Which is why I like short headlines. They’re punchy. They’re energetic. And they work.

Here are some one-word headlines that have been proven to grab attention. See if you can use one of them when you write your next sales page, blog post, or email:

1. Free!

We love freebies, so it’s no wonder this wonder gets our attention.

2. Urgent

Seeing this word makes our heart beat a little faster. We’re conditioned to respond to urgent matters. There’s also an element of curiosity, because we want to know, “What’s so urgent?”

3. Important

We don’t want to miss out on anything, so when we see something “important,” we want to know what it is.

4. Attention

A command we’re all familiar with, and we respond accordingly. We attend.

5. New

This word has a hypnotic effect. It piques our curiosity, even if the “new” element in a familiar product is something as trivial as the addition of baking soda.

6. Sale

This has a similar effect as the word “free.” Bargains are the next best thing to freebies, and we love them.

7. Introducing…

This word, followed by the ellipses, arouses our curiosity. It also hints at newness, which is also compelling.

8. Announcing…

This one word packs a powerful punch. What follows is something new, important and even possibly urgent. No wonder this single word gets our attention every time.

9. Win…

Aside from freebies and good deals, we also love winning prizes. It makes us feel special, chosen or just plain lucky.

10. Shocking.

Admit it or not, we’re fascinated by the stuff that sells millions of copies of tabloids. But don’t use this to make your content read like a tabloid. You can use this when writing about an unusual discovery, result or news.

Now you see how much impact one word can have on your readers. Next time you’re tempted to use a long headline, title or email subject line, stop and think: Can one word do the job?

Tell Us

Do you see yourself using any of these one-word attention grabbers anytime soon?

Writer’s block can last for a few minutes or it can go on for weeks, even months. It’s like a “dark night” in a writer’s soul.

Fortunately, we can overcome writer’s block. Otherwise, nobody could make a living from writing.

Here are 3 ways for getting unstuck that have worked for me personally:

1. Get a change of scenery.

Sometimes the mind gets in a rut because we’ve been cooped up in the same place day in and day out. When that happens, it needs to be jolted back into action by a change in your physical location.

It can be as simple as moving from your home office to the family room (as long as it’s quiet enough). Or, if you always work indoors, try stepping outside in your backyard or a nearby park. Or, if you work at home most of the time, then write in Starbucks or the library.

2. Look for inspiration in unusual sources.

By this I mean putting on different colored lenses with which to look at your topic. For example, if you have to write an article about productivity, see if you can get inspiration from, say, your pet. What productivity wisdom can you learn from your pet?

Give it some thought and actually write down whatever comes to you. You may come up with totally useless crap. Or you may unearth some unique insights. Either way, you’ll be engaging your creativity muscles and forcing your mind to think outside the box.

3. Don’t write – yet.

Sometimes, we have writer’s block, because our bodies and/or minds are exhausted. If that’s the case, don’t force it. You’ll just be wasting your time.

Instead, walk away from the writing task at hand, at least for a little while. Rest your body and your body. Be confident that your subconscious mind is working on that article or blog post, even while you’re having a yoga session on the Wii.

This can be particularly difficult when you’re writing on a deadline. The obvious way to avoid getting in this situation is by giving yourself plenty of time to complete writing projects.

It also helps to “program” your mind with all the writing tasks you need to complete. For example, in any given week, I know what writing projects I need to finish. Even if I have no idea how to even begin some of them, I don’t freak out. I know my subconscious mind is already working on it and the content will come to me on time.

How Do You Do It?

How do you cope with writer’s block? What works for you that I haven’t discussed here? Do share.

I wish it were. In fact, it takes plenty of time and practice to become a persuasive writer. Plus, there are dozens of techniques and ninja tactics at your disposal.

However, keeping just these three things in mind will certainly help when you write for the purpose of encouraging a specific action from your readers.

A is for Audience

Effective communication begins with a good understanding of your audience. What keeps them up at 3 in the morning? What do they want? What are their biggest fears? What is their fondest dream? How do they talk? What do they think of the subject?

If you truly know and empathize with your readers, it will show in your writing, and they’ll pay attention. Your piece will call out to them. Also, by knowing your audience, it’ll be easier for you to write about…

B is for Benefit

What do you have to offer that will make your audience’s lives happier, easier and more enjoyable? How can your information, product or service change their lives for the better?

Don’t expect your readers to figure this out for themselves. Write it out.

C is for Call to Action

Now what? So you understand your audience’s problems and have the solution – what would you like them to do next?

Don’t assume they know the next step. Tell them what to do:

Please type your name and email address in the form below, then click the subscribe button. Wait for a confirmation email. When you receive it, click on the confirmation link in the email. Otherwise, you won’t get the information you requested. If you don’t see it, please check your spam box.

Please click here to learn more about this product.

Please email me at myname@domain.com to schedule a consultation call.

Please reply to this email to send me your questions.

Persuasive writing is more complicated than this. However, if you follow these A-B-Cs, your writing will become more compelling instantly.

Use it next time you write an email to your subscribers, a blog post, a Twitter tweet, even a video script.

Here’s Your Call to Action

Please leave a comment below to let us know if this post has been helpful to you. Thank you!

Back to English 101: What Is a Metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech, where you explain something by saying it IS something else. For example, take the title of this post, “writing is a breeze.”

Writing isn’t literally a breeze, is it? But by saying that it is, I in effect characterize writing as something soothing, light and fresh – just as a breeze is.

In a metaphor, you use something more familiar (breeze) to describe something less familiar (writing). You don’t say they are alike (“writing is as fresh as a breeze”), because that would be a simile. Rather, you say that one thing is another.

How Metaphors Work

Metaphors are wonderful writing tools. They give us a communication shortcut. Going back to the example of this post’s title. I didn’t have to say that writing becomes fresh and easy when you use metaphors.

Similarly, I don’t have to explain it when I say, “Spice up your writing with metaphors.” Because you’re familiar with spice and how it makes a dish tastier, you know exactly what I mean.

Which brings me to the next benefit of metaphors: they make writing more interesting. Metaphors conjure concrete images in the readers’ mind, making your piece more lively.

Where to Find Metaphors

The best metaphors come from ordinary daily life. After all, we want something familiar with our readers. Depending on whom you’re writing for, you can use metaphors from domestic life (cooking, cleaning, household objects), work, and the environment (such as nature).

Pop culture is also a rich source of metaphors. Check out what’s popular in movies, TV, music, and books. Is this an excuse to watch TV? You bet!

Three Tips for Using Metaphors

Using metaphors is fun, but it’s easy to make a mess of it. Keep these 3 simple tips next time you employ a metaphor in your writing:

1. Use metaphors that are familiar with your readers.

This is where really knowing your readers pays off. By using the right metaphors, your piece will connect with your readers.

2. Don’t mix metaphors.

If you’re using cooking metaphors, don’t mix gardening metaphors in the pot. That will make things confusing and messy.

3. Don’t overdo it.

As with all things, moderation is key. Overdoing metaphors is like putting too much salt in your dish. It’s a big turn off.

Next time you sit down to write a blog post, article or an mail, stop and think where a metaphor or two might put more color in the piece. And try to be more aware of metaphors as you read the printed word, whether online or offline.

Now do share: what are your favorite metaphors and why?

Sometimes we’re so caught up coming up with regular content, scrounging for time and material for content, that we may lose touch with what our audience really wants.

I imagined that I were a regular Internet user (I used to be one. Ah, the good old days!) and made a list of things I wish I could have more of online.

Here’s what I got:

1. Real Meat

I want content that I can use right now to help me with whatever problem has been bugging me. Your content should help me get closer to my goals, even if I never buy the product or service you recommend.

2. Entertainment

Sure, I want to learn something new, but why not let me have fun while we’re at it? Besides, I learn better when I’m enjoying the experience at the same time. So lighten up once in a while.

3. More Real Meat

I’d love it if you would link to other blogs, articles, free downloads, videos and other resources that may help me, too, even if you’re not the other guy’s affiliate. I know, these links will take me away from your site and you’re afraid of losing me forever. On the other hand, if you help me discover something that totally rocks, I will remember – and thank – you forever. And I’ll definitely be back, which brings me to my next wish…

4. New Stuff

If you want me to visit often, you better have new content for me often. On the other hand, I only have so much time each day to read blogs, email and Twitter tweets. So if you have new stuff too often, I won’t be able to keep up.

5. Brevity

I’m busy, so the sooner you can get to the point, the better for everyone involved. My attention span is also a bit short, so I hope you’ll keep your videos under 5 minutes, tops.

6. Variety

The written word will always dominate the Internet but sometimes, audio or video work much better, depending on what you’re trying to communicate. Be willing to use other formats of content.

7. You

While I find your content very useful and informative, I’m really curious about you. You’re part of the reason why I’m sticking around, so do let me get to know you a little better. I’m not talking about baring your personal life, but let your personality shine through. Give me a glimpse of your life because, believe it or not, it fascinates me.

And that’s my wish list for online content. I’m sure your audience wishes for the pretty much similar things too. Doing these things won’t cost you anything but in return you’ll earn your audience’s trust and loyalty.

Are you ready to give your readers what they REALLY want?