Of course, you are familiar with the use of *headlines* to draw attention to text, brochures, articles, or web documents. But *subheadings* can be just as effective in highlighting key points for your readers. And they also help make any document easier to read, by breaking up long blocks of text into easy-to-digest chunks. (Hence my title “edible”. Hmm.)

Break It Subtitles

Subheadings are generally seen as goodwill gestures towards your readers, as they are most often used to break long articles into logical breaks. They can indicate a change of subject or just break a mass of type. Subheading every four paragraphs allows readers to skim through your article or document and skip through sections without losing their train of thought.

The next time you browse any magazine, notice how its editors use subheadings in longer articles. Readers are very reluctant to read large blocks of text, so subheadings break everything up into bite-sized chunks.

Subtitles have “idea power”

Since subheadings grab your readers’ attention, you should use them to your advantage! Read your document or article for its main promotional points, then summarize the ideas as subheadings. This way, your readers will absorb your main points in just a few seconds skimming through the entire copy.

For best results, subheadings should *not* read like a table of contents. To make your captions compelling, it’s important to include action or sales elements.

BORING CAPTIONS: “Our Story,” “50 Years in Business,” “Our Department’s Success.”

INTERESTING CAPTIONS: “Five Customers Who Saved $10,000 With Us”, “The Most Creative Solutions In The Industry”, “Let Us Do All The Work For You!”

BONUS TIP: These types of subheads also work wonderfully for *sales letters* and *proposals*. Experiment the next time you write a long letter: try looking at it with and without subheadings. You will definitely see the difference!

The rule of subtitles on the net!

When you’re writing copy to post online, whether it’s in an email or on a website, it’s even more crucial to use subheadings! People don’t like to spend a lot of time reading online as it strains their eyes. Subheadings help readers skim through the main points and get your ideas quickly. And if they’re looking for a particular piece of information, subheadings help them locate it faster.

If you’re writing an email that takes up more than one screen, try inserting subheadings every two or three paragraphs, if applicable. It only takes a minute, helps you organize your information, and your readers will love you for it!

Subtitles Add interest

Even if your document is a white paper that’s as exciting as white rice, don’t be afraid to use “summarize it all” subheadings to hold the reader’s interest and break up the copy. Remember, you want people to be drawn to reading your masterpiece, especially when it’s a formal document!

Examples: “Excellent Forecasts for Next Quarter,” “Management Improvements Needed,” and “30% Sales Increase Forecast.”

So consider subheadings your new best friend, whether you’re writing an email, web copy, brochure, or report.

(c) 2000-2003 Alexandria K. Brown. All rights reserved.