Feature headline

Definition

A feature headline is a specific type of headline that captures the essence of a story in a more engaging and creative way than traditional news headlines. It often highlights human interest elements, provides an emotional hook, or focuses on the unique angle of the story to draw readers in. Feature headlines are crucial for print and digital platforms as they encourage deeper reader engagement and enhance storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feature headlines can be more descriptive and imaginative, often using literary devices such as alliteration, puns, or metaphors to make them stand out.
2. They are typically longer than standard news headlines, allowing for more creativity while still conveying essential information.
3. Effective feature headlines often evoke curiosity, prompting readers to want to know more about the story behind the headline.
4. In digital formats, feature headlines may also be optimized for SEO to ensure they attract online traffic and improve visibility in search results.
5. The choice of a feature headline can significantly impact reader engagement, influencing whether someone decides to read the full article or not.

Review Questions

• How do feature headlines differ from traditional news headlines in terms of structure and purpose?
  • Feature headlines differ from traditional news headlines primarily in their structure and purpose. While traditional news headlines aim for brevity and clarity, summarizing essential facts quickly, feature headlines allow for more creativity and detail. They often incorporate emotional elements and unique angles that engage readers on a personal level, which helps set the stage for deeper storytelling.
• Discuss how effective feature headlines can enhance reader engagement on digital platforms.
  • Effective feature headlines can significantly boost reader engagement on digital platforms by capturing attention and evoking curiosity. By being more descriptive and imaginative, they entice readers to click on articles and explore further. In addition, optimizing these headlines for search engines can improve visibility and draw in a larger audience, making them essential for attracting traffic in an increasingly competitive online landscape.
• Evaluate the role of creative language in feature headlines and its impact on storytelling across different media platforms.
  • Creative language plays a vital role in feature headlines by enhancing storytelling and making articles memorable across various media platforms. By utilizing literary devices like metaphors, alliteration, or puns, writers can create vivid imagery that resonates with readers emotionally. This approach not only captivates audiences but also helps convey complex themes and narratives more effectively, ultimately leading to a richer reader experience regardless of whether the content is consumed in print or online.

Related terms

Headline: A brief statement or phrase that summarizes the main point of an article, intended to grab the reader's attention.

Subheadline: An additional line of text that provides further detail or context to the main headline, often elaborating on the main point.

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that gives the most important information and sets the tone for the article.