Heading tags are important to a page’s rankings and to user experience. For a visitor, a heading tag changes the look of a heading or subheading, usually making it bigger and bolder.
31 January 2023
Alongside Title Tags, heading tags are and heading hierarchies are one of the key foundational elements of good SEO strategy. They not only help to structure your content, but also play a vital role in improving search engine optimisation (SEO) and enhancing the overall user experience of individual pages.
Understanding Heading Tags
Heading tags, represented as <h1> to <h6> in HTML, are used to define the hierarchy and structure of the content on a web page. They indicate the importance and relevance of different sections within the content. Search engines and web browsers interpret these tags to determine the organisational structure of your webpage.
Proper Usage of Heading Tags
<h1> Tag:
The <h1> tag is the highest level of heading and should be used for the main heading of your page. It should convey the primary topic or theme of your content. For instance:
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<h1>Welcome to Our Online Store</h1>
<h2> to <h6> Tags:
The <h2> to <h6> tags represent subsequent levels of headings, with <h2> being the second level of importance, <h3> being the third level, and so on. These tags should be used to organise and structure your subheadings and sections. Here’s an example:
Benefits of Using Heading Tags and Heading Hierarchies for SEO
Improved Readability
Heading tags provide a clear visual structure to your content, making it easier for visitors to scan and understand the main points. This enhances the user experience and encourages them to stay on your site longer.
Keyword Relevance
Search engines consider the content within heading tags as more important, allowing you to optimise your headings with relevant keywords. This helps search engines understand the context and relevance of your content, potentially improving your ranking for those keywords.
Enhanced Crawlability
Properly structured heading hierarchies allow search engine bots to understand the relationship between different sections of your content. This helps search engines index your pages more efficiently, ensuring that your content appears in relevant search results.
Accessibility Benefits
Heading tags assist screen readers and assistive technologies in navigating and understanding your content. By using heading tags correctly, you improve accessibility for users with visual impairments or disabilities.
Conclusion:
Heading tags and heading hierarchies play a crucial role in improving SEO and enhancing the user experience on your website. By using them correctly, you can create a well-structured and organised web page that is both search engine-friendly and user-friendly. Incorporate heading tags into your HTML code, ensuring a logical hierarchy, and enjoy the benefits of improved readability, keyword optimisation, enhanced crawlability, and better accessibility for all users.