There are many conversations about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and its ongoing relevancy. SEO at its root tends to be a very long-term strategy. It is rare that a new website that is just getting started with SEO and creating will outrank competitors immediately, but it doesn’t mean that it will stay that way forever. SEO will always be important as long as humans are searching for things whether it be on-page information, a video online, or a social media post.
One area of SEO that we work with consistently is on-page SEO and head tags. When it comes to optimizing a website for search engines, heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) play a vital role in organizing your content and enhancing your site’s readability and SEO performance. But how exactly does the hierarchy of heading tags affect SEO, and why should you care about their proper usage?
Today we are talking about hierarchy, and not in a way that resembles every high school movie ever. No matter how fetch they were.
What are Heading Tags?
In the simplest terms (with the most convenient definitions), heading tags are HTML elements used to designate headings on a web page. They range from <H1> to <H6>, with H1 being the most important and H6 the least. These tags not only structure the content for your readers but also signal to search engines what the page is about, helping with content ranking. They help prevent Google from totally buggin.
The Hierarchy of Heading Tags
The hierarchy of heading tags follows a logical order:
- H1: This is the main title or heading of your page and should be used once per page. It tells both users and search engines what the main topic is.
- H2: These tags are used for section headings and can be used multiple times on a page. They typically break the content into digestible subtopics.
- H3: These are used for subsections under H2 headings. They go into more detailed breakdowns of the content.
- H4 to H6: These are used for further subdivisions within the page if necessary, though they are less commonly used. In almost 30 years of making web pages, I am not sure I’ve even seen an H6 in the wild.
To best showcase this in practice, please notice our own heading tags matching the color coding established above. Fancy.
Why is Heading Tag Hierarchy Important for SEO?
Improved Readability and User Experience
A well-structured webpage is easy to scan. Most visitors won’t read every word on the page, so clear headings help them quickly find the information they need. When users stay longer on your page due to easy navigation, it reduces bounce rates, which is a positive SEO signal.
Search Engine Crawling and Indexing
Search engines, such as Google, use heading tags to understand the structure and content of a webpage. Proper heading tag hierarchy helps search engines determine the relevance and importance of different sections. For instance, an H1 tag signals the main topic, while H2s and H3s break it down into subtopics, allowing search engines to better interpret the content’s organization.
Keyword Optimization
Heading tags offer a strategic place to include your target keywords. By using primary keywords in your H1 tag and secondary or related keywords in H2 and H3 tags, you reinforce the relevance of your content for those search terms. However, avoid keyword stuffing; use them naturally to maintain a good user experience.
Featured Snippets and Ranking Opportunities
Google often pulls content for featured snippets from well-structured pages with a clear heading hierarchy. Pages that use properly formatted H2 and H3 tags for specific sections or questions are more likely to be highlighted in featured snippets, increasing visibility in search results.
Best Practices for Using Heading Tags
Use Only One H1 Tag Per Page
Every page should have a single, clear H1 tag that describes the page’s main topic. Avoid multiple H1 tags, as they can confuse search engines about the primary focus of the page.
Use Headings to Create Logical Structure
Follow the natural flow of your content. Use H2 tags for main sections, H3 tags for sub-sections, and so on. Don’t skip levels; for instance, don’t jump from an H2 to an H4 without an H3 in between. Think of a term paper outline. (Do they still teach that? It’s been a while.)
Include Keywords Strategically
Incorporate relevant keywords into your heading tags without forcing them. Ensure they align with the content beneath each heading to maintain a natural flow for both users and search engines.
Keep Headings Concise
Use short, descriptive headings that clearly summarize the content. This helps users quickly understand the topic of each section and enhances the user experience.
Use Headings for Both SEO and Usability
While SEO is important, headings should primarily be used to improve the readability and navigation of your content. Don’t over-optimize or create unnatural headings solely for ranking purposes.
How to work with Heading Tags in WordPress
In WordPress, the page title will turn into the H1 tag.
You can turn something into a heading by clicking this paragraph symbol-
And set H2 through H6 with the heading tool in the text editor-
One last H2
Heading tags are a crucial aspect of both user experience and search engine optimization. Properly implementing a heading tag hierarchy improves the structure of your website, making it easier for visitors to navigate and for search engines to understand your content. By using clear, keyword-optimized heading tags, you not only enhance readability but also boost your chances of ranking higher in search results. Keep your headings logical, concise, and relevant to strike the perfect balance between SEO and usability.
Your pages will be a lot cooler if you do.