100 Top Headlines of All Time
What Do Lady Gaga, Eminem and Hitler Have In Common?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no fan of Hitler. My Dutch grandfather was actually in the “Underground,” helping hide people from the Nazis. If I had the chance, I’d make sure those he hurt got justice. I’m not a big fan of Lady Gaga either, but I do like some of Eminem’s music—8 Mile was great.
So, what do they have in common? They all got people talking—nonstop. They stood out from the crowd, captivated their audiences, and that might be the key to their success.
Captivate Your Audience with a Headline
Your headline isn’t just the first words at the top of your ad or article—it’s your opening move, your chance to grab attention. Think Lady Gaga and Eminem: love or hate them, people talked because they stood out.
To do the same, use contrast. What’s trending on Twitter? Use those hot topics or keywords in your ads or PPC copy. Is your headline confident? If you’re stuck, use a quote from someone famous or credible—Oprah, a scientist, a client. These add authority and trust.
Start with “How to…,” “Would you…,” or “What if…” to spark curiosity and open loops in people’s minds—they’ll want to stick around for the answer. Pause when asking a question—it creates anticipation, just like a speaker waiting on stage before saying anything.
Master headlines, and you can instantly convey emotion, set expectations, and invite readers to keep going.
I’ve Included the Top Selling 100 Headlines of All Time
Here are some of Jay Abraham’s greatest hits:
THE SECRET OF MAKING PEOPLE LIKE YOU
Almost $500,000 spent profitably on ads with this headline. People couldn’t resist it.
A LITTLE MISTAKE THAT COST A FARMER $3,000 A YEAR
This “negative” headline grabbed attention. People hate losses more than they want gains.
ADVICE TO WIVES WHOSE HUSBANDS DON’T SAVE MONEY BY A WIFE
“Advice” pulls people in—even if they don’t follow it. “By a wife” made it relatable.
THE CHILD WHO WON THE HEARTS OF ALL
Emotional appeal in women’s magazines. A laughing child’s photo sealed the deal.
ARE YOU EVER TONGUE-TIED AT A PARTY?
Wallflowers saw themselves in this and wanted help.
HOW A NEW DISCOVERY MADE A PLAIN GIRL BEAUTIFUL
Appeals to nearly everyone—plain or beautiful.
HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE
Sold millions of books with this classic.
THE LAST 2 HOURS ARE THE LONGEST – UNLESS YOU’RE FLYING JET POWERED
Airline ad targeting the pain of long flights.
WHO ELSE WANTS A SCREEN STAR FIGURE?
“Who else wants…” makes it feel achievable.
DO YOU MAKE THESE MISTAKES IN ENGLISH?
Challenges the reader directly—forces curiosity.
The Power of Specificity
Notice how many headlines use specifics: days, dollars, ways. They pull you in. “We’ll Help You Make More Money” vs. “Pay Your Rent”—which is more compelling?
More of the Greatest Headlines
WHY SOME FOODS “EXPLODE” IN YOUR STOMACH
Intriguing and relatable. Who hasn’t felt bloated?
YOUR HANDS LOOK LOVELIER – OR YOUR MONEY BACK
Universal appeal. Guarantee seals it.
YOU CAN LAUGH AT YOUR WORRIES – IF YOU FOLLOW THIS SIMPLE PLAN
Everyone wants peace of mind.
HOW I ALMOST ALWAYS PROFIT IN THE STOCK MARKET
Words like “almost” and “some” add believability.
WHEN DOCTORS FEEL ROTTEN, THIS IS WHAT THEY DO
Paradox grabs attention. Doctors are human too.
Use Colloquial Language That Feels Real
“Feel rotten” feels real. Colloquialisms like “pot-belly” grab attention because they sound natural. Don’t be afraid of everyday language.
More Proven Winners
IT SEEMS INCREDIBLE – BUT YOU CAN GET SIGNED ORIGINAL ETCHINGS FOR $5 EACH
Acknowledges doubt, builds trust.
FIVE FAMILIAR SKIN TROUBLES YOU WANT TO OVERCOME?
Numbered lists work. “Do you want to overcome…” invites action.
$2.50 BESTSELLERS FOR $1 EACH?
Price comparisons draw bargain hunters.
HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE WOMAN WHO LOST WEIGHT WHILE ENJOYING 3 DELICIOUS MEALS A DAY?
Anticipates disbelief—and answers it.
HOW I IMPROVED MY MEMORY IN ONE EVENING
Everyone wants quick results.
DISCOVER THE FORTUNE THAT LIES HIDDEN IN YOUR SALARY
“Discover” hooks readers. Hidden fortune? Yes, please.
PROVE IT TO YOURSELF – WOMEN CAN HAVE MORE IN 14 DAYS
Quick results. Challenge readers.
What About Length?
Long headlines are fine—if they’re interesting. Max Hart once challenged someone to write a solid page-long ad people would read. He proved it’s not about length, it’s about pulling people in.
WITH THIS “FOOL IDEA” A MAN BECAME A SALESMAN
Sympathy for the underdog. Foolish idea? Tell me more.
DO YOU OFTEN SAY: “I’VE BEEN MEANING TO READ THAT!”
Relatable. Everyone’s guilty of procrastination.
THOUSANDS HAVE A PRICELESS GIFT – BUT NEVER USE IT!
What gift? Am I missing out?
IS IT YOUR FAULT WHEN CHILDREN DISOBEY?
Personal responsibility. Ouch—but I’m curious.
A “FOOL STUNT” THAT MADE ME A SALESMAN
Same as above—crazy idea turned success.
Cut headlines if you must, but remember—if it grabs attention and gets people reading, it’s worth it. Which headlines have worked for you? Let us know!
“Why Some Foods ‘Explode’ in Your Stomach”toledoprinter.com
“Hands That Look Lovelier in 24 Hours – Or Your Money Back”toledoprinter.com
“Five Familiar Skin Troubles – Which Do You Want to Overcome?”Venture On with AI-powered marketing+2James Daniel Copywriter+2toledoprinter.com+2
“The Truth About ‘Dieting'”
“How I Improved My Memory in One Evening”toledoprinter.com+2James Daniel Copywriter+2Creative Bloq+2
“Discover the Fortune That Lies Hidden in Your Salary”
“How Often Do You Hear Yourself Saying: ‘No, I Haven’t Read It – I’ve Been Meaning To'”LinkedIn+1toledoprinter.com+1
“Which of These $2.50 to $5 Best Sellers Do You Want – for Only $1 Each?”James Daniel Copywriter
“How to Take Out Stains…Use (Product Name)”toledoprinter.com
“To Men Who Want to Quit Work Someday”
“Six Types of Investors – Which Group Are You In?”
“For the Woman Who Is Older Than She Looks”
“Do You Do Any of These Ten Embarrassing Things?”
“Why Be Fat? – You Can Lose Weight Quickly”
“How I Made a Fortune with a ‘Fool Idea'”
“Have You These Symptoms of Nerve Exhaustion?”
“Look Young at Any Age”Your Marketing Machines+9Wikipedia+9Creative Bloq+9
“How to Boost Your Child’s Grades in School”
“New Shampoo Leaves Your Hair Smoother – Easier to Manage”
“Are You Ever Embarrassed?”Business Breakthrough Advisors+1toledoprinter.com+1
“How to Start Your Own Business with No Money Down”
“How a Fool Stunt Made Me a Star Salesman”
“Now – Save Money on (Product Name)”
“When Doctors ‘Feel Rotten’ This Is What They Do”James Daniel Copywriter
“How to Get Rid of Pimples and Blackheads”
“Do You Really Want a Better Job?”
“Are You Moving Ahead or Falling Behind?”
“How to Win at the Races”
“Your Health and Happiness in Your Hands – Doctors Prove It”
“How to Plan Your House to Suit Yourself”
“The Crimes We Commit Against Our Stomachs”
“Is the Life of a Child Worth $1 to You?”
“Why Some People Almost Always Make Money in the Stock Market”
“How to Get More Fun Out of Life”
“How I Improved My Memory in One Evening”
“To People Who Want to Write – But Can’t Get Started”
“How to Do Wonders with a Little Land!”
“How to Make Money at Home”
“How to Get Ahead in Business”
“How to Make People Like You”
“How to Improve Your Personality”
“How to Remember Names and Faces”
“How to Write a Letter That Commands Attention”
“How to Develop Self-Confidence”
“How to Improve Your Posture”
“How to Overcome Nervousness”
“How to Stop Worrying”
“How to Speak in Public”
“How to Enjoy Your Work”
“How to Make Friends Quickly”
“How to Improve Your Conversation”
“How to Overcome Shyness”
“How to Develop Your Will Power”
“How to Break a Habit”
“How to Develop a Pleasing Voice”
“How to Improve Your Reading Speed”
“How to Write Clearly and Concisely”
“How to Think More Creatively”
“How to Improve Your Vocabulary”
“How to Manage Your Time Effectively”
“How to Set and Achieve Goals”
“How to Handle Criticism”
“How to Handle Criticism”
“How to Be Popular – Even If You’re Not Good Looking”
“How to Turn Your Idea Into Money”
“Give Me 5 Days and I’ll Give You a Magnetic Personality”
“How to Collect from Social Security at Any Age”
“How to Make Your Money Work for You”
“How to Make People Do What You Want”
“How to Live on $15 a Week”
“Why Your Boss is Overlooking You for a Promotion”
“How to Buy a New Car for Less Than You Think”
“What Everybody Ought to Know About This Stock”
“How to Get More Done in Less Time”
“Why Most Investors Fail – And How You Can Succeed”
“Get Rid of Your Money Worries – Starting Today”
“How to Turn Small Savings Into Big Profits”
“The Lazy Man’s Way to Riches”
“Retire Young – And Rich”
“They All Laughed When I Sat Down at the Computer…”
“Why Most Diets Fail – And What You Can Do About It”
“If You Can Count to 10, You Can Make Money in Real Estate”
“How to Turn $1 into $1000”
“What the Smartest People Are Doing to Build Wealth”
“How to Create a Second Income Without Quitting Your Job”
“How to Make Your First Million – Even If You’re Broke”
“The Secret of Making People Like You Instantly”
“How to Get Rich While You Sleep”
“How I Made $1,000,000 Using One Simple Idea”
“The Secret of How to Look Younger – Starting Today”