20 Proven Headline Templates to Make Winning Ads

Number 12 is my favorite.

What's up, Marketers! This is Aazar.

This newsletter is about leveling up your paid growth marketing skills by analyzing the best brands' paid strategy, tactics, positioning, and value props.

This newsletter is divided into:

  • Sharing what I've learned

  • Sometimes sharing some other performance marketers’ lessons with you

  • And I analyze & compare the best ads on the internet (this issue)

And this will be the last newsletter for this year. I wish you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Performance marketing is stressful, take it easy to relax, and recharge for next year.

My favorite finds

ChatGPT sucks when it comes to writing headlines.

They are the most vague, flowery and jargony headlines you’ll ever see…

Example below (we’ve all been through, although I trained it with customers calls and transcripts):

Whenever I start working with a client on meta ads, I use a rapid message testing method, where I test multiple ideas to find the right messaging for the product and the audience.

This is where I try different headline combinations to find the winning one and double down on that idea.

This week I’m sharing a hack that worked. And by feeding these headline formulas to ChatGPT you can get some headlines that are actually worth using.

The headline can make or break your ads.

The easy way to nail it is by finding headline patterns that work.

The hard part is scrolling through 10,000+ ads. (I also went through my massive swipe file to come up with templates to create ads that win.)

So here you go…

Pain/Problem Based Headline Templates

1. The Problem Solver

Headline Template: No more ((unwanted condition))

Examples: 

  • No more insomnia

  • No more lost keys

  • No more endless buffering

2. The Rescuer

Headline Template: Rescue your ((Valuable Asset)) from ((Painful Problem))

Examples: 

  • Rescue your child from the pain of math class

  • Rescue your weekends from endless chores

  • Rescue your skin from harsh chemicals

3. The Uplifter

Headline Template: Don’t settle for ((Unwanted State)), ((Desired Outcome Instead))

Examples: 

  • Don’t settle for sad and saggy necklines, lift them with style

  • Don’t settle for tasteless meals, enjoy flavor every day

  • Don’t settle for boring workouts, make fitness exciting again

4. The Streamliner

Headline Template: Cut down your ((Tedious Routine))

Example: 

  • Cut down your vitamin routine

  • Cut down your morning commute

  • Cut down your email responses

5. The Breakthrough

Headline Template: Break the shackles of your ((Painful Limitation #1)), your ((Painful Limitation #2)), and ((Painful Limitation #3))

Examples:

  • Break the shackles of your job, your calendar, and your 9-to-5 income

  • Break the shackles of anxiety, self-doubt, and endless overthinking

  • Break the shackles of unhealthy habits, lack of energy, and constant fatigue

6. The Eye Opener

Headline Template: Did you know ((Unwanted Situation/Problem Agitation)) could happen?

Examples:

  • Did you know that too many toys could harm your child’s focus?

  • Did you know that skipping meals could slow your metabolism?

  • Did you know that long screen time could affect your sleep quality?

7. The Frustration Fixer

Headline Template: Sick of ((Problem))? ((Solution or Benefit))

Examples: 

  • Sick of being sick? Stay healthy this winter with the Smart Supplement

  • Sick of constant fatigue? Recharge with this energy booster

  • Sick of feeling bloated? Get quick relief with this natural digestive tea

8. The Insider Tip

Headline Template: How ((Target Audience)) are ((Solving Pain Point))

Examples: 

  • How big men are hiding their bellies

  • How busy moms are saving hours on meal prep

  • How pet owners are keeping their homes clean and odor-free

9. The Instant Fix

Headline Template: ((Specific Problem))? ((Solution))

Examples: 

  • Poop problems? This releases it in 3 seconds

  • Stubborn stains? Remove them in 5 seconds

  • Tangled hair? Smooth it out with a single brush

10. The Relief Provider

Headline Template: Get rid of ((Problem))

Examples:

  • Get rid of bloating

  • Get rid of unwanted belly fat

  • Get rid of daily fatigue

Desire Based Headline Templates

11. The Visionary

Headline Template: Imagine ((Achievable Dream or Goal))

Examples: 

  • Imagine a paperless office

  • Imagine effortless travel

  • Imagine a spotless kitchen

12. The Persona Maker

Headline Template: Be the ((Desired Persona)) you’ve always wanted to be

Examples: 

  • Be the lion in bed you’ve always wanted to be

  • Be the creative genius you’ve always wanted to be

  • Be the hero your family has always needed

13. The Barrier Breaker

Headline Template: ((Bold Claim)), Without ((Common Barrier))

Examples: 

  • 2024 is for Viagra, without the office visits

  • Men’s health care, without the waiting rooms

  • Gourmet meals, without the chef

14. The Superlative

Headline Template: The ((Adjective)) you’ve ever ((Desired Experience))

Examples: 

  • The cleanest your desk has ever looked

  • The softest your clothes have ever felt

  • The smoothest your hair has ever felt

15. The Delightful Surprise

Headline Template: So ((Unexpected Positive)), you’ll forget it’s ((Common Obstacle))

Examples: 

  • So tasty, you’ll forget it’s actually water

  • So comfortable, you’ll forget it’s a couch

  • So light, you’ll forget it’s a backpack

16. The Effortless Upgrade

Headline Template: ((Common Tedious Task)) doesn’t have to be ((Negative Experience))

Examples:

  • Dressing for work shouldn't feel like work

  • Working out doesn’t have to feel like a punishment

  • Planning your day doesn’t have to take hours

17. The Perfect Pair

Headline Template: ((Desirable Trait 1)) meets ((Desirable Trait 2))

Examples:

  • Beauty Meets Weight Loss

  • Affordability Meets Luxury

  • Style Meets Comfort

18. The Outcome Promise

Headline Template: The ((Product/Service)) makes sure you ((Achieve Desired Outcome))

Examples:

  • The Deep Sleep Mask makes sure you get the perfect sleep

  • The Weighted Blanket makes sure you feel calm and relaxed at night

  • The Air Purifier makes sure you breathe fresh and clean air

19. The Upgrader

Headline Template: Build a ((Desired Trait or Skill))

Examples: 

  • Build a winning mindset

  • Build a productive work-life balance

  • Build a creative problem-solving approach

20. The Delight Trigger

Headline Template: Warning: May Cause ((Desirable Emotional State))

Examples: 

  • Warning: May cause scent Euphoria

  • Warning: May cause uncontrollable laughter

  • Warning: May cause irresistible attraction

Here are some bonus templates for you to find the winning ad:

Bonus Headline Templates

Pain-Based Headline Templates For Winning Ads

Headline Template: ((Problem))? No Problem.

Example: No time? No problem.

Headline Template: Tired of ((Tedious or Unpleasant Task))?

Example: Tired of shaving your legs?

Headline Template: Your ((Relatable Issue)) Bestie.

Example: Your No-Bloat Bestie.

Headline Template: ((Concern or Worry))? Make It One Less Thing to Stress About.

Example: Hormones out of whack?

Headline Template: Stop Fighting ((Everyday Frustration)).

Example: Stop fighting your demo environment.

Headline Template: Struggling with {Problem))?

Example: Struggling with hair loss?

Headline Template: Say Goodbye to ((Problem)).

Example: Say goodbye to your sleep pills.

Headline Template: Make ((Problem)) a Thing of the Past.

Example: Make menopause one less thing to worry about.

Headline Template: Note to Self: Find ((Solution for Pain Point)).

Example: Note to self: Find a solution for my bloating that works.

Desire-Based Headline Templates For Winning Ads

Headline Template: Would You Like ((Aspirational Trait or Outcome))?

Example: Would you like to have beautiful hair?

Headline Template: Your ((Desired Outcome)) is Waiting for You.

Example: Your perfect smile is waiting for you.

Headline Template: You Deserve ((Positive Outcome or State)).

Example: You deserve to achieve more.

Headline Template: The ((Unexpected Positive Trait or Outcome)) You Didn’t Know Was Possible.

Example: The mom jeans you’ll actually enjoy traveling with.

Happy Growing with Paid Social,

Aazar Shad

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