How to Optimize Headlines for Search Engines

Headlines or headings are read by search engines and used to determine what your page is about. Here's how to write a good heading or headline.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A web page

1. Make sure your page has a good title that tells people what the site is about.

2. Make the headings compelling (in HTML the h1 to h6 tags are). They need to attract the attention of the reader as well as provide information to the search engines.

3. Use appropriate keywords in your headlines. If you are writing about alternative fuels, get those words in the heading. But don't just stuff in keywords; make sure they describe the content accurately.

4. Use the hierarchy of the heading tags to show importance. An h1 is normally used for the page title. The h2 to h6 level headings may have more correlation to search engine ranking. An h2 heading is more important than an h3 heading. An h3 is more important than an h4. Get the important keywords placed early in the most important headings.

5. Put the keywords first, followed by strong verbs. For example, "Alternative fuels explode the market" is more compelling than "Alternative fuels seem closer to ready."

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, content is still king. The article must be interesting and valuable if you want to earn repeat visitors.