What does it take to write an article and get people to read it? Multitudes of articles are posted on line each day that get only two to three views apiece. Find out how to write a title that will pull in readers.

You may know how to write the most instructive and entertaining article on the planet, but it won't do any good until substantial numbers of men and women read it. No one will ever read your call to action at the end of your article if they do not read the article first. The very first the first thing you need to get people to read your article is to grab the reader's attention with a very good headline. Here are 5 ingredients to a great, attention getting title.

1. Offer something to your reader up front. Let the reader know that he or she will get something beneficial from your article. If you are writing about the best way to relieve back pain, tell them exactly what they will find out in your article that will help them achieve their goal. Your potential reader wants to be certain that the facts in the article will be worth the time they are going to invest reading it.

2. Keep it very simple. Your title ought to be very simple and up front. Be very clear and concise. Don't use flowery language and do not attempt to be too brilliant. The comical or witty headline that you consider to be cute might be a huge turn-off to your potential audience. Just tell them what it is.

3. Use numbers when it is possible. Evaluate "How to stop Gophers from Eating Your Flowers" and "Three Guaranteed Strategies to Kill Gophers!" Can you see how the "three methods" term tells your reader precisely what to expect in your article and how it will benefit them to read it?

4. Produce a sense of urgency. If your offer has a limited time, say so. Tell the reader he'd better read your article before it truly is too late. When you don't have a limited time offer, you may still create urgency by including an expression like, "now" or "right now" or "today." Let the reader know the importance of reading your article immediately.

5. Revise if necessary. Jot down your headline and let it sit for a while. Then go back and critique it. Could you make it sharper, snappier, better? Jot down your headline first and then write your article. Once the article is completed, go back and review the headline. Possibly it's perfect already. Maybe it is possible to improve it.

When you get the basic formula, writing titles will be simple and enjoyable. Do not spend too much time fretting about your titles, just follow these simple steps and you should see an increase in how many people are reading your articles.