I want to do a post about clickbait and why it is and probably always will be a thing. But for now I want to cover the honesty of it. For anyone who does not know the term, clickbait refers to using a catchy title and/or an eye-catching thumbnail photo to get people to click on your article or video. I'm sure if you have been on youtube you will see videos where the photo shown is of some attractive person in the middle of doing something sexy. You may be thinking what is wrong with that? You should upload something that people will want to click on. And I would agree as long as it is honest.
The problem with clickbait is when it is deceitful. A funny or catchy title about your topic is fine if it is actually what the topic is about. But do not post something that has nothing to do with your post or is misleading. It is a good way to get clicks but it can alienate your audience. Plus it is not necessary. There are lots of interesting photos you can use for every topic and fun ways you can word your articles. Clickbait has been here for sometime and people are aware of it so don't be one of the ones dragging your audience along.
Take this photo for example:
This is a sexy photo that would get people to click on the post. Now if I put this up for no reason that has nothing to do with my post that is clickbait, but as I am using it as an example of what is dishonest clickbait in a post about dishonest clickbait it is now honest clickbait.