How to keep your headlines positive

It can be easy to reflexively write headlines about ‘mistakes,’ ‘pitfalls,’ and ‘failures.’ Those words can bring the audience down. Try for something a little cheerier.

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Anyone who writes or produces content could be guilty of spewing fear throughout communities. Bright, well-educated, and good-intentioned people who are cognizant of the power of headlines and SEO have followed the media’s poor example of sharing negativity to get people’s attention.

I was a news reporter and news director for 10 years. I have zero tolerance for newscasts and talk shows that work hard to drag us down.

Last week, the TV weatherman declared: “More rain tomorrow means another dismal day in…” It’s rain, not the damn plague.

Yes, horrific things happen. Yes, headlines may sell. But the world just doesn’t need any more negative crap to digest. If you don’t believe me, listen closer to what we’re being told. Remember the weatherman I just described.

Flip this

Are you writing posts and titles with words such as “pitfalls” and “mistakes”?

Let’s flip things around. I encourage you to use language that reflects a positive and helpful attitude.

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