Editor 's note : This report is part of a CNN.com series about storytelling and reporting skills called iReport Boot Camp . In this edition , Jo Parker , CNN.com video producer , shares her tips on writing the perfect headline . Read up , then give her advice a try in this week 's iReport Boot Camp challenge . Would you click on that headline ? When you give your iReport a bland label instead of a vibrant , compelling headline , you might as well slap `` Do n't read this '' on the top of your story . You have to give readers a reason to spend their time on your submission . A good headline on the mainpage at CNN.com can be the difference between 200 clicks and 200,000 or more . So what works and what does n't ? Here are some tips for writing that perfect , click-worthy headline : . Paint a picture . No : Texas playground scare . Yes : Playground erupts in flames . A playground scare could be a flasher in a trench coat . It could be a splintery teeter-totter . But a playground erupting in flames ? That 's a click magnet . Be specific . No : Dog nurses kitten . Yes : Rottweiler nurses kitten . Before you know the breed , you might be interested . But you might not . Once you know it 's a Rottweiler with a little kitty , you just have to see it . Putting interesting details in headlines is a good way of enticing the reader . Click . But not too specific . No : Food shortages in Zimbabwe . Yes : Stores ' shelves stripped bare . Do n't limit your audience by being hyper-local . Tap into the universal appeal of your subject by avoiding too-specific information . Hook the reader with a memorable detail . No : Curb appeal lost on neighbors . Yes : 26-toilet mansion planned . What makes your iReport a must-watch ? What detail of the story kept you talking ? Tease and tantalize the reader with those catchy specifics . If you can throw in a number , all the better , because that gives an idea of the magnitude of the situation . And people like numbers in general . Use common words . No : Unclothed . Yes : Naked . No : Suds . Yes : Beer . Using slang will limit your audience . A reader wo n't spend time decoding your cleverness . If they do n't get the headline right away , you will lose their attention . Verbs good ; labels bad . No : Mortgage meltdown . Yes : 300,000 lose homes to banks . The first words of your headline should be compelling to draw interest , but then the verb is a call for readers to take action and watch . Do n't skimp on nice , juicy words and vivid images . It 's the difference between `` Pekin tornado '' and `` Tornado deposits car atop house . '' Deliver on your promises . If your headline is `` Bull leaps into stands , runs amok , '' they better be able to see the bull midair , in the ring , and people scattering . Do n't tease to something that is n't there . Wan na see ? Before you start building your story and topping it with a click-worthy headline , check out CNN.com U.S. Editor Audrey Irvine 's tips on story packaging . For more tips on reporting and storytelling , visit the boot camp page . Remember , your story is due Monday at noon ET . Good luck !
CNN 's CNN challenges iReporters to improve storytelling chops . CNN.com video producer Audrey Irvine 's shares her tips on writing headlines . Turn in your final story with between 200 headlines by week at noon ET .