Exact Matches in H2 Tags counts how many times the analyzed search phrase appears inside the page’s H2 heading text. It shows whether a page reinforces the query in its major supporting headings — an observed relevancy pattern among ranking pages, not proof that H2 wording causes a ranking.
| Factor ID | RG-HDG-003 |
|---|---|
| Family | Headings |
| Measurement | Count |
| Measured zone | H2 text in the rendered page body |
What it measures
This factor counts occurrences of the analyzed search phrase across all H2 heading text on the page. It helps show whether ranking pages reinforce the query directly in their major supporting headings. The search phrase can appear within a longer H2 — the factor does not require the entire heading to equal the keyword.
How RankGear measures it
RankGear extracts the text from each H2 element in the rendered, script-free page body, applies the analysis phrase to every heading, and adds up the qualifying occurrences. Spaces in the phrase can match with a single optional separator between words, following RankGear’s established exact-match behavior. If the page contains no H2 tags, or none of their text contains the phrase, the value is 0. Exact matches that make up an entire H2 tag are tracked by a separate factor.
What RankGear looks for
<h2>How to file a claim</h2> → counted for the phrase "file a claim"
<h2>File-a-claim checklist</h2> → counted (single separator between words)
<h2>What documents you need</h2> → not counted| If the count is… | How to read it |
|---|---|
| 0 | The phrase appears in no H2. Most actionable when adoption is high among the ranking pages you are comparing against. |
| 1 | The query anchors one major section — typically enough to signal direct relevance. |
| 2 or more | The phrase repeats across headings. Not automatically better; check that it still reads naturally as an outline. |
How to optimize it
Use the exact query in an H2 only when it naturally introduces a useful section — a heading that frames a definition, process, comparison, local service section, or direct answer that genuinely deserves the phrase. Treat the count as an observation to compare against ranking pages, not a target to maximize. If the target already meets the selected goal, use variations and related concepts in other headings instead of repeating the same exact phrase. Headings should remain clear and helpful when read as an outline.
Important considerations
- Exact-match heading use is an observed relevancy pattern, not proof of causation.
- More occurrences are not automatically better and may look repetitive.
- Reordered phrases, synonyms, entities, and semantic variations are measured by other factors.
- A value of 0 is most actionable when adoption is high among ranking pages.
- Interpret the result together with correlation, usage rate, search intent, and the selected target.
Related factors
Part of the Factors reference · how RankGear measures · glossary.