Numbers: The Trick Creators Use To Make You Click 2x More

-TIP OF THE DAY-

NUMBERS FOR CLICKS

Ever noticed how content titles/headings often contain numbers?

YouTube/TikTok video titles, blog post titles, social media captions, and even tweet thread hooks.

Numbers everywhere.

Let’s look at YouTube king MrBeast’s top 12 videos of all time:

11 of them have a number in them.

MrBeast knows that numbers get clicks.

Why People Like Seeing Numbers In Titles 👇️ 

• Specificity: Numbers provide a precise, clear indicator of what to expect from the content.

• Digestibility: Numbers, especially in listicles, hint at a structured and organized piece.

• Perceived Value: Titles with tangible metrics or amounts (e.g., "Save $100") suggest actionable and quantifiable benefits. Surprisingly large or surprisingly small numbers tend to get more clicks.

• Curiosity: Rankings, growth metrics, or surprising statistics can intrigue readers/viewers.

• Reliability: Numbers can make content appear more evidence-based and credible.

Here are 5 psychology-backed ways to use numbers in titles/headlines (and get more clicks).

1. Listicles

• Without Number: "How to Improve Your Writing Skills"

• With Number: "10 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills"

Effect: Structure & Predictability.

Readers anticipate a clear, organized set of points or tips.

This makes the content seem easily digestible and comprehensive.

2. Time References

• Without Number: "Exploring New York: A Travel Guide"

• With Number: "48 Hours in New York: A Travel Guide"

Effect: Set Clear Expectations.

Titles with a time frame provide readers/viewers with a sense of the content's scope and duration.

A clear time frame sets clear expectations.

• Eg. “24 Hours in Paris” suggests a quick overview.

• “A Year in Paris” suggests a deeper exploration.

A specific time frame can also create curiosity.

How can someone explore an entire city in only 48 hours?

Curiosity leads to clicks.

3. Pricing And Discounts

• Without Number: "How to Save on Your Next Vacation"

• With Number: "How to Save $1000 on Your Next Vacation"

Effect: Perceived Value.

We’re naturally attracted to tangible rewards.

By seeing "$1000”, readers instantly understand the value being offered.

It’s not just “Savings”.

It’s an actual number - and it’s significant.

The specific number also adds credibility. It suggests there’s a method or strategy that’s been tested.

4. Age And Historical References

• Without Number: "Discovering an Ancient Secret"

• With Number: "Discovering a 3000-Year-Old Secret"

Effect: Evoke Curiosity & Wonder

Titles like these promise content filled with fascinating discoveries.

The specific number highlights the huge span of time.

It emphasizes the age and the significance of the secret.

This makes it seem more profound and valuable.

It piques the reader/viewer’s interest.

They want to uncover what has lasted or remained hidden for so long.

5. Rankings

• Without Number: "Best Smartphones This Year"

• With Number: "Top 5 Smartphones of 2023"

Effect: Competitive Evaluation & Curiosity

People love rankings.

Including a number in the title lets them there’s a concise list with a clear end.

Not just a rambling overview.

It also taps into our natural interest in competition.

We instinctively want to know which smartphone claims the top spot and why.

Rankings are also often shared and debated among peers.

“Do you agree with the top 5 picks” becomes a topic of discussion (or heated debate).

6. Progress Or Growth Numbers

• Without Number: "Growing a Large Instagram Following in a Short Time"

• With Number: "Growing from 0 to 10K Followers in 6 Months"

Effect: Inspiration & Achievement.

Showcasing growth offers an inspiring journey for those aiming for similar milestones.

Exact numbers offer readers a clear before-and-after picture.

It makes the growth achieved seem more real and tangible than a vague word like "large."

Here, precise figures suggest honesty and not just exaggeration.

Starting at "0" is also a position everyone can relate to.

This makes the journey feel more achievable to those just starting out.

TL;DR

• Listicles: Numbers in titles offer readers a structured, digestible format.

• Time References: Specific time frames set clear content expectations and spark curiosity.

• Pricing And Discounts: Highlighting tangible savings suggests a tested method and perceived value.

• Age And Historical References: Specific time references emphasize ancient content, boosting curiosity.

• Rankings: Numbered rankings tap into our interest in competition and spark debate.

• Progress Or Growth Numbers: Precise growth figures suggest honesty, relatability, and inspire achievement.

-TOOL OF THE DAY-

Hubspot’s Make My Persona Tool

HubSpot offers a range of valuable free tools.

One of which is their user-friendly persona creator.

By providing insights about your desired audience, this tool helps you gain a well-rounded understanding of your audience's preferences and the content they're interested in.