In the world of SEO, while conciseness is often a virtue, an `<h2>` tag that is too short is a missed opportunity. An H2 tag under 20 characters often lacks the detail needed to provide clear context to users and search engines. While not as damaging as an overly long H2, a short H2 fails to take full advantage of this critical on-page SEO element. This guide will explore the importance of writing descriptive H2 tags and how to fix them.
Think of your website as a library. You want to make sure that all the books have a clear and descriptive title. The same is true for your website. By fixing any H2 tags under 20 characters that may be present, you can create a more successful and user-friendly experience for everyone. For a deeper dive into the world of SEO, see our article on on-page SEO.
The Problem with Vague Subheadings
A short H2 is often a vague H2. This can cause several problems:
- Lack of Context: A short H2 like “More Info” or “Details” provides very little context for the user or for search engines. It doesn’t explain what the section is about in any detail.
- Missed Keyword Opportunities: A longer, more descriptive H2 can naturally include important keywords that you are targeting, which is a strong relevance signal for search engines.
How to Write More Descriptive H2s
Fixing a short H2 tag is a simple but important task. The goal is to expand it to be more descriptive while remaining concise. For more on this, see the Search Engine Journal’s guide to heading tags.
H2 Length in Action: Before and After
Before: `<h2>Features</h2>` (8 characters)
After: `<h2>Key Features of Our Product</h2>` (30 characters)
Just as an overly short H2 can be a problem, so can an H2 that is too long. For another excellent resource, check out this guide to H2 tags from Moz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal length for an H2 tag?
The ideal H2 length is between 20 and 70 characters. This provides enough room to be descriptive and include keywords without being so long that it’s difficult for users to read.
Is a short H2 tag always bad?
Not always, but usually. For a simple section, a short H2 might be acceptable. However, for most content, a short H2 is a major missed opportunity for providing context and including relevant keywords.
How do I fix H2 tags under 20 characters?
The best way to fix a short H2 tag is to rewrite it to be more descriptive of the section’s content. Think about the main topic of the section and the keywords you are targeting, and craft a subheading that is both informative and engaging.
Ready to fix your short stories? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your website’s H2 tags.