Need Help With Ideas for a Headline?

Posted by George

March 6, 2009

From time to time, we all get a little off track and need assistance coming up with that next headline idea. I know I have been there and am sure I will be there again in the future. One of the great things I have found to combat this is to have a good swipe file.

So, you ask, what is a swipe file? A swipe file is a file of clippings from other writings. It can be magazine and newspaper articles clipped out or electronic files of web site and other electronic writings. I personally have a folder of magazine and newspaper clippings as well as an electronic version on my computer.

Whether you are writing a press release, article, copy or blog posts, you at one time have come up with interesting and engaging titles. Not everyone can do this on a consistent basis on their own and that’s where a swipe file comes into play. When you come to a sticking point in your next writing, open up your swipe file for some inspiration.

Having a physical or electronic swipe file doesn’t matter as long as you have one ready for you to activate. As I said before, I have both a file folder of clippings and an electronic version on my computer. You never know when that magazine your reading or web site you’re looking at or even that piece of direct mail could give you that next idea for your writing.

For a good swipe file, there is no maximum of clippings you should have. The more, the merrier I would say. I have always believed that you can never have too many good ideas. I like to keep at least five to ten clippings in my swipe file on a regular basis. I have seen some writers have as much as a thousand clippings in their swipe file.

I know there has been many a time that my swipe file has saved me time and effort in deciding on what to write on. I would say that if you don’t have a swipe file, go right now and start one up! It is never too late to gather good clippings and writings for your swipe file. There are words all around us and some should be saved more then others.

So, open up that swipe file the next time you need some inspiration and it will save you as it has saved me many a times.

Have some comments on this post? Let me know.