Article & Blog Titles

Write titles for published articles – deep dives, hub pages, blog posts.

Core Philosophy: 80% of content performance comes from the title. Generate volume (10+ options), then select best using proven criteria.

The 3-Phase Workflow

Phase 1: Identify Core Value

What transformation does this article promise?

• Problem: What pain/struggle does the reader face?
• Goal: What result do they want?
• Path: How does this article move them forward?

Extract headline elements:

1. Problem – What pain exists?
2. Goal – What result does reader want?
3. Benefit – What will their life look like after?
4. Concept – What idea/principle applies?
5. Example – What story/data illustrates this?
6. Process – What steps lead to the result?

Phase 2: Generate 10+ Options

Use multiple formulas from references/headline-formulas-library.md:

• Try 3-4 different headline types
• Apply sticky techniques from references/sticky-sentence-techniques.md
• Test different element combinations

Phase 3: Evaluate & Select

Apply references/10-commandments-checklist.md:

• Score top 5-7 options
• Aim for 4-6 commandments per title
• Use 4 U’s test (Useful, Urgent, Unique, Ultra-specific)
• Select highest scorer that fits the content

Core Patterns (With Examples)

1. Definitive Guide

Authority positioning for comprehensive content.

• “The Complete Guide to Homeschooling in Utah”
• “Everything You Need to Know About ESAs”
• “Microschools: A Parent’s Complete Guide”

2. How-To + Outcome

Practical promise with clear benefit.

• “How to Start a Microschool (With No Teaching Background)”
• “How to Use Your ESA Without Losing Money”
• “How to Find the Right Curriculum in 3 Steps”

3. List + Specific Promise

Number creates scannability and completeness.

• “7 Curriculum Options That Actually Work for ADHD Kids”
• “5 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Microschool”
• “12 Homeschool Co-ops in the Salt Lake Area (2026)”

4. Problem + Solution Frame

Names the pain, promises relief.

• “Feeling Overwhelmed by Curriculum Choices? Here’s a Framework”
• “When Traditional School Isn’t Working: 4 Alternative Paths”
• “ESA Spending Anxiety: What You Can (and Can’t) Use It For”

5. Contrarian / Myth-Busting

Challenges common belief.

• “Why Homeschool ‘Socialization’ Fears Are Backwards”
• “The Case Against Grade Levels”
• “Microschools Don’t Need Certified Teachers. Here’s Why.”

6. Comparison / Versus

Helps readers make decisions.

• “Classical vs. Charlotte Mason: Which Fits Your Family?”
• “Homeschool vs. Microschool: The Real Differences”
• “Online School vs. Self-Directed Learning: Pros and Cons”

SEO Considerations

For hub pages and deep dives that need to rank:

Include primary keyword near the start when possible:

• “ESA Spending Guide: What You Can Buy in [State]”
• “Microschools Near Me: How to Find One in Your Area”

Match search intent:

• Informational: “What is…” “How to…” “Guide to…”
• Comparison: “X vs Y” “Best [category] for [use case]”
• Local: Include state/city for geo-targeted content

Keep under 60 characters if SEO matters (Google truncates longer)

Swipe File

Workflow

1. What’s the core question this answers? – That’s often the title
2. Match to pattern – Definitive? How-to? List? Versus?
3. Generate 5-10 options – Try different framings
4. SEO check – Does primary keyword appear? Under 60 chars if ranking matters?
5. Select best – Would you click this in search results?

Anti-Patterns

Don’t:

• Write vague titles (“Thoughts on Education”)
• Use insider jargon without explanation
• Promise more than the article delivers
• Bury the value proposition
• Use clickbait that destroys trust
• Stop at 2-3 options (generate 10+)
• Use hedge words (“might,” “could,” “possibly”)
• Write generic promises (“Boost productivity” vs “Double output in 30 days”)

Sticky Techniques (For Memorable Titles)

From references/sticky-sentence-techniques.md:

Best for titles: Alliteration, Contrast, Rhythm

Quick Quality Check

Before finalizing, verify:

• 4 U’s: Useful? Urgent? Unique? Ultra-specific? (3/4 minimum)
• Primary keyword near start (for SEO)
• Under 60 characters (if ranking matters)
• Would you click this in search results? (honest answer)
• No AI-isms: delve, comprehensive, leverage, landscape

Bundled Resources

Related

• newsletter-subject-lines – Different constraints (email vs web, shorter)
• opened-daily-newsletter-writer – Newsletter workflow
• open-education-hub-deep-dives – Full article workflow
• seo-research – Keyword research for titles

Generate 10+ options using multiple formulas. Evaluate with 10 Commandments. Select best.