When writing anything (whether it be a post, a novel, a chapter or a new blog) I often find the title the most difficult thing to consider.
I don’t have a particular technique to writing my posts. Some days I write my title first to give me the inspiration to write the content, other times I name the post after I’ve written the content.
Whatever is easier for me that day is what I do, not whatever is most effective.
I find that the perfect title, and indeed the one that draws the most readers in, is either though-provoking, witty, curious or/and short. I might know a little about what makes a good title but I sure don’t know how to write one.
Does the title even matter?
Yes, is the answer.
You could write content of pure gold but if your title is rubbish, no one will read it.
Your title is your promise to the reader, make it a good one.
And so, in conclusion, I ask you: how do you come up with a good title? What do you find makes the most effective title?
Please leave your answers in the comments below, thank you and have a wonderful week. Happy Monday!
Opinionated Duck 
In the latter blog posts of my site, I would begin by using a simple, linear freewriting technique. Then I would create an outline based off the connecting points. Often I extracted a title based off of a trending theme within what I would have written. And (voila!) that’s how I write it.
Ooh, sounds like it’s a good idea for many to have a specific ‘technique’. It’s worked for you! š
Yes most certainly. Freewriting is a very popular technique, but there are so many. I think finding a specific technique that works and giving it a try for some time is important.
I have to agree. Although I have no technique, I can certainly see the appeal of having one (hence the post).
I know what you mean. I’m working on my second novel. I thought I had a great title until I changed the protagonist and the title went out the window. My first novel, the title just jumped out at me. I actually wrote my first novel as part of the Three Day Novel contest. It’s kind of like NaNoWriMo, but the number of words isn’t prescribed and you only have 3 days. I just about killed me! I literally went from euphoria at the start to sobbing because I was stuck and I only had 12 hours left. Believe it or not, I’m thinking about doing it again!
Three days? My goodness, how is that even possible? I commend you!
I found you on the Community Pool and the comment I wrote was for your blog. I do not know if it is your intention but the theme you are using shows black on the right hand side of my computer screen. I have never seen a blog look like this so that is my comment.
To reply to your post. I write the title last. It works for me š
Hi, thanks for the feedback! š Might I ask what web browser you are using?
Thank you for the input. š
I am using internet explorer. I have not yet looked at your blog with my i phone. Whether the space is black or another color, since you were asking for feedback, I just thought that one third of your space is blank. Well, enough said about this, keep on blogging š
One third of my space is blank, yes, however the colour is in fact a grey pattern.
Thanks. š
I actually love making the title! My YWP Nano novel has quite an interesting, mysterious title, according to my friends (Sharma Remembered)… The title has always been important, a few of my friends have tried to start blogs (and failed LOL) and I told them the importance of their blog name. I’m not bias or anything but I think mine is quite good
Charli x
I suppose it’s easier for some more than others, like anything. š Sharma Remembered is a good title, I’ll agree.
I also agree with your blog name being good – it has large potential for branding, something which is key in blogging for sure.
Thanks for commenting Charli!
I’m the same way…I know what makes a good title but have a hard time coming up with them. I’ve completed the NaNoWriMo challenge (50,000 words in 30 days) three years in row and don’t have a title for any of them! There’s a place for the title on the certificate you can print out…mine remain unprinted because I haven’t titled them. Ha ha
Three times in a row? I’ve participated twice and also failed twice at NaNoWriMo! Hoping 2013 will be the year!
Ahaha, I hope you think of those titles! Good luck! š
Oh no! Did you get close? I have to say, the first two years I made it by the skin of my teeth…like just a few minutes to spare. Last year I finished a day early or something like that, but it had been a rough month and I had procrastinated. I ended up doing the whole thing in a few days at the end. I could barely move my hands by the time it was over and it was almost illegible there were so many typos!
Come November, I’ll be happy to cheer you on! It’s a great feeling to finish. I don’t recommend finishing in the middle of the night. š I posted on Facebook when I finished. The first year I had lots of people cheering me on. The next two years I guess either no one cared or everyone was asleep. It was very anti-climactic. haha
Good Luck this year!
The first year I don’t think I even managed 5k to be honest. 2012 was a better year but still pretty poor with just over 30k.
Thank you! Of course I’ll return the favour should you decide to participate again! š
Thank you again! š
I have a terrible time with titles which is not good s to blogging and SEOs. I’m sure I’d get more readers if I were smarter with my titles!
I agree. Having smarter titles is something that I see having great rewards. š
I found you on the Community Pool post by The Daily Post and thought I’d check out your blog. “Opinionated Duck” brilliantly catches one’s attention. š
The title–my least favorite part of writing! Someone told me once that it is best to name your piece AFTER writing it so you get to know it before you give it a name. Although I don’t always adhere to this particular piece of advice, it often proves helpful when I’m struggling to decide on a title.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy your stay! š
I have also heard that advice though, to contradict that point, I have heard that you should write your title first and base your content around that too. Titles are indeed a tricky topic!
Oh goodness, now I’m all confused! Every day it becomes more evident that there really are no rules to writing. š
I like that: Every day it becomes more evident that there really are no rules to writing.
That’s so true! š
I haven’t been blogging but a couple of weeks but have been reading a lot of other peoples blogs. Came across your comment in Community pool. I choose my titles with the most words that match my Tags so that searches will find them. I have had a few hits but don’t expect much for a while. I guess it takes time. I will look over yours a little more. Personally, I prefer blogs that have photos to go with them. Please check out my site LIKES IN LIFE or dhutch729.com. I appreciate any comments!
Welcome to my blog, I hope you enjoy your stay. š
Ooh, I like your idea of matching with your tags!
I too prefer blogs that have photos with them, I just get carried away and forget! š
Of course I shall, thanks for stopping by!
My titles are the names of my stories, poem, or in the case of writing exercises, the subject of the exercise along with the prompt. Been working fine for me.
I suppose that’s a very sensible idea. š Thanks for your input.