article-titles

Phase 1: Identify Core Value

What transformation does this article promise?

• Problem: What pain/struggle does the reader face?
• Goal: What result do they want?
• Path: How does this article move them forward?

Extract headline elements:

1. Problem - What pain exists?
2. Goal - What result does reader want?
3. Benefit - What will their life look like after?
4. Concept - What idea/principle applies?
5. Example - What story/data illustrates this?
6. Process - What steps lead to the result?

Phase 2: Generate 10+ Options

Use multiple formulas from references/headline-formulas-library.md:

• Try 3-4 different headline types
• Apply sticky techniques from references/sticky-sentence-techniques.md
• Test different element combinations

Phase 3: Evaluate & Select

Apply references/10-commandments-checklist.md:

• Score top 5-7 options
• Aim for 4-6 commandments per title
• Use 4 U's test (Useful, Urgent, Unique, Ultra-specific)
• Select highest scorer that fits the content

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1. Definitive Guide

Authority positioning for comprehensive content.

• "The Complete Guide to Homeschooling in Utah"
• "Everything You Need to Know About ESAs"
• "Microschools: A Parent's Complete Guide"

2. How-To + Outcome

Practical promise with clear benefit.

• "How to Start a Microschool (With No Teaching Background)"
• "How to Use Your ESA Without Losing Money"
• "How to Find the Right Curriculum in 3 Steps"

3. List + Specific Promise

Number creates scannability and completeness.

• "7 Curriculum Options That Actually Work for ADHD Kids"
• "5 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Microschool"
• "12 Homeschool Co-ops in the Salt Lake Area (2026)"

4. Problem + Solution Frame

Names the pain, promises relief.

• "Feeling Overwhelmed by Curriculum Choices? Here's a Framework"
• "When Traditional School Isn't Working: 4 Alternative Paths"
• "ESA Spending Anxiety: What You Can (and Can't) Use It For"

5. Contrarian / Myth-Busting

Challenges common belief.

• "Why Homeschool 'Socialization' Fears Are Backwards"
• "The Case Against Grade Levels"
• "Microschools Don't Need Certified Teachers. Here's Why."

6. Comparison / Versus

Helps readers make decisions.

• "Classical vs. Charlotte Mason: Which Fits Your Family?"
• "Homeschool vs. Microschool: The Real Differences"
• "Online School vs. Self-Directed Learning: Pros and Cons"

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For hub pages and deep dives that need to rank:

Include primary keyword near the start when possible:

• "ESA Spending Guide: What You Can Buy in [State]"
• "Microschools Near Me: How to Find One in Your Area"

Match search intent:

• Informational: "What is..." "How to..." "Guide to..."
• Comparison: "X vs Y" "Best [category] for [use case]"
• Local: Include state/city for geo-targeted content

Keep under 60 characters if SEO matters (Google truncates longer)

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| Title | Pattern | Use For |

|-------|---------|---------|

| "The Complete Guide to Homeschooling in [State]" | Definitive Guide | Hub pages |

| "How to Start a Microschool in 2026" | How-To + Year | Evergreen tactical |

| "7 Alternatives to Traditional School" | List | Comparison content |

| "Why Unschooling Works (According to the Research)" | Contrarian + Authority | Opinion with data |

| "ESA vs. Tax Credits: What's the Difference?" | Versus | Decision-making |

| "The Myth of Learning Loss" | Myth-busting | Contrarian takes |

| "What I Wish I Knew Before Homeschooling" | Personal wisdom | Experience posts |

| "The Hidden Cost of 'Free' Public School" | Contrarian | Opinion pieces |

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1. What's the core question this answers? - That's often the title
2. Match to pattern - Definitive? How-to? List? Versus?
3. Generate 5-10 options - Try different framings
4. SEO check - Does primary keyword appear? Under 60 chars if ranking matters?
5. Select best - Would you click this in search results?

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Don't:

• Write vague titles ("Thoughts on Education")
• Use insider jargon without explanation
• Promise more than the article delivers
• Bury the value proposition
• Use clickbait that destroys trust
• Stop at 2-3 options (generate 10+)
• Use hedge words ("might," "could," "possibly")
• Write generic promises ("Boost productivity" vs "Double output in 30 days")

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From references/sticky-sentence-techniques.md:

| Technique | Example |

|-----------|---------|

| Alliteration | "Specificity is the secret" |

| Symmetry | "School measures time. Education measures learning." |

| Contrast | "Small schools. Big difference." |

| Rhythm | Two short parallel phrases that feel balanced |

Best for titles: Alliteration, Contrast, Rhythm

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Before finalizing, verify:

• [ ] 4 U's: Useful? Urgent? Unique? Ultra-specific? (3/4 minimum)
• [ ] Primary keyword near start (for SEO)
• [ ] Under 60 characters (if ranking matters)
• [ ] Would you click this in search results? (honest answer)
• [ ] No AI-isms: delve, comprehensive, leverage, landscape

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| Resource | Contents |

|----------|----------|

| references/headline-formulas-library.md | All 15 formulas with OpenEd examples |

| references/sticky-sentence-techniques.md | Literary devices for memorable titles |

| references/10-commandments-checklist.md | Full evaluation framework with scoring |

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• newsletter-subject-lines - Different constraints (email vs web, shorter)
• opened-daily-newsletter-writer - Newsletter workflow
• open-education-hub-deep-dives - Full article workflow
• seo-research - Keyword research for titles

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Generate 10+ options using multiple formulas. Evaluate with 10 Commandments. Select best.