How to Write a Headline With a Sense of Humour

Kushagra Oberoi
3 min readJul 21, 2024

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Scroll-stopping hooks are a great way to grab attention. But I like one old-school trick better.

A headline with humour.

Source: Author

Here are 5 brands that did it right (and what you can learn from them)

Ad 1

Food home delivery is a convenience reason.

What if there was a deeper, more relatable reason? Find that out.

Then talk about it.

Lesson: Try to communicate relatable situations.

Ad 2

As they say… Sometimes the best ad to sell a horse is “Horse for Sale.

Lesson: You can be funny and witty without trying too hard.

Ad 3

Don’t advertise what your product is. Advertise what it can be.

On the face of it, Ricola is a medicinal tablet.

But actually, it’s a way to avoid awkward moments.

Lesson: Think in simple, yet big ideas.

Ad 4

This Guardian ad beautifully spins a common phrase to their own advantage.

It’s simple, memorable and instantly recognisable.

A newspaper that knows its way around words? Yes please.

Lesson: Twist common phrases to suit your context.

Ad 5

If you can accurately challenge conventional truths and traditions, you automatically create humorous situations.

This is how you create the basis for great headlines, hooks and situations.

Lesson: Go against conventional wisdom to make an interesting point.

Bottom line?

Sense of humour is not just a scroll stopper but also a memorable ad communication technique. Make them smile. Don’t be boring. You won’t be forgotten.

What’s your favourite ad out of these?

Let me know in the comments!

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Kushagra Oberoi

Snippets on What I learn about Copywriting & Marketing. 👀