Home
>
Writing
>
Writing the 8 WebCopy Headline Categories

Writing the 8 WebCopy Headline Categories

My article this issue is an excerpt from a book I was reading recently titled; The Copywriters Handbook by Robert Bly, a secondary small niche I focus on a bit. It categorizes the different types of headlines which are most common and in use today.

My immediate thought when I was reading this was to see which one tested best and then go onto the the next one, working my way through the list,... see what I mean,... testing each headline to see which ones pulls best.

So below I have them for your use. For space issues of course, I condensed them to a brief summary and an example. Enjoy.

1. Direct Headlines: state the selling proposition directly, with no room for wondering.
Examples:
"Pure Silk Blouses 30% Off"

2. Indirect Headlines: leaves a "roundabout" way to the message and product or service.
Examples:
"Ten Million to One. We can mix it"

3. News Headlines: gives a "newsy" type headline about the product.
Examples:
"Introducing the new Citation II" - Chevrolet

4. How-to Headline: gives a how-to approach and implication to the headline.
Examples:
"How-To Turn A Simple Party Into A Royal Ball"

5. Question Headlines: pose a question to the readers/prospects can empathize with.
Examples:
"Have You Any Of These Decorating Problem?" - Bigelow Carpets

6. Command Headlines: tell your prospects or reader what to do. Examples:
"Try Burning This Coupon" - Harshaw Chemical Company

7. Reason Why Headlines: pose a "list fashion" in the headline. Examples:
"Seven reason whys you should join..."
"120 to 4,000 reasons why you should..."
they can also can be in a,...
"6 Ways to etc. ..."
"7 Steps for etc. ..."

8. Testimonial Headlines: One of the Best types of headlines to have, is the testimonial, as this adds believability to the product/service in question.

To sum up,... the 8 categories of headlines in use today they are: Direct, InDirect, How-to, News, Command, Question, Reason Why, and The Testimonial.

In my own works; I'm finding, that some are easier to create than others, but see how they go for you. See which one or two pull best and of course stick with those.

Burke Ferguson holds both a BSc. degree in Computer Science as well Certification in Search Engine Optimization and Marketing Strategies. He regularly publishes The ACE! newsletter, in which he shares his experience, methods, and knowledge about what works and about what is 'BS'. He can be contacted by http://www.the-ace-ezine.com or http://www.the-ace-ezine.com

recurring maid service Buffalo Grove ..

In The News:

The iconic Mary Kay pink Cadillac goes electric with the Cadillac Optiq, available only to the company's top 1% of sales force performers.

Cybercriminals abuse trusted Intel driver to gain kernel access and shut down Windows Defender, enabling undetected malware deployment since July 2025.

Using email aliases for online shopping and subscriptions can protect your privacy by preventing companies from linking your activity across websites.

New research shows AI overlap does not equal job replacement, with knowledge-based roles seeing most integration while physical jobs remain least affected.

Scammers target seniors who avoid social media by exploiting public records like obituaries and real estate filings to steal personal information and money

Recovery team in Italy use AI-enabled drones to detect missing hiker's red helmet, leading to successful recovery after months of ground searches

Google Salesforce system breach exposes business data while scammers use incident to target users with fake security calls and phishing attempts.

Google announces Pixel 10 lineup with Tensor G5 chip and Gemini Nano AI, introducing Magic Cue, Pro Res Zoom up to 100x and satellite emergency support features.

C San Diego study reveals 86% of school safety companies monitor students 24/7 on personal devices, raising privacy concerns.

Users can now add their favorite outlets' coverage to the Top Stories section of Google search results by utilizing the 'preferred sources' feature. With just a few clicks, you can add Fox News.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS shows an unexpected frontal glow that Harvard's Avi Loeb says cannot be explained by sunlight reflection or standard cometary outgassing.

Receiving order confirmations for purchases you never made could mean your email address is being exploited in fraud operations targeting multiple retailers.

First wireless brain implant works with Apple's official protocol, enabling hands-free control of iPhones, iPads and Vision Pro through thought alone.

Data brokers sell personal details that scammers use to target retirement funds through fake financial advisor calls and convincing phishing attempts

Ten innovative tech solutions from gait sensors to smart pill dispensers help adults 65+ track fall risks and prevent injuries before they happen.

Meta AI internal documents revealed chatbots were allowed to flirt with children and engage in romantic conversations until the company was exposed by Reuters.

ChatGPT will avoid giving direct mental health advice under new OpenAI rules following instances where the AI model provided harmful or misleading responses.

Your phone tracks you in more ways than that little GPS icon suggests. Here’s how to find and clear hidden location logs on iPhone and Android.

Authorities in France and the Netherlands have been notified. Meanwhile, impacted customers are being told to stay alert.

Apple just rolled out a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature to specific models, following a recent victory in a legal dispute.

Kidney dialysis provider DaVita experienced a ransomware breach by the Interlock gang affecting 916,000 people in the second-largest U.S. healthcare attack of 2025.

A Chinese-made Unitree R1 robot walked Manhattan streets and shopped for shoes as part of KraneShares' $28 million AI robotics fund promotion campaign.

The ShinyHunters cybercriminal group breached Google's Salesforce system through vishing attacks, stealing business contact details and customer data.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.