5 reasons to use numbers in headlines

Everyone knows you should stuff numbers into your headlines. If you do, people can’t resist reading the article. Often they’re disappointed, but – hey – they read the article and that’s the most important part. Right?

It’s not a new technique, but it has reached ridiculous levels of usage online. The Internet rewards “clicks” without regard to the quality or usefulness of the content. We all know that, so why do we fall for it?

Because we just can’t help ourselves. Here are the *top five reasons people use numbers in their headlines:

1. They sound specific.

A numbered list of steps will lead you directly to the solution you want. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you’ve found the answer and it’s right here!

2. They promise small chunks.

No long paragraphs to read, probably no big words, and lots of white space. What could be easier to scan, skim, and digest? (Or write?)

3. People count to ten better than they read.

Even a generation of TV-watching children who have never read a book can recognize the numbers 1-10. It’s how many fingers they have.

4. They make complex tasks sound simple.

If it can be reduced to a short, numbered list, how hard can it be? No education necessary, no boring tests – even you could do it!

5. They make the information seem credible.

As if it were the result of research or some kind of controlled study. It’s actually anything you want to make up to fit the number you wanted to put in the headline. Example: The claim *top five reasons I used earlier? I just made that up. Who’s going to argue that there are four reasons? Or six?

Be sure to read my next article entitled 5 steps to performing an appendectomy. Spoiler alert – it’s:

1. Anesthetize patient

2. Make small incision over the appendix

3. Locate appendix

4. Remove it

5. Close incision

Easy! 

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