1. Why Subheads Matter

A writer who mishandles subheads creates articles that feel scattered, confusing, or hard to skim.

A writer who understands subheads produces content that is structured, readable, and instantly scannable — especially on mobile.

Strong subheads improve:

• Readability
• SEO
• Mobile scanning
• Engagement
• Structure
• Flow
• Time on page
• Professional polish

Every Total Apex contributor must master subheads because they are the spine of the article, guiding readers through the story with clarity and purpose.

2. AP Style Basics for Subheads

AP Style answers the question:

How do we format subheads so they are clean, consistent, and easy to read?

AP Style subheads use:

• Sentence case
• No periods
• No quotation marks
• No italics
• Strong, clear language
• No clickbait

Subheads must be clean, modern, and functional.

3. Capitalization Rules (Sentence Case)

Subheads follow sentence case, just like AP Style headlines.

Capitalize:

• The first word
• Proper nouns

Lowercase:

• Everything else (unless a proper noun)

Correct

• Why this update matters
• How the team pulled off the comeback
• What the trailer reveals about the villain
• Inside the studio’s new strategy

Incorrect

• Why This Update Matters
• How The Team Pulled Off The Comeback

Sentence case keeps subheads clean and readable.

4. No End Punctuation

Subheads never end with:

• Periods
• Exclamation points
• Question marks (unless it’s a true question)
• Colons
• Semicolons

Correct

• What we learned from the patch

Incorrect

• What we learned from the patch.
• What we learned from the patch:

Clean endings = clean structure.

5. Use Strong, Clear Language

Subheads should:

• Guide the reader
• Introduce a new section
• Clarify the article’s structure
• Add value
• Improve scanning

Avoid vague or filler subheads.

Strong

• The biggest changes in the update
• Why fans are divided
• How the new mechanic works

Weak

• More details
• Other things
• Additional information

Subheads must earn their place.

6. Keep Subheads Short and Scannable

Ideal length: 3–8 words  

Maximum: 12 words

Correct

• Why the patch matters
• What the stats reveal
• How the feature works

Incorrect

• Here are all the reasons why this patch is important for players
• A breakdown of everything that happened in the episode

Shorter = stronger.

7. Use Subheads to Break Up Long Sections

Subheads should appear:

• Every 150–250 words
• Whenever the topic shifts
• Before major sections
• Before lists
• Before transitions

Subheads create visual breathing room, especially on mobile.

8. SEO‑Friendly Subheads

SEO subheads should:

• Use semantic keywords
• Match search intent
• Be clear and descriptive
• Avoid keyword stuffing

Correct

• Best Elden Ring builds for beginners
• How to fix PS5 overheating issues
• NBA standings after Tuesday’s games

Incorrect

• Elden Ring builds Elden Ring builds Elden Ring builds
• PS5 overheating overheating overheating

SEO thrives on clarity + relevance.

9. Subheads Across Total Apex Verticals

News

• What officials are saying
• How the community responded
• What happens next

Sports

• Key plays that changed the game
• How the rookie stepped up
• What the win means for the standings

Gaming

• The biggest patch changes
• How the new system works
• Why players are divided

Entertainment

• What the episode sets up
• Why the finale works
• How the cast reacted

Lifestyle

• Why this habit works
• How to get started
• Tips to make it easier

Subheads must match the vertical’s tone and purpose.

10. Common Subhead Mistakes (and Fixes)

A. Using title case

❌ Why This Update Matters  

✔️ Why this update matters

B. Ending with punctuation

❌ How the feature works:  

✔️ How the feature works

C. Being too vague

❌ More details  

✔️ What the patch changes

D. Being too long

❌ Everything you need to know about the new update and why it matters  

✔️ Why the update matters

E. Using clickbait

❌ You won’t believe what happens next  

✔️ Why fans are reacting strongly

Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

AP Style subheads are all about clarity, structure, and readability.

Total Apex AP Style Subhead Essentials

• Use sentence case
• No end punctuation
• Keep subheads short and scannable
• Use strong, clear language
• Avoid clickbait
• Use subheads to structure the article
• Use SEO‑friendly phrasing
• Match the tone of the vertical

Mastering AP Style subheads ensures every Total Apex article — across news, gaming, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle — is polished, consistent, and newsroom‑ready.