How many H2 tags per page is best for SEO?

If you’ve ever built or edited a web page, you’ve probably used H2 tags without even thinking about it. But is there a right number of H2s to use? And can too few or too many hurt your search ranking?

Let’s break it down so you know exactly how to use H2 tags for better SEO and a better user experience.

Key takeaways

• Use 2 to 3 H2 tags for most pages
• Add more H2s for longer content if it helps readability
• Every page should have one H1 tag only
• H2 tags improve content structure and make pages easier to scan
• Include relevant keywords in your H2s when it fits naturally
• You don’t need to hit a target number - use what makes sense for your content

What are H2 tags and why do they matter for SEO?

H2 tags are subheadings. They help break your content into sections and show the reader (and search engine) what each part of the page is about.

Let’s say your page is a book. The H1 is your title, and each H2 is like a chapter heading. These give structure and make it easier to scan.

That structure is what helps Google and users alike.

Search engines use your headings to understand the hierarchy of the content. If it’s well-structured, it’s easier to index - and more likely to rank well.

Headings also help users stay on the page longer. They can skim to find the bit they care about instead of bouncing straight off.

Why header tags are important

Header tags (H1, H2, H3, and so on) help people navigate content. When used properly, they break your page into clear, manageable chunks.

Good headers can:

• Make your page easier to read

• Improve accessibility for screen readers

• Help search engines scan your content

• Encourage people to stay on your page longer

• Signal what’s important on the page

If your page is just a block of text with no headings, it’s much harder for people to follow. Even if the content is good, poor structure can send them elsewhere.

Where H2 tags fit in the page structure

Your H1 is your main title - it introduces the page.

H2 tags break down the page into sections. Each section covers a different topic that supports the main idea.

Under each H2, you might have H3s to group related points. These act like subheadings for that specific section.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• H1 – Main title of the page

• H2 – Section headings

• H3 – Subpoints or extra detail within an H2 section

This kind of structure helps people scan, read, and trust your content. And when they stay longer, your SEO performance improves.

Best practices for using H2 tags

Let’s look at how to use H2 tags well - not just for the sake of SEO, but to make your content easier to follow.

Use one H1 tag per page

Every page should have just one H1. It’s the main title. Most website platforms like WordPress assign this automatically to the page or post title.

Don’t use H1s for emphasis or in other sections. Stick to H2s and H3s for structure beyond the page title.

Use 2 to 3 H2 tags for shorter pages

For blog posts or service pages under 1,000 words, two or three H2 tags is usually enough. Think of them as chapter markers.

If a visitor wants a specific answer, they’ll scan those headings first. That’s why they need to be clear and useful.

Use more H2s for longer content

If your content runs 1,500 words or more, you’ll probably need more than three H2s. Use them to break up long sections and guide the reader.

But only add them where they make sense. Don’t insert H2s just to hit a number. That will confuse readers more than it helps.

Use H3 tags under H2s when needed

Some sections have multiple ideas. Use H3 tags to group related points within that section.

For example:

H2: Benefits of Organic Coffee
H3: Better Taste
H3: Fewer Chemicals
H3: Supports Small Farms

This adds structure and makes it easier for users to scan and digest the content.

Does the number of H2 tags affect SEO?

Not directly. There’s no rule that says “use five H2 tags to rank on page one.”

But the way you use headings does affect SEO. Well-structured content is easier for Google to index and easier for readers to stick with.

What Google cares about

Google wants to show content that:

• Matches the user’s search

• Loads quickly

• Works on mobile

• Is easy to read

• Is well-structured

Your H2 tags help with two of those directly: readability and structure.

Can you use too many H2 tags?

Yes, if it hurts clarity.

If every other sentence is an H2, it becomes noisy. It’s harder for people to follow the flow. And that’s bad for your site’s engagement and SEO.

Use H2s when you’re moving to a new idea or topic. Don’t use them for every sentence or every paragraph.

How to write effective H2 tags

Include keywords where they fit

If you can, add your target keyword or a variation in an H2 tag. It helps Google see what the section is about.

But never force it. If it doesn’t fit naturally, leave it out.

Be clear and direct

Each H2 tag should tell the reader what the section covers. Avoid vague headings like “More Info” or “Things to Know”.

Instead, use headings like:

• “How to Add H2 Tags in WordPress”

• “Why Header Tags Matter for SEO”

• “Best Practices for Heading Structure”

This helps people find what they need - and helps Google too.

How to add H2 tags on your site

Most platforms make it easy to add and edit heading tags.

In WordPress

Click the block where you want to add a heading. Choose “Heading” and select H2 from the drop-down menu.

WordPress sets the title of your page as H1 automatically. All other headings should be H2 or lower.

In Wix

Click the text box you want to format. Use the toolbar to change the text style to Heading 2. Keep it consistent across your site for structure.

In Shopify

Edit your content in the rich text editor or in the custom HTML field. To add an H2 in HTML, use:
<h2>Your heading here</h2>

Repeat for each section that needs a heading. Keep your code clean and test how it looks on mobile.

Final thoughts

There’s no perfect number of H2 tags - but structure matters.

Use H2 tags when it helps your reader. Aim for two or three on shorter pages, and more on longer ones. Focus on clarity, not numbers.

Include relevant keywords where it makes sense. And always think about how your headings help both people and search engines understand your page.

The better your structure, the better your SEO.

FAQs about H2 tags

1. How many H2 tags should I use per page?

Aim for 2 to 3 H2 tags on shorter pages. For longer content, use more as needed to keep things organised and easy to read. There’s no strict limit—use what makes sense for your content.

2. Can using too many H2 tags hurt SEO?

Not directly. But if your headings are overused or confusing, it can make the page harder to follow. That can lead to higher bounce rates, which can affect your ranking over time.

3. Should H2 tags include keywords?

Yes, where it fits naturally. Adding keywords in H2 tags can help search engines understand your content better. But don’t force it—clarity always comes first.

4. What’s the difference between H1 and H2 tags?

The H1 tag is the main title of your page. You should only use one. H2 tags are section headers that break the content into topics. Think of them as subheadings that support the H1.

5. Can I use H2 tags without using H3 tags?

Absolutely. You only need H3 tags if you’re breaking down a section under an H2. Use them when they add structure, but don’t use them just for the sake of it.

Need help structuring your content for SEO?

Whether you're starting from scratch or want to tidy up your headings, we can help. Book a free 30-minute consultation and learn how better structure and smart use of H2 tags can improve your site’s visibility. Let's make your content easier to read—for people and for Google.