If you’ve ever delved into the world of content creation or SEO, you’ve likely come across the importance of using headings to structure your content. From improving readability to enhancing search engine rankings, headings play a crucial role in how your content performs. But, when it comes to crafting the perfect H2 heading, how many words should you use? Is there a magic formula to crafting the perfect H2s guaranteed to appease the Google gods?
You came to the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the ideal length of H2 headings, why they matter, and how to make the most out of them for both your readers and search engines.
What is an H2 Heading?
Before diving into the specifics of how long an H2 should be, let’s start with the basics. An H2 heading is a second-level heading used to organize content under the main title (or H1) of a webpage or article. Think of it as a subheading that breaks your content into digestible sections, allowing readers and search engines to quickly understand the structure and flow of the information.
Here’s a quick hierarchy of headings in a typical webpage:
- H1: Main heading (the title of the page or post)
- H2: Secondary headings that introduce key sections
- H3: Subheadings that further break down H2 content
- H4-H6: Additional sub-levels to break down content if needed
H2 headings are especially important because they act as signposts, guiding the reader through the content while also helping search engines index and rank your page. The next signpost in this blog beacons you to keep reading.
Why Does the Length of H2 Headings Matter?
When crafting H2 headings, length plays a significant role in both usability and SEO. Here’s why:
Readability: The primary function of headings is to improve readability. A heading that is too long can overwhelm the reader, while a short and concise one helps them quickly understand what the section is about.
SEO Optimization: Search engines use headings to understand the structure and context of your page. While there isn’t a strict word limit for H2 headings, keeping them concise helps ensure that important keywords stand out without being lost in unnecessary verbiage.
User Experience: Shorter H2s make it easier for readers to scan your content. The easier it is for users to find what they’re looking for, the better their experience—and a better user experience can lead to longer dwell times and lower bounce rates, both of which positively impact SEO.
How Many Words Should an H2 Heading Be?
While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, the general consensus among SEO experts and content creators is that H2 headings should ideally range from 3 to 8 words. This length strikes the perfect balance between brevity and clarity, ensuring that headings are concise but still provide enough information to be meaningful.
Here’s why 3-8 words work well:
- With fewer words, readers can quickly digest the heading and understand the section's main point.
- Keeping it short still allows you to include important keywords for SEO without cluttering the heading.
- A key goal of H2 headings is to allow readers to scan your content easily. If they can quickly pick out important sections, they’re more likely to engage with the content.
Examples of Well-Optimized H2 Headings
Let’s look at a few examples of effective H2 headings that are concise, clear, and keyword-friendly:
- Effective Content Marketing Strategies
- Benefits of Cloud Computing for Small Businesses
- How to Improve Website Speed
- Tips for Writing Engaging Blog Posts
- Understanding the Basics of SEO
Each of these examples sticks to the 3-8 word rule, making them easy to read and scan while also incorporating relevant keywords for search engines. Curious how to check if your optimizations and changes to content are really working? Our guide to key SEO metrics and tools can be found.
Tips for Writing Effective H2 Headings
Now that you know the ideal length for H2 headings, let’s look at some best practices for writing them.
Keep it Relevant and Clear
Your H2 headings should accurately reflect the content of the section they introduce. Avoid vague or overly creative headings that don’t give readers a clear idea of what to expect. The goal is to provide context at a glance.
For example:
- Good: "Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health"
- Not-so-good: "Why You Should Try It"
Incorporate Keywords Naturally
Keywords are essential for SEO, but they should flow naturally within your heading. Stuffing too many keywords or forcing awkward phrases into your headings can hurt readability and user experience.
For example:
- Good: "How to Optimize Your Website for Mobile Devices"
- Not-so-good: "Mobile Devices Website Optimization for Best Performance"
Be Descriptive, Yet Concise
Your H2 heading should give enough information to intrigue the reader without becoming too wordy. If it takes too long to get to the point, the reader might lose interest before even reading the section.
For example:
- Good: "Common Causes of Slow Website Performance"
- Not-so-good: "Here Are the Common Reasons Why Your Website Might Be Running Slowly"
Use Actionable Phrases
When possible, use actionable words in your headings to encourage readers to keep reading. Phrases like "How to," "Tips for," or "Steps to" create a sense of purpose and invite readers to learn something useful.
For example:
- How to Write a Compelling Blog Post
- Steps to Increase Your Website’s Traffic
- Tips for Effective Email Marketing Campaigns
Break Up Long Sections with Multiple H2s
If you have a long section of content, don’t be afraid to use multiple H2 headings to break it up into more digestible pieces. This not only improves readability but also provides more opportunities to use relevant keywords.
The way you structure your content has a significant impact on both SEO and user experience. Search engines like Google use headings to understand the hierarchy and structure of your page. If your H2 headings are optimized and relevant, they will boost your page’s search engine ranking by signaling to Google what each section of your content is about.
In a nutshell (sorry for the cliche phrasing here, Google) H2 headings are more than just subheadings—they are critical elements that enhance the readability, structure, and SEO of your content. As with all SEO efforts, the reader is the top priority and their experience on your page must be exemplary. Well-placed and well-written headings make it easy for them to find the information they’re looking for, leading to better engagement and lower bounce rates.
Ready to get started on making the content on your website concise enough to be digestible, but descriptive enough to give readers and search engines the context they need? Book your complimentary consultation with our Fable Heart Media digital marketing team. We have decades of experience helping small-to-medium sized businesses blow past their revenue goals and greatly enhance reputation in their industry or niche. Yours could be next!
There’s more where that came from… See our full list of SEO and content marketing tips on our blog page.
