Headline Generator Prompt: 20 Click-Worthy Titles

This headline generator prompt creates 20 titles across formulas: how-to, listicle, question, and curiosity. Enter the topic, paste into any AI tool.

The prompt

Role:
Act as a headline copywriter for high-traffic editorial sites.

Context:
Topic: [TOPIC]. Audience: [AUDIENCE]. SEO keyword to include where natural: [KEYWORD]. Tone: [TONE].

Task:
1. Generate 20 headlines across 4 formulas (5 each): how-to, listicle (numbered), question, curiosity gap.
2. Keep every headline under 60 characters so none truncate in search results.
3. Include a specific number, timeframe, or measurable outcome in at least 12 of the 20.
4. Work [KEYWORD] into at least 8 headlines without forcing it.
5. Rank the top 5 by predicted CTR, with a one-line reason for each.
6. Flag any headline that risks overpromising and suggest a safer rewrite.

Format:
- Grouped by formula, with character counts
- Top 5 ranking with reasons
- Overpromise flags with rewrites

Constraints:
- No clickbait the content cannot deliver.
- No ALL CAPS words.
- No two headlines may start with the same word.
- Each headline must work standalone, without article context.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[TOPIC] [AUDIENCE] [KEYWORD] [TONE]

Example input

TOPIC: sourdough bread for beginners; AUDIENCE: home bakers; KEYWORD: sourdough starter; TONE: friendly and practical

How to use this prompt

Copy the prompt. Fill in the topic and audience. Paste into any AI tool, then test the top-ranked headlines as email subject lines too.

Tips for the best results

Tip: Pair the winning headline with a matching intro — CTR gains die if the first paragraph disappoints.
Tip: Re-run with a different TONE to get a second batch for A/B testing.
Tip: Numbers with specificity (17, not 10) consistently outperform round numbers.