When creating content for website, one of the most debated topics is whether a primary keyword can be included with other keywords in a heading or not. Search Engine algorithm is changing day by day and it is very important to place keywords strategically rather than just stuffing.
First you need to find the primary keyword for the webpage than you can start with making headings for the content. Today, we will discuss impact of combining primary and secondary keywords in headings, best practices, and how to optimize for maximum rankings.
What is a Primary Keyword?
Do you know What Are Primary Keywords in SEO? A Primary Keyword is the main keyword that represents the core topic of a webpage or article. It is the keyword you want to rank for in search engine results.
In SEO, primary keywords are strategically placed in key areas like Title tag, Meta description, Headings (H1, H2, etc.), URL, Body content, Alt text (for images)
Example of a Primary Keyword:
If you are writing an article about “Best SEO Tools,” your primary keyword would be “Best SEO Tools.” If you don’t know about LHF keywords, read this article too.
Why Are Headings Important for SEO?
Heading such as H1, H2, H3, etc are very important for SEO as with them you can structure your content that helps both users and search engines to understand the page hierarchy. Google search engine give weight to the headings such as H1 tag as it signals the main topic of a webpage.
The Role of the Primary Keyword in Headings
Primary keywords are the keywords that reflects the main topic of the page and signals search engine about the page. Including primary keyword in headings such as H1 or H2 increases chances of ranking for that term. However, the question arises: can you add other keywords without diluting its SEO impact?
Can a Primary Keyword Be Included with Other Keywords in a Heading?
The short answer is YES, but with a strategic approach. Here’s how:
- Maintain Readability: Avoid keyword stuffing. Ensure that your heading reads naturally.
- Use Variations & Synonyms: Instead of repeating the exact keyword, use LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and variations.
- Follow an Intent-Driven Approach: Google ranks content based on intent. Ensure that all keywords in your heading align with user queries.
Examples of Optimized Headings
- Single Keyword Approach: Best SEO Strategies for 2024
- Multi-Keyword Approach: Best SEO Strategies for 2024: Improve Rankings & Increase Traffic
Both work, but the second heading captures multiple user intents while keeping the primary keyword intact.
Best Practices for Using Multiple Keywords in Headings
H1 Should Be Unique & Focused: Your H1 should contain the primary keyword and provide clarity on the page’s topic.
- Use H2 and H3 for Secondary Keywords: Instead of cramming multiple keywords in one heading, distribute them across subheadings.
- Natural Language is Key: Google prioritizes user experience, so unnatural keyword stuffing can backfire.
- Leverage Question-Based Headings: Use long-tail keywords in the form of questions to capture featured snippets.
Tools to Research Keywords for Headings
- Google Suggest: Analyze autocomplete suggestions for keyword ideas.
- Ahrefs Keyword Explorer: Identify related keywords and their search volume.
- SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool: Find long-tail and LSI keywords.
- Google Keyword Planner: Get data on search volume and competition levels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing Unnatural Keywords: If a keyword doesn’t fit naturally, don’t force it.
- Overstuffing Headings: Avoid adding too many keywords, as it can look spammy.
- Neglecting User Intent: Make sure the heading addresses what users are searching for.
Conclusion
Including a primary keyword with other relevant keywords in a heading is not only possible but beneficial when done correctly. The key is to maintain readability, align with user intent, and use variations strategically. By leveraging tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Google Keyword Planner, you can optimize your headings for better rankings and user engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Does Google penalize pages for having multiple keywords in a heading?
No, as long as they are used naturally and enhance readability.
2. Should the primary keyword always come first in a heading?
Not necessarily. Prioritize clarity and natural phrasing over rigid keyword placement.
3. Can I use commas or separators to include multiple keywords?
Yes, using “|” or “-” can help separate keywords while keeping headings structured (e.g., “SEO Tips | Keyword Optimization | Content Strategy”).
Now, go ahead and craft those perfectly optimized headings!
