Damn man. That’s kind of a sweet headline. It’s on topic, spells out a benefit, and has potentially two keyword phrases that might just rock the search Gods.

Damn ma’am. That headline bites. This is supposed to be an article about the joy of funny headlines and this one’s 100% yuck-free.

Ain’t life ironic?

I like funny headlines.

Doesn’t everyone? Now, I’m not talking about those accidental blooper-type  headlines that are often clipped from news media, like “One-armed man applauds the kindness of strangers.”

I’m talking about the quirky ones that subtly suggest this post could be worth my time.

Let’s face it, with blog posts, you can only be so funny in your headline. In the case of a blog post, funny headlines function more like a set-up line. The story itself is the punchline.

I believe funny headlines have the stopping power it takes to engage a reader. They really don’t crack you up. Rather, they get you to click. In the noisy world of online marketing, that’s the goal.

So what I’m really talking about are headlines with just enough quirkiness, or irony, or playfulness, to stand out a bit.

There’s a whole lot of copy catting going on in the blogosphere. On any given day, you’re bound to find many posts serving up the usual how-to’s about how to get more Twitter followers, do content marketing well, or even write great headlines.

As an author, you need to seize whatever opportunity possible to cut through the clutter. I try to do it with my sense of humor and as a reader, I gravitate toward writers who do the same.

Examples of funny headlines might be helpful.

I dug through a heap of blog posts I’ve written on the Feldman Creative blog, The Point, as well as articles I’ve penned as a guest blogger on some of the websites I contribute to. I’ve shared a list with you here today. If you like it, I’ll do a sequel or two and feature funny headlines from other bloggers, advertising copywriters, reporters, and so forth.

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Read any funny headlines lately?

I’d love to have you share funny headlines you’ve read or written. Perhaps you’ve “favorited” a few on Twitter or another social network, bookmarked funny posts, or shared them with a bookmark website. Please share. Everyone’s a winner at the laugh factory, right? Laughter is the best medicine.

> Download our free eBook, “Strike a Chord: Lessons for Making Your Web Content Resonate.” There’s some funny examples in there along with a series of suggestions for creating the kind of content you need for effective online marketing.