I’ve been noticing my blog titles were either too long or too short. Readers kept skipping them. So I decided to try something new.
The Length Control Challenge
Set myself a rule: every title must hit 18 to 28 words. Why that range? Anything shorter feels incomplete, anything longer makes people zone out.
Started writing titles like crazy. Wrote one about gardening tips – counted only 13 words. Too short! Added specifics: “Transform Your Small Balcony into Lush Herb Garden This Weekend With Dollar Store Supplies” – bam, exactly 21 words.
Created a checklist:
- Must include key benefit upfront
- Must contain action verb
- Must end with strong closing phrase
- Word counter always running
Practiced while cooking dinner. Shouted titles at my cat: “Quick Chicken Recipe Using Leftovers That Saves You Money Now”. Cat ran away at word 19 – good sign!
The hardest part? Making it sound natural while hitting the count. Rewrote my travel post title five times before landing on: “Packing Light Secret We Learned Backpacking Southeast Asia That Slashed Baggage Fees Now”. 22 words – jackpot!
After a week, my brain automatically constructs titles in that range. Measured reader engagement – clicks up 37% on length-controlled posts. Proof that constraints spark creativity!
