Clickbait or Catchy Hook? How To Write Headlines That DON’T Suck 😩
Clickbait or Catchy Hook
In this video, Alex discusses the difference between clickbait and catchy hooks. He explains how to know if your headline is clickbait or a catchy hook.
Definition of Clickbait
- Clickbait is sensationalized, vague, or misleading headlines that lead to irrelevant content.
- It has been reduced to intentionally misleading headlines that lead to content that provides no value whatsoever.
Importance of Authenticity
- While clickbait may get you loads of clicks, it is harmful to your brand and sabotages brand loyalty.
- The Copy Posse golden rule is always to deliver on what you say in your hook or headline.
- A catchy hook still opens a loop but doesn't use misleading or misdirected statements.
Differences Between Clickbait and Catchy Hooks
- Clickbait creates a disconnect between the headline and the content while a catchy hook gives people what they came for.
- Clickbait leads to no value whatsoever and uses unbelievable and pointless hype while catchy hooks lead to value in some form, whether it would be entertainment, education, or inspiration.
- Most of the time with sites like BuzzFeed or Bored Panda, you are getting exactly what the headline says in their article.
Conclusion
- To build a solid brand and engage your audience with authentic and compelling copy, subscribe to Alex's channel for more tutorials.
Clickbait Headlines
In this section, the speaker discusses different types of clickbait headlines and provides examples to illustrate how they work.
The Adoption Surprise
- A couple adopts three babies at once.
- Doctor reveals a shocking secret.
- Article takes 18 pages to reveal that the wife was pregnant with twins at the time of adoption.
- Conclusion: This is an example of clickbait.
Contradicting Beliefs
- Headline from MindBodyGreen claims a supplement satisfies sweet tooth and gives glowing skin.
- Upon clicking, readers are taken to an educational article about chocolate collagen powder and a recipe for chocolate collagen brownies.
- Conclusion: This is not clickbait but rather a catchy hook.
The Hypey Benefit
- Smart Life Reports claims their diet pill melts belly fat like crazy.
- Article claims woman lost 25 pounds in one month using the pill, which is nearly impossible without starving or getting seriously ill.
- Investigation reveals illegal use of real doctor's name and fake endorsement, along with many reviews calling it a scam.
- Conclusion: This is both clickbait and a major scam.
The Fake FOMO
- Ad claims video will soon be banned so viewers should watch before it's deleted.
- Ad features fancy car and young woman but says nothing about subject matter of content.
- Conclusion: This is obviously clickbait.
The Weird Reality
- Someone found $159,900 house listing
Clickbait vs Catchy Hook
In this section, the speaker discusses the difference between clickbait and a genuine, relevant, and catchy hook.
Clickbait
- Clickbait headlines are misleading and obstructive.
- Cheesy, douchy clickbait should not be used in headlines or social media posts.
Catchy Hook
- A catchy hook is relevant and provides value to the audience.
- As a copywriter or marketer, it's important to care about building your brand long-term and connecting with your audience.
Examples
- The speaker gives an example of a clickbait headline that promises too much but delivers little.
- The speaker also gives an example of a catchy hook that entices the reader with a comparison to Alice in Wonderland and time-traveling wizards.
Conclusion
- It's important to avoid using clickbait tactics and instead focus on creating genuine, relevant, and valuable content for your audience.