Which Post Title Would You Click On?

#discuss

There are hundreds of posts online that cover, give or take, the same thing. Some of those posts will get hundreds/thousands of views/likes/shares and others will get a few views and maybe a couple of likes. Is this because of the title and the click-bait culture that seems to have taken over the internet?

The three titles below will cover the same thing, array methods in JavaScript. The content will be, by and large, identical. But, being honest with yourself, which one are you most likely to click on based on the title alone. Is it close, or would one win hands down? What are your thoughts, do posts depend on the title or can a great post with a mediocre/simple title do well?

a) Array Methods in JavaScript Explained
b) 10 Array Methods You MUST know in JavaScript
c) 10 Must-Know JavaScript Array Methods in 2020

Top comments (10)

Ox • Jan 30 '20

Personally I would only click on (a).

Re (b): Any title containing CAPITALISED WORDS should be banned - they are so condescending, and does nothing for my opinion of the author who feels their opinion is so high and mighty that it requires emphasis in capitals.
Plus, why MUST I know these methods? If I don't know these methods is the author, and their capitalisation, implying that I am lesser a developer/person for not knowing them?

Re (c): So many platforms nowadays are riddled with click bait titles - people desperate for clicks to generate revenue, or to boost an ego with viewing numbers, over actually caring about the content they are trying to deliver.

Re (a): No click-baiting, no implying that I might be lesser a person for not knowing them, just a simple title offering some explanations without prejudice.

Adam Roynon • Jan 31 '20

Thanks for your breakdown, this has really helped me. I totally agree with you here, and I try to create titles like (a) but gaining traction and views is a lot harder. I know if I create a few clickbaity titles they'd do really well, but I don't like the idea of doing that.