How to Get Readers to READ Your Posts!

Writing great content is a double-edged sword. It takes a lot of time to come up with a topic that is timely and that you're passionate about, but if no one's reading it, is it even worth the time you're taking to make it happen? Over the years, I've discovered that if I take a few extra steps and use a few different sites (or hacks!) to help me, it drastically improves the traffic to those posts. Why? Because I take the time to make sure my title is amazing. I've talked before (a lot actually) about how important your post title is. If you can't hook them with your title, they're not going to read your post—it's as simple as that.

Today, I'm sharing the ones I use the most often with you!

CoSchedule Blog Post Headline Analyzer - There's a reason for this one; first, it's the one I use for every single blog post that I write. Every. Single. One. With this tool, you put your title in, and it grades it based on word balance, headline type, word count, sentiment, keywords, and more! I do not stop tweaking my title until it's at least in the high 70s, and I promise, one of these days, I WILL get into the 90s!!

Linkbait Title Generator - Most people aren't big fans of what we call "linkbait" titles, but let's be honest—there's a reason writers and editors use them so much. They get people to open their posts. And since that's the ultimate goal, you may want to give it a whirl and see if it helps. There is only one step to this site's process—you enter a subject, and it generates linkbait titles for you to consider. Another added bonus is that it can help you think of topics to write about! Some of them are silly, but it's still a great resource!

Portent's Content Idea Generator - Similar concept as Content Row's - just enter your subject, and they'll generate ideas for your title. In addition, they'll give you reasons why the words will be effective. Don't like what they suggest? Refresh and get new options!

HubSpot's Blog Topic Generator - If anyone "gets" content marketing, it's HubSpot. It is an endless source of helpful guides and tips all designed to make your content marketing better. Another thing they've mastered? Giving most of their information away for free. Sure they want your email address every time you want to download something, but I find it's a small price to pay. Their topic generator has been around longer than most of the others and is a little different in that you enter three different subjects, and they'll generate 5 different titles for you.

Grammarly - Okay, so this one isn't a content or title generator but rather more like spellchecker on steroids. I use the Grammarly extension for Chrome, and it checks ALL of my writing on any platform for grammatical and spelling errors. You can also sign up for a FREE account and upload your documents, and it will check them as well. Proper grammar and spelling are critical when you're in a thought leadership role, and if you don't have a "Brenda" on your staff, you need to at least use Grammarly.

Those are my 5 favorite writing hacks right now. As I find more, you know I'll update you on those as well!

Happy Writing!