Your Headlines Don't Need Fancy Punctuation to Work
Most writers make headlines harder than they need to be. They add question marks, colons, and dashes thinking it makes them more interesting.
If your headline needs punctuation to work, it probably doesn't work at all.
Why Simple Headlines Win Online
When people scroll through content online, they make split-second decisions.
Complex punctuation slows them down. It makes them work harder to understand what you're offering.
Good headlines get their power from strong words, not symbols.
Examples That Show the Difference
Headlines that rely on punctuation:
"Are You Making These Writing Mistakes?"
"Web Writing Tips: The Ultimate Guide"
"Content That Converts—Here's How"
Headlines that work without it:
"5 Writing Mistakes Killing Your Traffic"
"Web Writing Tips That Actually Work"
"How to Write Content That Converts"
Notice how the second group is clearer? You know exactly what you're getting.
The Real Test for Your Headlines
Before you publish, try this simple check:
Remove all punctuation from your headline. Does it still make sense? Does it still grab attention?
If not, rewrite it. Don't add more punctuation.
Why This Matters for Web Writing
Online readers scan fast. They don't have time to decode complex headlines. Simple, direct headlines perform better because they:
Load faster in search results
Work better on mobile screens
Get shared more on social media
Convert more readers into subscribers1
Your Next Steps
Start checking your headlines without punctuation. If they fall apart, rebuild them with stronger words instead of more symbols.
Good web writing starts with clear headlines. Master this, and your content will perform better across every platform.
Ready to write headlines that actually work?
Subscribe now and get my free 5-Minute Web Writing Audit—the same checklist I use before publishing any content online. It covers headline testing plus 6 other quick checks that can boost your content performance immediately.