Story Based Question
A content creator runs a popular blog about healthy eating. They often write detailed articles, but despite having great content, they’re struggling to gain visibility in search results. Their headlines seem generic, and their subheadings are sometimes too vague. They ask for help on how to craft SEO-friendly headlines and subheadings that will not only catch the reader’s attention but also rank well in search engines.
How would you guide them to create headlines and subheadings that improve both readability and SEO performance?
Exact Answer
To create SEO-friendly headlines and subheadings, use target keywords naturally, keep them clear and concise, ensure they match user intent, and structure them for both readability and SEO. Include numbers, power words, and relevant modifiers to make them compelling.
Explanation
Headlines and subheadings are crucial for both SEO and user engagement. They act as the first point of contact between your content and the reader, influencing whether they stay or bounce. Here’s how to create SEO-friendly ones:
1. Use Target Keywords Naturally
Headlines should include the main keywords you’re targeting for that page or blog post. This helps search engines understand what your content is about. But don’t overstuff the headline with keywords—aim for a natural, readable flow.
- Example: Instead of “Best Healthy Eating Tips for Weight Loss and Fitness,” use “10 Healthy Eating Tips for Weight Loss and Fitness.”
2. Keep It Clear, Concise, and Compelling
A headline should be direct, concise, and give the reader a clear idea of what to expect. If your headline is too wordy or unclear, people may not click on it. Aim for around 50-60 characters to ensure the full headline shows up in search results.
- Example: “How to Start a Healthy Eating Plan for Beginners” is clear and to the point, unlike something vague like “Healthy Eating: Some Things You Should Know.”
3. Match User Intent
Headlines and subheadings should align with what users are searching for. Understand the searcher’s intent—are they looking for a solution, information, or tips?
- Example: If users are searching for “easy healthy lunch ideas,” a headline like “10 Easy and Healthy Lunch Ideas for Busy People” addresses that search intent directly.
4. Use Numbers, Power Words, and Modifiers
Including numbers or specific terms like “best,” “ultimate,” or “how-to” can make your headline more attractive and clickable. These words often signal valuable content and attract user interest.
- Example: “10 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy on a Busy Schedule” has more appeal than “Ways to Stay Healthy When Busy.”
5. Make Subheadings Useful for Both SEO and Structure
Subheadings break down the content, making it easier to scan and digest. They should also include keywords, but in a way that doesn’t sound forced. Structuring your content with clear subheadings makes it easier for both readers and search engines to understand the content.
- Example: If your main keyword is “healthy recipes,” subheadings like “Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day Right” and “5 Healthy Dinner Recipes You Can Make in 20 Minutes” will help guide readers while supporting SEO.
6. Optimize for Featured Snippets
To appear in a featured snippet, your headline and subheadings should directly answer questions that people are asking. Google often pulls content from subheadings that answer common queries.
- Example: For a question like “What are the best healthy foods for weight loss?” a subheading like “The Best Healthy Foods for Weight Loss” could be used for a featured snippet.
7. Ensure Readability
While SEO is important, never forget readability. Your headlines and subheadings should be easy to understand and engaging. If your content is hard to read or doesn’t flow well, users will leave.
- Example: “5 Quick Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget” is straightforward and readable, while “Quick Eating Tips for Saving Money on Healthy Foods” might be a bit clunky.
Example
Let’s apply this to the healthy eating blog scenario.
Problem:
The blogger’s headline, “Eating Healthy: Tips to Get Started,” isn’t getting much attention. The subheadings, like “What You Need to Know” and “Start Your Healthy Eating Journey,” are too vague.
Steps Taken:
- Headline:
- Change to “10 Healthy Eating Tips to Jumpstart Your Fitness Journey” (clear, concise, uses a number, and addresses user intent).
- Subheadings:
- “What You Need to Know” becomes “Why Healthy Eating Matters for Your Body” (more specific and valuable).
- “Start Your Healthy Eating Journey” is reworked into “Simple Ways to Begin Eating Healthy Today” (more actionable).
Result:
The updated headlines and subheadings lead to higher engagement, increased clicks, and better rankings, especially for the keyword “healthy eating tips.”
SEO-friendly headlines and subheadings are crucial for both search engine visibility and user engagement. By focusing on clarity, targeting the right keywords, and aligning with user intent, you can optimize your content to perform better in search results and keep readers interested.