Strong, well-chosen verbs often do that. Come at the head from a different viewpoint. This is also good advice for reporters writing government stories. A change of perspective can do wonders. Go for the emotion in the story.
Readers respond to emotion.
Hit 'em in the gut or heart. Give readers a compelling detail that foreshadows the action and makes them wonder, but doesn't frustrate them with vagueness. Instead of banging people over the head tabloid-style with Dr. J admits tennis star is his love child , we took another, better route. Sometimes, just making a headline more specific really helps. If you have a rather vague head, sub in specifics.