When creating SEO-optimized content, knowing how many subtopics to include can feel like a balancing act. On one hand, you want to provide thorough information that covers all angles of your main topic. On the other hand, too many subtopics can overwhelm both you and your readers, potentially diluting the focus of your content. So, what's the sweet spot?
In this article, we'll unravel the mystery of finding the right number of subtopics for your content. We'll look at why subtopics matter, how they influence SEO, and provide practical tips on determining just how many you should use. Let's jump right in and see how you can create content that's both reader-friendly and SEO-effective.
The Role of Subtopics in SEO
Subtopics are like the supporting actors in a play. While the main topic takes center stage, subtopics provide depth and context, helping to flesh out the story and provide a richer experience. In the world of SEO, subtopics play a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality and readability of your content.
From an SEO perspective, subtopics help in several ways:
- Improved Readability: Breaking down content into manageable chunks makes it easier for readers to digest. This can reduce bounce rates and increase the time users spend on your page, both of which are positive signals for search engines.
- Keyword Opportunities: Each subtopic offers a chance to naturally incorporate related keywords and phrases, which can help in ranking for a wider array of search queries.
- Enhanced Structure: A well-structured article with clear subheadings and subtopics can improve the user's reading experience and make your content more scannable, helping search engines understand the hierarchy and importance of information.
Interestingly enough, subtopics also help in navigating the delicate balance between providing comprehensive information and maintaining focus on your core message. But how many is too many? And how few is too few? Let's explore.
Determining the Right Number of Subtopics
Figuring out the right number of subtopics to use depends on several factors, including the complexity of your main topic and the intended length of your content. Here's a simple way to approach this:
Start with Your Main Topic
Begin by clearly defining your main topic. What is it that you want to cover? Once you have a clear understanding of your focus, think about the different aspects that need to be addressed to give a holistic view of the topic.
Break It Down
Next, consider the natural divisions within your topic. These divisions often indicate potential subtopics. For instance, if you're writing about "Healthy Eating," your subtopics might include "Benefits of Healthy Eating," "Nutrient-Rich Foods," "Meal Planning," and "Common Misconceptions."
Consider Your Audience
Who are you writing for? If your audience is highly knowledgeable about the topic, you might need fewer subtopics but with more in-depth information. Conversely, beginners might benefit from more subtopics that cover the basics.
The Goldilocks Zone of Subtopics
So, how many subtopics should you include? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to aim for 5 to 9 subtopics. This range provides enough diversity to cover the topic comprehensively without overwhelming the reader. Let's break this down further:
Why Not Fewer?
Using fewer than five subtopics can limit the breadth of your article. You might miss out on important angles or fail to answer potential questions your readers might have. This can lead to a less satisfying experience and might not fully leverage SEO opportunities.
Why Not More?
On the flip side, having more than nine subtopics can make your content feel scattered and unfocused. It can also make the article cumbersome to navigate, potentially frustrating readers who are looking for specific information.
Sticking to the 5 to 9 range helps strike a balance, ensuring your content is both informative and reader-friendly.
Crafting Subtopics with Purpose
Once you've settled on the number of subtopics, the next step is to craft them effectively. Each subtopic should serve a clear purpose and contribute to the overall narrative of your article.
Align with the Main Topic
Ensure each subtopic is directly related to your main topic. This keeps your content focused and relevant. If you find a subtopic straying too far, it might be worth reconsidering its inclusion.
Be Specific
Each subtopic should be specific enough to warrant its section. Vague or overly broad subtopics can dilute the impact of your article. Specificity also helps in targeting long-tail keywords, which can be a boon for SEO.
Use Descriptive Headings
The headings for your subtopics should be descriptive and engaging. They should give readers a clear idea of what to expect in each section, encouraging them to read on. Think of them as mini-headlines that drive interest.
The Impact of Subtopics on Keyword Strategy
Your subtopics can significantly influence your keyword strategy. By thoughtfully selecting and organizing subtopics, you can naturally incorporate a variety of keywords without resorting to keyword stuffing, which is a big no-no in SEO.
Identify Related Keywords
Each subtopic presents an opportunity to target related keywords. Use tools like Google's Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find keywords that align with each subtopic. This ensures your content is optimized for a range of search terms.
Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
Subtopics are perfect for incorporating long-tail keywords. These are longer, more specific phrases that often have lower search volume but higher conversion rates. By using long-tail keywords, you increase the chances of ranking for niche searches.
Natural Integration
Ensure that keywords are integrated naturally into your subtopics. Forced or awkward phrasing can harm readability and user experience, which may negatively affect your SEO performance.
Using Subtopics to Enhance User Engagement
While SEO is important, user engagement is the ultimate goal. Subtopics can significantly enhance the user experience by making your content more accessible and engaging.
Improve Skimmability
Many readers skim online content to find the information they need. Clear, well-defined subtopics allow readers to easily navigate your article and locate the sections that interest them.
Encourage Exploration
Engaging subtopics can encourage readers to dive deeper into your content, exploring sections they might not have initially considered. This increases the time spent on your page, which is a positive signal for search engines.
Facilitate Understanding
Breaking down complex information into subtopics can make it easier for readers to understand. This is particularly important for technical or detailed subjects where too much information in one go can be overwhelming.
Subtopics and Internal Linking
Subtopics also present opportunities for internal linking, an important aspect of SEO. Internal links guide readers to other relevant parts of your website, helping to distribute page authority and improve overall site navigation.
Link to Related Content
Within each subtopic, include links to other articles or pages on your website that are relevant. This not only keeps readers engaged but also helps search engines understand the relationship between different pieces of content on your site.
Use Descriptive Anchor Text
When adding internal links, use descriptive anchor text that clearly indicates what the linked content is about. This improves user experience and provides context for search engines.
Avoid Over-Linking
While internal linking is beneficial, overdoing it can be distracting for readers. Aim for a balanced approach, ensuring that links add value without overwhelming the main content.
Evaluating the Success of Your Subtopics
After publishing your content, it's important to evaluate how well your subtopics are performing. This can help you refine your approach for future articles.
Analyze User Behavior
Use tools like Google Analytics to track metrics such as bounce rate, time on page, and user flow. These insights can reveal how effectively your subtopics are engaging readers.
Monitor Keyword Rankings
Check how your article ranks for the keywords associated with each subtopic. This can provide insights into which subtopics are resonating well with search engines.
Gather Reader Feedback
Encourage readers to leave comments or feedback about your content. This can provide valuable insights into how well your subtopics are meeting their needs and expectations.
Adapting Your Strategy Over Time
The world of SEO is constantly evolving, and so should your approach to subtopics. Stay informed about changes in search algorithms and trends in content consumption to keep your strategy fresh and effective.
Keep Up with SEO Trends
Regularly update your knowledge of SEO best practices. This will help you adapt your subtopic strategy to align with the latest search engine requirements.
Be Responsive to Reader Needs
Pay attention to reader feedback and adapt your content strategy accordingly. If certain subtopics consistently perform well, consider expanding on them in future articles.
Experiment and Refine
Don't be afraid to try new approaches. Experiment with different numbers and types of subtopics to see what resonates best with your audience.
Final Thoughts
Subtopics are an essential component of SEO-optimized content. They help organize your thoughts, improve readability, and enhance your keyword strategy. By understanding the right number of subtopics to use and how to implement them effectively, you can create content that not only ranks well but also engages and informs your readers.
At Pattern, we specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups drive more traffic from Google and convert that traffic into paying customers. We understand that SEO is not just about rankings but about results. Our approach involves crafting programmatic landing pages and conversion-focused content that turns visitors into customers. With our experience in performance marketing, we ensure every dollar you invest delivers real ROI. If you're ready to make SEO a growth channel that drives sales, consider working with us to achieve your goals.