Why Headings Matter: How to Make Your WordPress Articles Easier to Read (and Easier to Find)

By J.E. Nickerson | Wise Thinkers Help Desk

Have you ever read an article and thought “This is  hard to read and maintain focus on.” If you want readers to stay on your site longer, read more of your content and not leave quickly, consider using headings in your articles. 

When I first learned about headings in WordPress, I’ll admit—I thought they were just for looks. I didn’t realize they were one of the most powerful tools for improving how readers and search engines understand your article.

If you’ve ever wondered why some posts look beautifully organized while others feel like a wall of text, headings are the reason.

In this short guide, we’ll look at why headings matter, how they affect SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and how to use them step-by-step in the WordPress editor.

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What Are Headings?

Headings are section titles that break your article into smaller, readable parts. In WordPress, these are labeled as H1, H2, H3, and so on.

Think of them like a book’s structure:

• H1 = The book title

• H2 = Chapter titles

• H3 = Subtopics within a chapter

Each one helps both readers and search engines understand what your post is about.

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Why Headings Matter for SEO

Search engines like Google don’t “see” your post the way readers do—they scan it for structure and keywords.

Headings tell Google what’s important, what topics belong together, and what your post is really trying to teach.

Here’s what good headings can do:

• Improve SEO ranking: Google uses them to understand your main ideas.

• Boost readability: Readers can scan the article and jump to what matters most.

• Increase time on page: When visitors can find what they need quickly, they stay longer.

In short: good headings help humans and algorithms at the same time. This will boost visits and increase the enjoyment of your visitors on your website 

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How to Add Headings in WordPress (Quick Tutorial)

If you’re using the WordPress block editor (also known as Gutenberg), adding headings is simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click the plus (+) icon where you want a new section title.

2. Search for “Heading.” You’ll see the heading block appear.

3. Select your heading level.

• Use H2 for main sections (under your title).

• Use H3 for subsections under those.

• Keep only one H1—that’s your post title at the very top.

4. Type your heading text.

5. (Optional) Adjust in the sidebar. You can change the level (H2, H3, etc.) and even style it for visual clarity.

🟢 Tip: For every 300–400 words (about the length of a paragraph), add a heading to break up long sections. It keeps readers engaged and makes your writing easier on the eyes.

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Example Structure

Here’s a sample structure for a blog post about writing dialogue:

H1: How to Write Dialogue That Sounds Real

H2: Why Dialogue Matters in Storytelling

H2: Common Mistakes Writers Make

H3: Overexplaining What Characters Feel

H3: Forgetting Natural Pauses and Interruptions

H2: Quick Fixes to Strengthen Your Dialogue

See how clear that looks? Each section has a purpose. Readers can skim, search engines can categorize, and your article feels organized from start to finish.

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Final Thoughts

Good writing draws readers in—but good structure keeps them there.

If you want your work to reach more people and make a strong first impression online, headings are one of the easiest ways to do it.

The next time you post in WordPress, take a few extra seconds to check your headings. Your readers (and Google) will thank you for it.

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📚 If you’re new here, I’m J.E. Nickerson — faith based author and inspirational storyteller. You can check out my books here or follow me on YouTube for more inspiration and encouragement on this writing life.

Resources

Still looking for ways of improving your user experience for your website? Read the article Running Out of WordPress Storage? Don’t Panic—Do This

Want to learn more ways to polish your online writing? Explore more tutorials and writing guides in the Wise Thinkers Help Desk.

Quick SEO Checklist Before You Publish

Before you hit “Publish,” use this mini checklist to make sure your headings are working for you:

✅ Only one H1 (the title) — WordPress automatically sets this for you.

✅ Use H2s for main sections — Every new idea or major point gets its own.

✅ Use H3s under H2s — When breaking down subtopics.

✅ Include keywords naturally — Don’t stuff them; just weave in words your readers would search for.

✅ Keep headings short and clear — 3–8 words is usually perfect.

✅ Check flow — Read only your headings top to bottom. Does the article still make sense? If yes, your structure is strong.