Writing LinkedIn Ad Headlines That Stop the Scroll

Your headline is your first impression. Often your only impression. Make it count.

Lead with the benefit. "Increase Sales by 40%" beats "New CRM Software." People care about results, not features.

Use numbers. "7 Ways to Improve" performs better than "Ways to Improve." Numbers feel specific and achievable.

Ask questions that resonate. "Tired of wasting budget on bad leads?" speaks directly to a pain point.

Create curiosity gaps. "The Simple Strategy Top Performers Use" makes people want to know more.

Keep it short. Aim for 8-12 words. Longer headlines get cut off on mobile.

Make a promise. "Double Your Leads in 60 Days" sets clear expectations.

Use power words. "Proven," "guaranteed," "simple," "fast" - these work when used honestly.

Be specific. "Generate 50+ Qualified Leads Per Month" is stronger than "Get More Leads."

Match your audience's language. Use terms they use. Speak how they speak.

Test fear vs. aspiration. "Stop Losing Leads" vs "Start Winning More Deals" - both can work.

Avoid clickbait. "You Won't Believe This" hurts trust. Be intriguing but honest.

Consider your funnel stage. Top-of-funnel: educational. Bottom-of-funnel: direct offer.

Use brackets or parentheses. "How to Improve ROI [Free Guide]" draws the eye.

Include your audience. "For Sales Leaders" immediately tells people if it's relevant.

Test emotional vs. logical. Some audiences respond to data. Others to feeling.

Common headline formulas that work:

[Number] Ways to [Achieve Desired Outcome]
How to [Solve Problem] Without [Common Obstacle]
The [Adjective] Guide to [Topic]
Stop [Pain Point]. Start [Solution].
[Do Desirable Thing] in [Timeframe]

Write 10 headlines. Pick the top 3. Test them. Let data decide the winner.

Stirling generates multiple headline options for every ad. The AI knows what patterns work on LinkedIn and helps you create headlines that grab attention and drive clicks.

Your headline is your handshake. Make it firm, confident, and memorable.