From Copilot:
đź“ś Classic Rules for Writing Good Titles
- Clarity over hype Titles should directly state the subject of the article or video. Readers should know exactly what they’ll get without exaggeration.
- Conciseness A good headline was short and punchy—often under 8 words. Editors asked: “Can you explain this to a friend in six words or fewer?”.
- Accuracy and honesty No misleading promises. The headline had to match the content and avoid tricks that frustrate readers.
- Focus on the main idea Titles pulled out the most significant aspect of the story—often the “who” and “what”.
- Appropriate tone The headline’s tone had to match the subject. Serious topics required straightforward titles, while lighter stories could be playful.
- Usefulness and specificity A headline should signal value to the reader—solving a problem, answering a question, or satisfying curiosity.
- Active voice and strong verbs Instead of passive phrasing (“Children were rescued”), editors preferred active constructions (“Police Rescue Children”).
- Timeliness and relevance Good titles highlighted conflict, prominence, or urgency—elements that naturally draw attention without resorting to gimmicks.
- Uniqueness A headline had to stand out from competitors, offering a fresh angle or distinctive phrasing.