How to Write an Instagram Caption Headline that POPS!
Want your dream clients to actually read your Instagram posts? Start with an Instagram caption headline that POPS!
Tell me if this sounds familiar: you spend an hour writing a really valuable, really engaging caption, but after you hit publish, you get … crickets.
Friend, it’s likely your reader never made it past the first line of your caption.
If your headline sucks, people aren’t going to bother reading the rest of your caption.
Keep reading to get a few easy-to-implement Instagram caption headline writing tips!
What is a Headline?
The headline is the first line of your caption. If you want to STOP your dream clients’ SCROLL, start with an attention grabbing headline!
Your headline should:
- Promise Value and/or
- Pique your readers’ curiosity
In her book “Everybody Writes,” Ann Handley writes that a great headline:
“…Tells the audience what you are going to deliver, and how you’re going to deliver it, and why they should keep reading.”
Instagram Caption Headline Examples
Let’s say you’re a sleep consultant, and your dream clients consistently ask for ways to make bedtime with a toddler easier.
Here are a few examples of headlines you could use:
HOW TO:
“How to get your toddler to sleep in their OWN bed (so you can get back to binging The Bachelor.)”
LISTS:
“3 surprising ways you can make your toddler’s bedtime easier.”
QUESTIONS:
“Looking for a tantrum-free bedtime for your toddler? Keep reading!”
MYSTERY MAKER:
“Why your toddler throws down at bedtime (and what you can do about it).
Related: 3 Easy Ways to Optimize Your Instagram Posts
Use Words that POP
In the same book referenced above, Handley suggests using lively words that “paint a picture.” These include adjectives such as:
- Brilliant
- Surprising
- Ultimate
- AwesomeIntense
- Hilarious
- Smart
- Critical
Use Pop Culture References
One of my favorite ways to add a little sparkle to an Instagram headline is by adding a pop culture reference.
Here are a few headlines I’ve written for the Social Squad Society their members went bananas over:
- “What’s hotter than the new @TaylorSwift album? [Or another new pop culture reference] My newest offer/freebie/package!”
- “🎵Look at where you are. Look at where you started …🎵 Extra points if you can name that musical without peeking…“
- “What’s more confusing than this season of the Bachelorette? HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN 2020.“
Remember: Choose references that your dream clients are likely to “get.” In other words, if you love Bridgerton but your dream client is more likely to binge The British Baking Show, skip the Lady Whistledown reference.
To Sum it Up
- The headline is the first line of your Instagram caption.
- It should promise value and/or pique your reader’s curiosity.
- When you can, use lively words like “brilliant,” “surprising,” and “ultimate.”
- Sprinkle in a pop culture reference to make your caption super relevant.
Not into caption writing? Reach out! I offer caption writing services starting at $25/caption.
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