Compose a headline that is pleasing to the ear by creating an alliterative headline. Using alliteration, or the repetition of the initial consonant sound, is an easy way to make any headline more engaging. To properly compose an alliterative headline, simply turn to your thesaurus, selecting words that start with the same letter and crafting them into a cohesive headline. For example, instead of writing "University to Host Dance Marathon," write a more engaging headline such as "Bulldogs to Bogey their Buns Off."
Your school mascot is a unifying member of your college population. Use him to your advantage when writing headlines, featuring his name in them often. For example, if you wish to write about a school spirit event, say, "Freddie Riles Up the Fan," featuring the name of your beloved mascot prominently.
Students turn to your paper for news. Thank them for this continued readership by prominently featuring stories about things that will affect their lives, and composing headlines that accent this impact prominently. For example, write a headline like, "Students Struggle with Financial Aid Cuts" to top a story in which you talk about the impact of financial aid cuts to students, instead of a bland, "Financial Aid Cuts Arrive." By making it clear, from the headline, that the events covered in your story affect students, you can increase the eagerness to read the article. The article should, of course, illustrate these effects.
Show the students who call your university home that they are part of a long tradition by featuring stories about university history prominently in your paper. Particularly as homecoming or other times appropriate for reflection roll around, compose headlines that discuss history and the legacy of your school. For example, write, "Proudly Serving Students for 100 Years" to top a story about your school's centennial celebration.