LibGuides: How to Write a News Article: Headlines (2024)

FAQs

LibGuides: How to Write a News Article: Headlines? ›

Headlines should be short and preferably snappy. They should come out of information in the body of the text and not present new information. Headlines are usually not in past tense; a headline about a past event is generally in present tense; one about a future event generally includes to (to meet, to decide, etc.)

Headlines should be short and preferably snappy. They should come out of information in the body of the text and not present new information. Headlines are usually not in past tense; a headline about a past event is generally in present tense; one about a future event generally includes to (to meet, to decide, etc.)

A newspaper article should contain these five main components: a headline, a byline, a lead/lede paragraph, an explanation, and any other additional information. A newspaper article should not include topic or closing sentences.

The headline generally should tell "who" and "what," and perhaps others of the 5 W's. If more than one deck is used, succeed- ing decks give additional facts. (An exception is the headline for a suspended interest feature story. It should suggest what the story is about, but should not reveal the surprise ending.)

Use Interesting Words

Using words like “new,” “affordable,” “exclusive,” or “profitable” can make the readers feel like the blog or article can benefit them, but only if they click right away and maybe even share the content with others. Interesting words often work best when paired with certain types of headlines.

A powerful headline includes: Active verbs. Concise language. Blend of familiar and unexpected words. Clear benefit for intended audience.

A good headline should tell the reader why they should read the piece that follows. It should make explicitly and uniquely clear what value will be gained from the work.

A simple headline formula looks like this: How to [Achieve Result] in [Number] Simple Steps. Naturally, you replace the elements in brackets to fit your content, creating headlines such as “How to File Your Tax Return in 7 Simple Steps” or “How to Fix a Zipper in 12 Simple Steps”.

What not to include in a newspaper article? ›

Facts or statistics can be used to support your points and avoid using your own opinion. Avoid chatty, friendly language in your report as it should be written to inform. Newspaper reports are written in the third person using the names of those involved and pronouns such as 'he', 'she' or 'they'.

One of the best practices for writers is to follow "The 5Ws" guideline, by investigating the Who, What, Where, When and Why of a story. If you can't identify what makes your story unique and interesting, chances are nobody else will either. Who is driving the story?

The most important information about the events should go first. Each paragraph should be on a slightly different aspect of what happened. It should be written in the third person. Explain the background information that is relevant to the story.

Headlines that pose intriguing questions, tease a surprising revelation or offer a hint of the unknown can trigger curiosity and entice readers to engage further. Fear or Concern: Headlines that address readers' fears or concerns can grab attention by tapping into their emotions.

Best practice: To avoid getting your head cut off, keep your web head to 8 words or fewer, according to research by The American Press Institute. But online, shorter is better. My personal preference is headlines of 6 words or less, or about 30 characters.