507 powerful words to help you write remarkable headlines – an indispensable index

7.5 min |
Writing better headlines is a top priority for any savvy business owner who publishes content – they’re vital to your success. Great headlines make the difference between getting more click-throughs, subscribes and sales, versus complete inaction.
The beauty of this list is, you don’t have to sacrifice your authentic brand to write magnetic headlines.
Headlines come in all shapes and sizes:
- Email subject lines
- Blog post headlines
- Sales page headings
- Call-To-Actions (CTAs)
- Web copy titles
- Taglines
- Magazine & newspaper headlines
- Video/podcast titles
- Advert headlines
- SEO title tags
- Article sub-headings
The great awesome news is that, even if you’re a recovering perfectionist,*holla* you don’t have to pour hours into your headlines.
I’m giving you a treasure trove of 507 words you can combine to craft irresistible headlines!
Yes, 507 words sound like a lot, so I’ve broken them down into sections to help you navigate the list. And, if you please, there’s even a free tips sheet, with:
- 14 Headline templates – sample sentences for your to swipe
- The 6 key criteria for irresistible headlines
- Space for your notes as you go {to rinse & reuse} – yay!
- + Free access to The Vault members’ library
Go to The Vault to get your 507-word Headline Treasure Trove or sign up below:
Before we get stuck into the mega-list of power words, there are 5 important things you need to know:
- Headlines serve many functions, but they all have the same, singular purpose {more on that in a moment}
- Your headlines don’t need to be bodacious language gardens {no university degree required}
- Truly irresistible headlines need to meet 6 key criteria {I’ll finish up the post with them}
- Make sure you can back up your headline, ie don’t use “spectacular” in your headline, if your content is not.
- YOU know your audience best – use the Treasure Trove with caution and keep your headlines authentic to your brand!
What’s the purpose of your headline?
Different headlines have different functions – click-through from search results, open the email, subscribe, stay on the page, read your blog, find out more, share on Facebook, join your community, choose a bouquet, book a spa day, sign up for your solopreneurs mastermind, buy a spot on your photography course… interview mime artists 😉
All headlines serve one purpose: to compel action by offering the promise of something more.
Your headline is one-part intrigue and one-part promise and your content must deliver on that promise.
We’re all getting sick of click-bait headlines and so are advertisers – Facebook, for example, is penalising them.
That means step one is producing quality content. Stick a “working” title on it and don’t stress about the headline until the end. When you’re finished, that’s the time to tweak and fine-tune your headline.
Skip the full post & download your swipe file:
Go to The Vault to get your 507-word Headline Treasure Trove or sign up below:
Unlock The Vault to Get ALL the Freebies
{+ Jeda's Notebook Letters}!
507 words for creating powerful, emotive & authentic headlines
These words fall under the first of the 6 key criteria for headings: Make you headlines intriguing.
I’ve split the 507 words into seven “Curiosity Spark” sections:
- Mysterious
- Tempting
- Explanatory
- Unexpected
- Cautionary
- Transformative
- Marvelous
Curiosity Sparks they’re elements of intentional intrigue that you can use within your writing, but here we’re using them specifically for headlines {I talk about them in the Storytelling Sirens writing companion}.
I’ll give an alternative to this blog headline as an example under each Curiosity Spark – with more in the download.
Remember, mix and match these words suit your topic, type of content & your own brand.
Curiosity Spark #1: Mystery
63 Mysterious words & phrases for suspenseful, cliffhanger headlines
Secret
Discover
Confidential
Little-known
Exposed
Code
Insider
Bootleg
Undercover
Confession
Illusive
Concealed
Stealth
Password
Hush-hush
Legend
Dilemma
Subtle
Curiosity
Revealing
Myths
Hidden
Clues
Underground
Conspiracy
Outlawed
Puzzle
Discreet
Cryptic
Surreptitious
Off the record
Blueprint
Breaking news
Pathfinder
Dramatically
Mysterious
Unknown
Covert
Suspicious
Intriguing
Key
Proof
Questions
Camouflaged
Solve
Sneaky
Censored
Behind the scenes
Clandestine
Misleading
Improvise
Crafty
Forbidden
Secretive
Answer
Story
Solution
Classified
Example: The mystery behind click-worthy headlines revealed!
Curiosity Spark #2: Temptation
Indulge the senses &/or create anticipation with these 75 tempting words
Juicy
Enticing
Tasty
Need
Beautiful
Play
Uplifting
Wild
Imagine
Gorgeous
Smooth
Anticipate
Fire
Attractive
Cold
Blissful
Make
Hot
Boost
Exquisite
Thrilling
Delicious
Create
Joyful
Magnetic
Sizzle
Delightful
Scandalous
Light-hearted
Recipe
Tighten
Excite
Expectations
Graceful
Influence
Light
Vital
Passionate
Teaser
Persuasive
Fascinating
Colourful
Irresistible
Love
Ingredients
Naughty
Move
Vibrant
Intense
Cool
Spark
Dark
Tempting
Intuitive
Rejuvenate
Touch
Striking
Luscious
Alluring
Less sensual words {great for special offers or subscribe/buy buttons}:
Get
Bargain
Predict
Give
Offer
Free
Extra
Grab
Capture
Reach
Gift
Awaiting
Prepare
Receive
Win
Example: Tighten-up your headlines with these 507 enticing words
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Curiosity Spark #3: Explain
109 Explanatory words for content which helps teach, achieve or clarify
Classic knowledge-generation words:
You
How
Who
Decide
Effects
Reasons
Why
What
Where
Understand
Realise
Know
Ways
When
#-Step / Steps
Choose
Number
Words to build (genuine) trust:
Reliable
Guarantee
Clever
Real
Safe
Authentic
Devoted
Truly
Strong
Insightful
Secure
Savvy
Trust
Respectable
Honest
No-nonsense
Certain
Faithful
True
Proven
Truth
Sure
Smart
Sincere
Trustworthy
Accurate
Stable
Believe
Confidence
Demonstrate how you can help people achieve with these words:
Value
Start
Build
Evolve
Generate
Focus
Nourish
Advantage
Use
Satisfy
Resourceful
Increase
Benefit
Develop
Keep
Compare
Profitable
Help
Adaptable
Motivated
Feature
Achieve
Gain
Purpose
Succeed
Improve
Prosper
Difference
Nurture
Ask
Work
Multiply
Assist
Worth
Thrive
Grow
Use of data, methodology and handouts:
Exercise
Science
Tactic
Common
Statistics
History
Practical
Tools
Strategy
Examples
DIY
Formula
Signs
Hacks
Guide
Facts
Process
Infographic
Techniques
Rules
Plan
Insights
Method
Explain
Template
Habits
Tips
Example: 507 reliable words to write authentic and successful headlines
Curiosity Spark #4: Be Unexpected
40 words to create unexpected headlines
Surprising
Random
Controversial
Audacious
Obscure
Staggering
Far-fetched
Kooky
Bizarre
Curious
Eye-opening
Brazen
Suddenly
Unbelievable
Inventive
Bold
Shocking
Odd
Unanticipated
Wacky
Unforeseen
Peculiar
Ridiculous
Crazy
Counter-intuitive
Unusual
Unexpected
Weird
Strange
Outrageous
Startling
Spontaneous
Irregular
Impossible
Absurd
Freaky
Dare
Obnoxious
Unpredictable
Refreshing
Example: An unbelievably long list of words you can use for inventive headlines
Curiosity Spark #5: Use Caution
Elicit genuine warning with these 69 cautionary words
Use these words rarely and with care. Ideally use two as a double negative or team one with a positive. When used in this way, they can work well for sales page sub-headings, blog post titles and email subject lines, especially towards the end of a launch.
Neglect
Annoy
Problematic
Aggravating
Should
End
Painful
Can’t
Miss
Infuriating
Terrible
Danger
Compulsive
Disaster
Powerless
Lies
Deceitful
Apalling
Stop
Warning
Limited
Frustrating
Overwhelm
Never
Worst
Scarce
Risk
Dismal
Urgent
Caution
Panic
Corrupt
Shameful
Negative
Quit
Disastrous
Blacklisted
Pathetic
Useless
Scary
Less
Confusing
Unhealthy
Don’t
Critical
Unreliable
Anxiety
Last
Critical
Awkward
Difficult
Stress
Brutal
Careless
Alarming
Tragic
Inferior
Loser
Cowardly
Wicked
Nasty
Doubtful
Avoid
The following are exceptionally strong negative words, so use with extreme delicacy:
Repulsive
Destroy
Malicious
Kill
Hate
Disgusting
The following are exceptionally strong negative words, so use with extreme delicacy:
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Curiosity Spark #6: Transformation
Show how you make their lives better with these 46 transformative words
Nurture empathy, commiserate and share your journey with these before & after words…
Before:
Mistake
Trauma
Heartbreaking
Suffer
Roadblocks
Challenge
Accident
Nightmare
Before
Fail
Embarrassing
Ordeal
Crisis
After:
Overcome
Fix
Master
Become
Renew
Courageous
Tenacious
Revamp
Brave
Freedom
Transform
Learn
Experience
After
Revive
Validate
Fearless
Happened
Fulfil
Beat
Empowering
Lesson
Accomplish
Triumph
Success
Journey
Confront
Achieve
Turn
Convert
Adventure
Change
Results
Example: Convert lame headlines to luminous ones with these 507 words
Curiosity Spark #7: Marvel
105 superb words for headlines we can marvel at
Share your wonder:
Incredible
Epic
Mind-Blowing
Awesome
Spectacular
Inventive
Stunning
New
Essential
Promise
Huge
Extreme
Miracle
Excellent
Remarkable
Magical
Breathtaking
Amazing
Brilliant
Superb
Unique
Vital
Special
Better
Finally
Marvelous
Breathtaking
Absolute
Enduring
Dazzling
Inspiring
Unbelievable
Revolutionary
Fantastic
Astonishing
Sensational
Magnificent
Wonderful
Popular
Powerful
Indispensable
Latest
Superior
Innovative
Legendary
Transcendent
Skyrocket
Outstanding
Use superlatives:
Best
Perfect
Leading
Quickest
Greatest
Strangest
Biggest
Unrivalled
Finest
Complete
Favourite
Only
Easiest
Most
Funniest
Alone
Smallest
Unbeatable
Everything
Unprecedented
Ultimate
Unparalleled
Winning
Flawless
Incomparable
Supreme
Expert
All
First
Singular
Ever
Top
Reflect the ease you’ll bring:
Effortless
Reduced
Ease
Direct
Peaceful
Short
Effective
Swift
Simple
Efficient
Faster
Graceful
Painless
Easy
Generous
Instant
Clear
Relaxing
Convenient
Cure
Straightforward
Align
Immediate
Uncomplicated
Calm
Example: Write outstanding headlines faster with this indispensable list
Final headline: 507 powerful words to help you write remarkable headlines
The 6 key criteria for irresistible headlines
To summarize (I go into more detail in the swipe file below), to get irresistible headlines, make them:
- Intriguing (catches your ideal client attention & sparks their curiosity - this post)
- Compelling (need-to-know, fascinating, creates anticipation)
- Accurate (makes sense, factual, tangible, clear)
- Useful (helpful, deals with a pain point)
- Emotive (strong, emotional language)
- Specific (distinguishing word/phrase)
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Phew! That was one mega post!!