This factor counts how many of a page’s H1, H2, and H3 headings consist of nothing but the search query itself — a heading that is the query end to end, with no extra words. It returns a whole-heading match count across those three levels, and it is a descriptive observation about how headings are worded, not a target to maximize.
| Factor ID | RG-HDG-009 |
|---|---|
| Family | Headings |
| Measurement | Whole-heading match count |
| Measured zone | H1, H2, and H3 text |
What it measures
This factor counts the H1, H2, and H3 headings on a page whose text consists entirely of the exact-query pattern — headings that are the query and nothing more. A query sitting inside a longer heading does not count here; only headings the query fills from first character to last contribute to the value.
How RankGear measures it
RankGear anchors a space-flexible, case-insensitive query pattern at both ends of every H1, H2, and H3 on the page. A heading scores when the pattern matches from its opening character to its closing one — the whole heading is the query, allowing for flexible whitespace and any letter casing. Any qualifying or extra word pushes the text past one of the anchors, so that heading returns zero. The reported value is the number of headings, summed across the three levels, that satisfy this whole-heading match.
What RankGear looks for
Query: "wireless earbuds"
<h1>Wireless Earbuds</h1> → counts (case-insensitive, whole heading)
<h2>wireless earbuds</h2> → counts (flexible whitespace)
<h2>Best Wireless Earbuds</h2> → 0 ("Best" is a qualifying word)
<h3>Wireless Earbuds Review</h3> → 0 (extra word past the anchor)How to optimize it
Use query-only headings sparingly, where they clearly label the page or a section. A single exact-match heading can be an honest label; repeating the same whole heading down the page adds no further signal and hurts readability. Treat this count as an observation about how your headings read, not a number to chase — structure should follow the content, not the pattern.
Important considerations
- Repeating the same whole heading across a page harms usability and adds no extra benefit.
- The match spans three heading levels — H1, H2, and H3 all count toward the same value.
- Any qualifying or extra word inside a heading causes a zero for that heading; only the bare query matches.
- Structure should follow content: choose headings that describe the section, not ones engineered to hit the pattern.
- Correlation is not causation. This count relates to position within a measured result set and is a prioritization signal — it does not on its own make a page rank.
Related factors
Part of the Factors reference · how RankGear measures · glossary.