If you pick up a paper or more likely click on a blog, you will notice catchy headings that grab your attention and propel you to read further – at least this is what a proper heading should accomplish. It’s what gives your article or blog structure and is essential for search engines to pick up, especially if you use a relevant keyword. Without a good heading, your blog, article, case study, press release, and the like may not be read, and that’s a problem.
Difference between Headings and Subheadings
In the past, you probably learned about headings and subheadings in the English class. They helped to outline a paper, so the reader knew what to expect when reading. It also helped break them up into usable and accessible sections. An intro headline opened the article, while subheadings were grouped according to the subject or topic, but with web writing, the rules have changed. Nowadays, everything is a headline, but with a different meaning attached.
For instance, you may see H1, H2, or H3 with Word or Google Docs. You will also notice that each of these is assigned a font size, depending on how you layout an article for the reader’s maximum interest. Here are the headlines offered and how you use them.
Headings and Their Importance
- H1 – Titles a blog or article and is the largest font size – this is to draw the eye to the title of the blog or article.
- H2 – Titles sections – allows the reader to review the topics or subjects associated with the article
- H3 – Titles subsections – breaks down subtopics into a more user-friendly experience
- H4 – Used rarely, this heading helps break up or subdivide subsections; if you have to use this headline, chances are your blog or article is too long.
As you can see with this blog, we’ve used different headings. But it’s important to note, headings are not just an ordered list of 1,2,3,4,5; they are hierarchical, such as with a textbook’s title and chapter titles. So, you can use H1, H2, H3, H2, H2, H1 – all depending on how you structure the blog for maximum readership.
Ten Examples of What Makes a Good Heading
A catchy heading entices the reader to keep reading and makes it easier for search engines to optimize. If the blog or article is engaging, informative, and relevant to what they’re looking for, they will read to the end where you can then implement a call-to-action. But what makes a good heading and one that isn’t stereotypical or clickbait?
Think about the articles or blogs you’ve read. What captured your attention? Most importantly, what kept you reading? Here are ten examples of what makes an enticing heading:
- Utilizing keywords that allow search engines to crawl through the blog and pick them up, so they can optimize the content
- Including lists that are easy to navigate and usually contain buzzwords, such as “Top10” or “6 Best,” which people tend to look for when searching topics
- Keeping the heading not too long but not too short either – 7 to 12 maximum words for the title and no more than 5 or 6 words for other headings works best.
- Ensuring a relevant subject or topic – a heading that includes trending words or themes works great.
- Promising a solution to a problem
- Keeping headlines crisp and clear
- Picking the best benefit and including it in your headline
- Using eye-catching words
- Making it believable
- Knowing your audience
I would add, include a call-to-action in the last or concluding heading, such as “Contact Revity for More Information,” which enables the reader to take action.
Three Types of Headings to Consider
The type of heading you choose depends on what you’re writing about and can make a big difference in site traffic.
Question Headings
An often-overlooked element in headings is the use of questions. People may be looking for information, such as “Where is the best Asian restaurant in Chinatown?” Using questions in your headings enables search engines to optimize them so people searching can find your site quickly and easily.
Statement Headings
A statement heading is useful for when someone is looking for an opinion or fact. A good example may include “Using Keywords is Still the Best Way to Optimize Content.” A statement heading consists of a verb and a noun and is best used in newspapers.
Topic Headings
For leisure reading, you would use a topic heading which describes a single word or the topic word used in a phrase. Some examples of a topic heading would be, “Keywords: Why They Still Work,” or “Chinatown: The Most Popular Restaurants to Satisfy Your Hunger.” Topics headings are challenges because they don’t always convey much information, mainly if the heading is only one word.
As you can see, using the right headings in your blog or article is vital to getting the best placement on search engines.
For more information on SEO best practices and more, contact Revity today. Our team of experts can boost your site to new levels!
