—Anywhere In The World!
  • 100%—Guaranteed Safe Water For Travelers, Cottagers And Boaters! New, Lightweight & Compact Mini-Magic Quickly Connects To Any Tap To Instantly Filter AND Sterilize— Giving You Safe, Healthy Drinking Water Wherever You Go!

Your instant Reference Guide To Creating Dynamic, Attention-Grabbing Headlines!
- By Robert Boduch