Some rules for crafting the perfect headline:

1. It Should Be Unique
2. Thought Provoking
3. Is There A Curiosity Gap
4. Ultra-specific
5. Create A Sense Of Urgency -- Use Call To Action Words
6. Include Numbers (listicles aren’t all that bad)
7. Add Attractive Adjectives
8. Make It Sexy
9. Keep It Short
10. Optimize For Search And Social

Formulas for writing better headlines:

1. Number + Adjective + Noun + Keyword + Promise
   1. A Master List Of Things I’d Rather Do Than Talk About Politics
   2. 20 Fun Things I’d Rather Do Than Talk About Politics
2. How to + Action + Keyword + Promise
   1. How To Not Be A Grinch This Christmas
   2. How To Avoid Being A Total Grinch This Christmas
3. Definition + Guide to + Action + Keyword + Promise
   1. A Guide To Explore The City, Just Like Buddy Did
   2. The Complete Guide To Exploring NYC Like Buddy The Elf
4. Positive Word + Number and/or Noun + Keyword + Promise or Details
   1. 5 Underrated Christmas Movies You May Have Never Seen
   2. Top 5 Underrated Christmas Movies You May Have Never Seen
5. Negative Word + Action + Keyword
   1. Stop Worrying About What You’re Going To Do After School
   2. Stop Worrying About Life Post-Graduation
6. Call-to-Action + Keyword + Promise
   1. Try These 6 Apps To Spice Up Your Instagram
   2. Use These Apps To Amp Up Your Insta Game

Citations:

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/headline-writin...

https://www.quicksprout.com/the-definitive-guide-to-copywriting-chapter-3/