Just like photos, captions, and copy, your headline should evolve as your page comes together. Once you've had a good look at the photos, read through the story, and taken in any graphic or design elements, it's time to brainstorm. Highlight key phrases, pull out strong visuals, and jot down words or ideas that capture the heart of the story.

A headline is more than just a title, it's your story's first impression. It introduces the tone, sets the mood, and gives the reader a readon to dive in. Remember to match the tone of the headline with the story…if it's clever or witty, for example, readers will expect the rest of the spread to follow suit.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CRAFTING HEADLINES

STEP 1: Start with a Power Word
Think of a single word that captures the heart of your story. It could be an emotion, a theme, or a vibe. For example:

• Resilience
• Triumph
• Celebration
• Belonging
• Transformation
  
  

STEP 2: Expand the Thought
Turn that word into a sentence that explains the story's key idea or emotional core. For example:

• Resilience: "After months of setbacks, the robotics team came back stronger than ever to claim the regional title."
  
  

STEP 3: Shape the Headline
Now, craft a short, punchy headline…five words or fewer…that captures the essence of that sentence. Use strong verbs or vivid adjectives to make it pop. For example: "Built to Bounce Back". Now ask yourself:

• Does it grab attention?
• Does it give a hint about what the story's about?
• Does it tease or build anticipation?
• Does it make someone want to read more?
• Does it guide the reader's eye to where the story begins?
• Does it match the vibe of your publication?
• Does it tap into emotion or drama?

If you're nodding "yes" to most of these, you're on the right track.

CRAFTING ENGAGING HEADLINES

So how do you make your headline stand out? Here are a few creative approaches to try:

• USE WORDPLAY: A clever pun or twist on a familiar phrase can grab attention…just make sure it fits the tone of the story.
• PAINT A PICTURE: Use descriptive language thar helps the reader SEE the moment before they even read the story.
• ASK A QUESTION: A well-placed question can spark curiosity to pull readers in.
• USE CONTRAST: Juxtapose two unexpected ideas to create intrigue.
• HIGHLIGHT A QUOTE: Sometimes a short, powerful quote makes the perfect headline.
  
  

TIPS FOR WRITING A GREAT HEADLINE

Because headlines are usually big and bold, you don't have a lot of space to work with. That's why every word counts! Here's some tips to help you write headlines that are tight, punchy, and full of impact:

• Keep it short and simple.
• Use present tense…it's more immediate and uses fewer words.
• Stick with active voice…it's stronger and more direct.
• Choose vivid nouns and action-packed verbs.
• Don't split key phrases across lines (like a noun and its adjective, or a verb and its adverb).
• Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns…treat it like a sentence.
• Avoid stating the obvious.
• Don't repeat your lead or intro.
• Be accurate…no exaggerating or stretching the truth.
• Be creative but stay true to the story.
• Skip the cliches…go for something fresh.
• Capture the feeling of the moment.
• Focus on the central idea of the spread.
  
  

THE ROLE OF A SECONDARY HEADLINE

A secondary headline, or subhead, is your story's setup crew. It usually comes right after the main headline, in smaller type, and gives readers a bit more context. Think of it as the bridge between the headline and the story itself.

It often introduces the opening action or key idea, and it can be written as a full sentence. Some examples:

HEADLINE: Breaking the Ice
SECONDARY HEADLINE: From awkward introductions to unforgettable friendships, Grade 9 orientation brought students together with games, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos.

HEADLINE: Lights, Camera, Grad!
SECONDARY HEADLINE: With tassels turned and cameras flashing, the Class of 2025 walked the stage with pride, ready to take on the world, one dream at a time.