Heading Tags

Definition

Heading tags, often referred to as HTML header tags or simply as H1 through H6 tags, are pieces of HTML code used to identify the headings and subheadings within your content from other types of text such as paragraph text. They range from H1 to H6, with H1 being the main title or most significant heading and the rest acting as subheadings, descending in importance. Heading tags not only help to make your content visually appealing and easier to navigate, but they also have a significant impact on your website’s SEO.

Heading Tags Relevance For SEO

Search engines, like Google, use heading tags to understand the content on your webpages better. They serve as an indicator to the search engine about what topics your content covers and how it is structured. Google, in particular, places greater weight on keywords found in heading tags which can contribute to enhanced visibility on search engine result pages (SERPs).

Heading tags also greatly improve the usability and accessibility of your site. They provide a visual cue to users about the hierarchy of the webpage content and allow for easy navigation which lends to an enhanced user experience, a major factor that Google takes into account for organic rankings.

Heading Tags Best Practices for SEO

• Use only one H1 tag per page: This should serve as the main title or main topic of the page. Think of it like the title of a book. It should accurately represent the content that follows.
• Use keywords: Including your target keywords within your headings can help to emphasize to search engines what your content is about. However, make sure it sounds natural and not forced.
• Proper Hierarchical Order: Follow a proper hierarchy with your header tags. If H1 is your main title, then H2’s act as your main subheadings, H3’s as sub-points to those, and so on. This helps understand the structure of your content better.
• Make it engaging: Catchy and exciting headings can draw user attention and increase user engagement. This also increases the chances of users staying longer on your site, which can indirectly boost your SEO.
• Ensure Accessibility: Proper use of heading tags also assists screen reading tools, helping to make your site accessible to visually impaired users. This enhances your website’s inclusivity and can also positively impact your site’s SEO.