Every morning I get an email with a long list of blog articles about PR.  And every article starts with a number in the title, like 10 things you should know about using numbers in blog titles.


The reason people do this is because search engines like numbers and some social media genius told them it would boost their SEO. But seriously, have we not gone completely overboard with this maddening trend? Can we all just agree to stop it now?    

As a public service to help bloggers begin the healing process, here are 5 reasons to stop using numbers in your blog titles:


Using numbers in blog titles to boost your SEO is just a cheap trick. You’re better than that. You are good enough, you are smart enough, and doggone it, people like you. 


  • It’s boring. It’s a rip off of Letterman’s top 10 list and everyone does it. Dare to be different and make your point without using numbers. 
  • I know you think you are being helpful but you’re not.  Most of those tips you are telling me I already know. Tell me something I don’t know.
  • It’s phony. It sounds like you are delivering a lecture. How about delivering some wisdom instead?   
  • The next time you post an article that starts with 5 things or 10 reasons or 6 sins or 12 steps, a large, scary looking guy named Cheech will come to your house and threaten to kick the crap out of you.


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Well, that was a bit awkward but it feels good to get it off my chest. I feel better already.  As Woody Allen said in Annie Hall, now we can digest our food.