How to Write a Subheading: 4 Tips for Writing a Dek

A subheading, also known as a “dek” or “subhead,” is a secondary arrangement of text that often appears below the main headline in an article for print or online publications. A subheading’s purpose is to expand on the main points that the headline addresses, providing more context or information regarding the subject. Subheadings may appear below a headline in a smaller font (also known as a mini-headline or dek), or writers can use them as mini-titles to divide the main text points within a larger work.

There are two main types of subheadings:

• Secondary headline: One of the most common subheadings is the secondary headline, which appears after the main headline and provides additional information on the subject. Here’s an example of a main headline: “Science Teacher Adopts Puppy.” A secondary headline for this article can offer readers more information about the teacher and the situation that led to the adoption. For example, “A Seattle science teacher adopted a stray Fox Terrier that wandered into her classroom during a lecture.” The secondary headline tells the reader the teacher’s location, where she found the puppy, and its breed, hopefully enticing them to read more about the rescue effort.
• Subheadings for subsections: Some publications use subheadings to divide an article into various related sections. For instance, an article about dog training may contain subsequent paragraphs covering multiple subjects related to man’s best friend following the main header. If the main heading is “Essential Dog Training Guide,” some potential subheadings may include “Types of Dog Training,” “How to Train Your Dog,” and “Helpful Training Tips.” The content that follows each subheading should offer a detailed breakdown of the tips, questions, or guide mentioned in the subhead.

Here are a few quick tips to help you craft a great subheading:

1. 1. Use clear language. Cryptic words, contrived wordplay, or vague language is more distracting than useful. Select your words carefully, and check your grammar to ensure your sentences flow with clarity.
2. 2. Keep it relevant. Ensure that every subheading directly connects to the main headline. Keep your mini-headlines specific and relevant so as not to confuse the reader.
3. 3. Make it eye-catching. You can craft subheadings in the form of questions that entice the reader to want to read more. Pose questions that may be of interest to your audience concerning the topic and answer those questions in your body paragraphs.
4. 4. Be concise. Whether you’re a copywriter or a personal blogger, avoid lengthy subheadings that are full of extraneous detail. Keep your subheadings concise, and leave the more detailed information for the body of the text.

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