When it comes to news and stories, headlines are key. They catch readers’ attention, set the tone for the article, and often dictate whether the story gets picked up or passed over by social media or search engines. That’s why it’s important to understand the best practices for writing headlines.
Throughout 2018, many top headlines evoked a sense of outrage or urgency. From the Thai cave boys to a lion killing rhino poachers, these stories were able to capture people’s attention and provoke an emotional response. Other headlines highlighted a specific problem or a call to action, like the cholera outbreak in Yemen or the wildfires that continue to burn across the US.
From political chaos to natural disasters, 2018 was a year of upheaval and turmoil. Donald Trump’s presidency brought political chaos to cities and towns far beyond Washington DC, while the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in west London killed 72 residents. Meanwhile, the opioid crisis continued to claim lives and sparked debate on gun control and Second Amendment rights.
On the other hand, some headlines were lighthearted and entertaining. The headline for a story about a McDonald’s employee body-slamming a customer who threw a milkshake at her appeared in the Daily Mail, but it’s also been shared by BuzzFeed, the New York Times, and Business Insider. Other headlines were more informative and educational, like the AP’s story about how long it takes for a snail to travel down a piece of wood.